"When it comes to non-cake celebratory desserts, donuts have long since eclipsed the cupcake. As evidenced by an ever-present line, the ones at California Donuts are some of fluffiest and freshest in town. The shop is open 24/7, but you have to call ahead to order their signature donut letters. "

"Formerly known as Jamaica Cakes, this unassuming little bakery on Pico cranks out some of the most jaw-droppingly elaborate, Food Network-worthy cakes we've ever seen. While not quite as festive as the multi-tiered creations, the cookies, pies, and cupcakes are just as delicious. "

"Since its inception back in 2007, the focus at this event design company has been on florals. That said, founder Danielle Rowe and her talented team can lend their signature romantic aesthetic to each and every event aspect. Brown Paper Design also operates in Los Angeles."

"Southern California native Yasmine Mei has a magical touch when it comes to flowers. Her vintage-inspired designs are romantic and earthy, but elegantly so. She primarily delivers on the east side but will bring pricier arrangements west. The best way to place an order is via phone, and in advance, as Mei can get booked up."

"Elan's cadre of beach-wood benches, rattan chairs, and rustic tables is best suited for outdoor events—they've been curated to blend into natural surroundings rather than overpower them. "

"Emma Feil is well-known around Los Angeles, and for good reason: She’s the master of candid occasion shots—be they weddings, home interiors, birthday parties, or a special portrait of your newborn. Feil manages the impossible with kids—unstaged, active shots of little ones in motion, often looking directly at the camera (not easy). Many of the pictures featured on some of our favorite websites, like Clare V and Ariel Gordon, are stellar examples of Feil’s product-based work. "

"Zephyr likes to think of its tented canopies as sails—billowing, crisp, and made to last. This is appropriate given the tent type: The “Sperry” was initially crafted by New England sailmaker Steve Sperry. These canopies are as beautiful inside as they are outside, with many of the panels hand-sewn and the support poles carved out of wood. Most importantly, the entire structure is waterproof. Tents come in a variety of sizes to cater to events of all sizes, and the crew is top-notch. Conveniently, Zephyr also provides beautiful furniture, much of it made from reclaimed wood, hardwood flooring, and incredible lighting (we love the paper lanterns strung from the tent roof, which is as beautiful as it sounds)."

"Jim Eppolito has been running his full-service production company for over two decades: He knows what he’s doing. West Coast Music specializes in what the company describes as “record-industry quality” music for events—which could be as large as the Golden Globes or as small as an intimate wedding for less than a hundred guests. The company has relationships with big-name talent like Bruno Mars and Stevie Wonder, as well as full orchestras, dance troupes, bands, and DJs. "

"Kris and Sarah Yenbamroong have all of LA under the spell of their interpretation of Thai street food—served with their well-curated, biodynamic wine list. Kris Yenbamroong has no formal training, but no matter: He learned how to cook in both Bangkok and the kitchen of old Thai mainstay Talésai. Not a week goes by without a handful of goop staffers crowding a table at one of the couple’s three Night + Market restaurants in Silver Lake, West Hollywood, and most recently, Venice. Night + Market Song’s flavorful, vegetarian-friendly Thai food is also available for catering. One (very appealing) option is for chef Yenbamroong to come and set up kitchen in your home to personally cook for a dinner party or small event. For weddings and larger events, the whole team gets involved. Serving plates of crab fried rice; short rib curry with crisp, oil-slick roti for dipping; the sweetest coconut sticky rice; and eye-wateringly spicy papaya salad at your party is unexpected and significantly more exciting than boilerplate hors d’oeuvres. Available in the Los Angeles area only. "

"Bonnie Tsang is one of the most sought-after event photographers in town, thanks to an excellent reputation for honing in on the most joyous, memorable moments and capturing them in a way that's natural and stylized all at the same time. "

"With her little cart in tow, Cloe Lane spins fresh cotton candy you can enjoy in peace knowing only organic cane sugar, plant-based colors, and all-natural flavors were used. Speaking of flavors: horchata, chai tea, and salted caramel are just a few of the standouts."

