We’re so incredibly excited to share that Ashland Addison Florist has been named the Chicago Designers’ Challenge Winner for the 2025-2026 competition! Our bold editorial, “The Palace of Vers-Thai,” captured readers’ votes with its fearless color palette, dramatic floral installations, and luxurious wedding design. After months of voting, we’re honored to celebrate this incredible achievement alongside our talented creative partners.
When we first shared this project, we described it as a celebration of saying “yes” to bold color, dramatic florals, and fearless creativity. Seeing that vision resonate with so many people makes this recognition even more meaningful!
Chicago Designers’ Challenge Winner: The Bold Story Behind Palace of Vers-Thai
A Celebration of Bold Design
Created in partnership with H.B.I.C. Weddings at theWit Chicago, “The Palace of Vers-Thai” blended the lavish elegance of Marie Antoinette with vibrant Thai-inspired influences to create an unforgettable wedding editorial.
Every floral installation was designed to make a statement – from lush ceremony florals and dramatic reception pieces to colorful tablescapes layered with texture and movement. Our goal was to create flowers that felt immersive, luxurious, and completely unexpected.
Winning the Designers’ Challenge is especially exciting because the winner was chosen by the wedding community itself. Every vote represented someone who connected with this vision, and we’re incredibly grateful for that support.
Thank You to Our Amazing Team
Chicago Designers’ Challenge Winner
Projects like this are only possible because of talented collaborators who bring their creativity, passion, and expertise to every detail. We’re so proud to have worked alongside this exceptional team:
PUBLICATION Chicago Style Weddings
PLANNER H.B.I.C. Weddings
FLORAL Ashland Addison Florist
CAKE ECBG Cake Studio
STATIONERY Amore Creative
RENTALS Tablescapes
VENUE theWit Chicago, A Hilton Hotel
PHOTOGRAPHY Sandra Armenteros
Thank you to everyone who poured their heart into this project-and to everyone who took the time to vote for us throughout the competition. Your support helped make this win possible!
See the Award-Winning Editorial
If you haven’t had the chance to explore the full feature yet, we encourage you to browse the complete editorial in the newest edition of Chicago Style Weddings. It’s filled with incredible inspiration, thoughtful details, and the stunning work of every creative partner involved.
Planning Your Own Wedding?
Whether you’re dreaming of an opulent celebration, looking for colorful floral inspiration, or simply love seeing creative ideas come to life, we hope this editorial inspires you to think beyond the expected.
One of our favorite parts of this project was proving that wedding flowers don’t have to follow tradition. Whether your vision is bold and dramatic like “The Palace of Vers-Thai” or timeless and romantic, our team loves creating floral designs that reflect your unique style.
If you’re planning a Chicago wedding, we’d love to help bring your vision to life. Get in touch with our wedding team to start designing something unforgettable.