At the Phoenix National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) Event Elements competition this summer, the Tokyo-themed tabletop designs were unbelievably gorgeous.

Check out first place and people’s choice winning design by Cicely Rocha-Miller of Life Design Event Planning. Love the fun layered linens and frilly chair covers. And notice how the spectacular floral display doesn’t have to block your view of your tablemates. We covered Cicely’s own wedding a couple of years ago, and we’ve watched over the years as her talent grows and grows.

Now for a different take on Tokyo, we turn to Brady’s award-winning style (2nd place at NACE Event Elements, btw). The fab bamboo structure is eye-catching in its own right, but we are in love with the orchids as they wind their way down to a splashy display at the base. The sumptuous linens are a prefect complement to the Asian tableware in red, black and white. And how about those menus?

One last word on the Tokyo piece of the competition and we’ll stop blathering and go get some sushi. Don’t you just love this cake by Let Them Eat Cake? Fabulous!

All photography by our great friend Stuart Thurlkill at Eyes2See.