"Stefanie Cove is the mastermind behind some of the most memorable goop events (our dinner with Net-a-Porter and last year’s celebration with Diane von Furstenberg), not to mention a goop staffer's wedding. As the owner and creative director of NYC/LA-based Stefanie Cove and Company, she really is the very best planner around, with a deep rolodex of amazing vendors."

"Known for modern and beautiful letterpress stationery, Sugar Paper also does great holiday cards, wedding invitations, and monogramming. The tiny shop (in the Brentwood Country Mart) also offers cards and paper goods from Rifle Paper Co., Kate Spade, and more—and they can wrap any gift (just bring a box) while you wander the mart."

"Downtown's wholesale flower market (it takes up close to two city blocks) is a DIY goldmine. Yes, there are fresh flowers and succulents—both locally and globally grown—literally as far as the eye can see. But you can also come here to snag supplies like vases, gardening tools, and ribbon for a song. Pros get first dibs daily; during designated times, the general public can pay a $1 admission fee during the week; $2 on Saturdays."

"Kimm Birkicht is a beloved LA-based floral designer with deep industry roots, which translates to an innate understanding that every arrangement—whether it's for a wedding, family gathering, or work event—needs to speak to the client's individual aesthetic. "

"Casa de Perrin is the brainchild of Josh and Diana Perrin, who've lovingly compiled a miles-long catalog of pretty exceptional vintage china, cutlery, and glassware. Their table settings are unabashedly romantic, though there are plenty of more subdued options thrown in for casual celebrations."

"Eric Buterbaugh arranges the most beautiful bouquets from quality flowers that last. He's a pleasure to work with, and has long been one of our go-to florists in Los Angeles."

"With a long list of corporate and private clients, Mindy Weiss and her team take care of absolutely every detail. What sets Mindy Weiss apart is her great eye for fun and unusual decorations that manage to always fit the theme just right in a contemporary way. Weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, luncheons, and corporate parties are all part of her trick bag. "

"This design studio is really a jack-of-all-trades—Erica does everything from graphic design and logos to framed prints to, yes, stunning, modern wedding invitations. Don’t forget to ask about her whimsical, curvy calligraphy, which she does for invitations, menus, place cards, and more."

"Jenet and Erica are long-time publicists that met working together at a big entertainment PR firm—it was their shared love of easy, casual parties that led to A Merry Riot. They specialize in the kind of casual event design (kids birthday parties are actually their bread and butter) that makes all of the guests want to take their shoes off, in a good way. They’re also full service, meaning they can handle catering, décor, florals, music, and more."

"From everyday flowers and plants to bouquets for weddings and other special occasions, The Empty Vase has been reliably churning out stunning bouquets of exceptional quality for years. It's worth a walk into the store, but they do also deliver."

"Jonathan Wright offers beautiful 19th century-esque engraved style stationery and custom letterpress for those who value the power of a written note. They're great with everything from a basic thank you card to ornate wedding invitations."

"Bloom & Plume arrangements are pretty much unlike anything else out there: Maurice Harris has a telltale flair for the artistic, which results in bouquets and centerpieces that are more botanical sculpture than traditional arrangement. (Take a peek at his Instagram feed to see what we mean—he also did the flowers for our first Cookbook Club.)"

"Since 1998, Michele Gan has been catering for crowds of up to 1,000—all with organic, locally sourced food. They offer a host of other services like service staffing, floral arrangements, and other design and décor arrangements for events, though catering is their primary art."

"Founded by Sophia Moreno-Bunge and named after Sophia's two Argentine grandmothers (both named Isabel), ISA ISA is an exquisite floral design studio based in LA. Every arrangement is a piece of artwork, making them the most welcome of gifts."

"Located near the base of Griffith Park, this flower shop also carries gift-y items like candles, jewelry, and handmade cards. Even if you haven't been in the shop or perused My Secret Garden's website, chances are you've seen one of their arrangements in the background of a TV show or movie, as they do a lot of set work, too. "