By: Tracey Manailescu, Co-founder of The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada
A Night of Celebration, Connection, and Community
Please see the wonderful official write-up by our media partner Eventsource.ca
This past weekend, the wedding industry came together in the most meaningful way at the WPIC Wedding Awards and Kickoff Gala. It was an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence, professionalism, and the power of community.
Thank you to our support (WPIC-certified) planners on the day of the event! Karine Copur, Anna Borges & Sarathi Abeywardena. An extra shout-out to Blair Nadeau who jumped in, and made my life so much easier. Thank you to each one of you! xo
Hosted at the beautiful Chelsea Hotel Toronto, the night was filled with elegance, emotion, laughter, and the kind of energy that reminds us why we do what we do.
Here are some of the amazing attendees and WPIC alumni!
An Evening of Recognition and Respect
The WPIC Wedding Awards are not just about trophies, they are about honouring dedication, integrity, innovation, and leadership in the wedding industry.
From seasoned planners and designers to rising stars, each nominee and winner represents the very best of our community. Watching peers cheer one another on, celebrate accomplishments, and genuinely support fellow professionals was a powerful reminder that this industry thrives when we lift each other up.
Every award presented told a story of resilience, creativity, and commitment to excellence.
Best Creative Editorial/Styled Shoot– Jodie Garneau of Thistle & Thorne Weddings
Best Wedding Design– Victoria Kuo- Unparalleled Weddings & Events
Best Ecological/Sustainable Wedding– Bianca Hadeed (Barbados!) of Elope Barbados
Best Destination Wedding Under $50,000– Jessica Saint-Dic of SaJess Events
Best Destination Wedding Over $50,000– Fidan Ismayilova of Designed Dreams
Destination Wedding Planner of the Year– Carmen Luk of Devoted To You Inc.
Best Wedding Under $50,000– Richardson (Antigua and Barbuda!) of Unique Events by TSR
Best Wedding Over $50,000– Khaled of Best Life Events
Best Wedding Over $100,000– Karin Wu of Karin Wu & Co.
Best Wedding Over $200,000– Neha Singla of Posh Events & Co.
Emerging Wedding Planner of the Year– Victoria Kuo of Unparalleled Weddings & Events
Emerging Wedding Planner of the Year– Valentina Bianchi of Valentina Bianchi Weddings
Onsite Wedding Coordinator of the Year-Jennifer Borgh (Jamaica) of Borghinvilla Wedding Venue
Excellence in Multicultural Wedding Planning– Neha Singla of Posh Events & Co.
Wedding Designer of the Year– Joezel Yumul of Maison de Joezel Floral & Decor Inc.
Wedding Planner of the Year– Tajrean Kashem (Dubai UAE) of Taj Raj Events
The Energy in the Room
From the moment guests arrived, there was a buzz, the kind you can’t manufacture.
The LED screen glowed. The lighting transformed the ballroom. The music carried us through heartfelt moments and full dance-floor celebrations. Every detail was intentional, and every element reflected the professionalism and polish that WPIC-certified planners bring to their own events every day.
One of the most beautiful parts of the evening? The personalization woven throughout the program, acknowledging the diverse backgrounds and cultures represented in the room. It was inclusive. It was joyful. It was WPIC.
Gratitude to Our Supporters and Partners
An event of this calibre does not happen alone.
To our sponsors, contributors, and partners: Thank you. Your belief in our mission and your investment in this community elevate not just one evening, but the entire industry. Your generosity allowed us to create an experience that felt thoughtful, seamless, and celebratory from beginning to end.
To the team at the Chelsea Hotel Toronto : Thank you for your care, professionalism, and hospitality. Your support ensured that our guests felt welcomed and well taken care of throughout the night.
To our creative collaborators: From AV and lighting (Vijay, thanks so much for this!) to music, design, beauty, and behind-the-scenes logistics your expertise brought the vision to life. You helped us create an atmosphere that felt sophisticated, warm, and unforgettable.
Something we found so special, was Sean Caff our amazing DJ for the evening (who just so happens to be WPIC alumni), decided that each and every award winner and presenter needed their own music introduction. It was especially meaningful when they were from another country and recognized a special singer/song from home on their way up to the podium!
To Our WPIC Community
Most importantly, thank you to our attendees.
To those who traveled in: We had attendees come from Alberta, Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Italy and British Columbia as well as all over Ontario!
To those who stepped onto the stage.
To those who cheered from their tables.
You are the heartbeat of WPIC.
Special Announcement:
A partnership between WPIC Inc. and Travels Jubilee was announced! Join us in Greece October 10-18, 2026 for a Destination Wedding certification and FAM with a specialization in Greece (Athens, Santorini and Crete). Registration went live at the Kickoff!
*Both portions must be paid to attend (DW certification to WPIC Inc. and FAM fees to Travels Jubilee).
*Does not include airfare
The Kickoff Gala is not just about celebrating the past year, it’s about setting the tone for what’s ahead. It’s about recommitting to professionalism, raising standards, and supporting one another as we move into a new season of weddings and events.
This weekend reminded us that when passionate professionals gather with purpose, incredible things happen.
Here’s to collaboration over competition.
Here’s to integrity over ego.
Here’s to a year of excellence.
We cannot wait to see what 2026 brings.
The Team:
Venue: Chelsea Hotel Toronto~Producers: The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada ~Media Coverage: Eventsource.ca~Blogger for event: In the 6ix Weddings~Photo Booth: Mirror Mirror Activations ~Photography: Rosetta Li Weddings~Decor: Velare (Linens, chargers, glassware, lanterns & cutlery) ~Content Creator: Common Luxe~Videographer: Modern Frame Media~Florals: Maison de Joezel ~Stage Backdrop: FLOVE (under umbrella of Goose Balloon)~Floral Selfie Station: Secrets Floral ~Balloon (selfie station): Princess Vaz Events~DJ: Sean Caff~AV: AudioWerks~Chairs: Majestic Chair Boutique~Cocktail Hour Music: Champagne Music ~MUAH: Victoria Barrett~Cake (9 Tier): Funfetti Cake Shoppe~Planner: Tracey M Events~Planner: The Wedding Planners ~Andrews Formals: (how to tie a tie properly)~Bridal Accessories: Blair Nadeau Designs ~The Tiramisu Guy (samples and tiramisu tower)~The Keepsake Line (leave a message on phones)~Jenny Zhang Illustrations~Travels Jubilee (Travel Agent and WPIC announcement about trip to Greece for DWC certification course in October)~Caviar Bar & Co. (Strolling Caviar)~Espresso Cart: Velvet Bean ~Batter Cakes (cart)~Chic Bridals (Wedding gowns and Bridesmaids)~Chocolate Favours: Succulent Chocolates & Sweets ~Today’s Bride (Magazine sponsor)
Prize Giveaways:
“Tea for Two” Prize Giveaway: Omni King Edward~Bra Giveaway: On the Rack ~Prize Giveaway Basket: Peace Candle Co.~Gift Certificate: Andrews Formals
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