The seventh annual Kansas City Wedding Vendor Choice Awards gala will take place on February 21st, 2026, where outstanding achievements of wedding professionals across all industry segments will be celebrated. This event provides an opportunity for wedding professionals to come together, celebrate their successes, build connections and strengthen community bonds.
Nominees for various categories are brought forward by their peers in the local wedding industry. Following this, the industry will vote on the top finalists in each category, with the winners unveiled in a glamorous ceremony during the gala.
Gala Details
Event Timeline:
5:00 – Doors Open to 2026 Finalists + Academy Members: VIP Early Check-In and Cocktail Hour
5:30 – Doors Open to All Attendees
5:30 – Cocktail hour and food stations available
7:00 – 9:00 PM – Awards Ceremony
9:00 – 9:30 PM – Lost Wax Performs
9:30 – Midnight – After Party in The Little Theatre (in the same building right up the stairs!)
Gala Accommodations: Night Of Gala
Discounted Hotel Room at Hilton President for Friday and Saturday evening. Use this link to reserve your room at the discounted rate: WVCA GALA HOTEL RESERVATION
The Drum Room will be open after we close The Little Theatre at midnight if you want a nightcap before heading to your room!
Shuttle Transportation will be provided by Showtime Transportation to and from Hilton President.
Before Gala: from Hilton President to The Lex: 4:45 PM – 6:30 PM
After Gala: From The Lex to Hilton President: 9-9:30 PM
After Party: Shuttle from The Little Theatre entrance to Hilton President from 10:00- Midnight
2025 Academy Members
The 2025 Academy for the Kansas City Wedding Vendor Choice Awards includes the following representatives:
- Band: Lost Wax
- Best VIP Experience: Libby Rule Paints
- Beverage Company: Tom’s Travelers
- Dessert: Blue Thistle Cakery
- Catering: Brancato’s Catering
- DJ/Production: Fernando Productions
- Florist: Good Earth Floral Design Studio
- Guest Experience Provider: Cindy Scott Artistry
- Hair: Hello Lovely
- Makeup: Blush & Glow KC
- Photo Booth: KC Photo Booth Co
- Photography: Mallory McBride Photography
- Planning Company: The Perfect Touch KC
- Rentals: Good Stuff China
- Stationery: Nellie Sparkman Stationery
- Suit Company: Todd’s Clothiers
- Transportation: Showtime Transportation
- Travel: Suitcase of Dreams
- Venue: White Iron Ridge
- Videography: Her Third Eye Productions
- Wedding Dress Boutique: True Society
- Rising Star: Libby Rule of Libby Rule Paints
- Trailblazer: Derek Hoffman of Levity Events
- Golden Star: Fernando Esquivel of Fernando Productions
- Vendor of the Year: Blake Harris of Haven Properties
- Company of the Year: The Perfect Touch KC
- Academy All-Stars: Amanda Newton of White Iron Ridge, Heather Ong of The Perfect Touch KC, Haley Pierce of Brancato’s Catering
Also, in attendance at all panel meetings is Mickey Beach and Megan Lemon from Wed KC.
Dates to Know
- November 12th: Nominee Ballot Opens
- December 3rd: Nominee Ballot Closes
- December 10th: All Nominees Announced
- December 17th: Top Finalists Announced, Voting Opens & Gala Tickets Available
- January 7th: Voting Ballot Closes
- January 28th: Last Day to Purchase Gala Tickets
- February 21st: Vendor Choice Awards Gala at The LEX
Thank You to the 2026 Gala Sponsors
Gala sponsors will be announced following the close of voting.
