On Friday the 23rd February it was The Bristol & Somerset Wedding Awards2018; a night I always view as the Christmas Day of the wedding industry, and an evening when I get to socialise with all my wedding industry friends in a relaxed environment. Tonight was the night to celebrate the success of our local wedding industry, and raise much-needed money for The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation. With this being the fifth awards evening, and my fourth in attendance, I always get excited about what might be in store. As you can imagine, I also get very anxious about my award category; that of videographer. Having won my category for four years running, this was my chance to win for a fifth time - an achievement only shared with the equally talented Stacey Jade Hair.So, what did the evening have in store?
My day started at DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House at 10am, when I met Graham Thomas to help with anything that needed doing. Fantastic progress was already being made, and my jobs were limited. By 1pm it was time to use the gym and spa facilities with Adam Richards & Morf Bray, before going to get ready for the start of the evening’s entertainment. I thoroughly enjoyed the Pre-VIP karaoke at 4:30pm with the Burger Boys, a group I attempt food challenges with once a month. I must say our singing was great, and there were many jelly shots enjoyed. It was good to see lots of friends all having a good time.
At 6:30pm it was the start of VIP. I was in good spirits, and our group picture is always a memorable moment! It really shows the energy we put into the awards night. Up in VIP there was band performing, and the atmosphere was electric. It got even better when Morf got us on the dance floor to dance away and sing the backing vocals – as you can probably imagine. The band were surprised, perhaps as it was only 6:45pm and the night was young. However, you could see they loved it. In fact, so much so, that they finished their set and played an encore due to our requests.
At 7:30pm we were called to take our seats, and the evening began with a video that I had created after Shaun and Laura’s wedding last October. The couple had made the trip south from Manchester, and it was great to see them. After a quick game, and our starters, it was down to business, with the first five awards. It was great seeing a couple of co-ordinators I have worked closely with being rewarded; congratulation Lorna & Alice! Next up was DJ category, and I was sat between two of the suppliers up for the award. Thank goodness there was a highly commended award, which was awarded to my best mate Morf from Hotshots Entertainment! We had arranged a secret confetti canon for Morf, and this was the time to use it. The stage was now covered, and it did look amazing. The winner was announced, and it was Kieran Clarke Entertainment. He was also set next to me, and we all started hugging and celebrating. It was only the start of the night, but we were all buzzing.
It was then time for the main course before the next ten awards. Next up was Morf with his photo booth services, and Adam Richards Magic. There was a highly commended award again and this went to the fabulous Brizzle Booth. On to the winner, and for me the biggest and loveliest surprise of the night was to come; Morf had done it. He won the top award and our table started celebrating wildly. Nobody could believe it! Great work Morf; the prize couldn’t have been won by a more deserved supplier – and guy. Next up was hair stylist, and after a couple of highly commended awards it was time to announce the winner. Stacey Jade did it, winning for a fifth consecutive year. This reassured me that it was possible to win, but with the other winners on my table I was really starting to feel the pressure...!
Now it was time for the photographers’ award. JD Photography won a highly commended accolade for the second year running, with Lee HatherallPhotography winning the award for the third time running. Congratulations, mate! Time, now, for dessert, before the last five wedding awards were announced. On to the videographers’ category; there was a highly commended, and that went to Nigel from Ever After film. Big congratulations to you! It was time, at last for the winner. When my name was read out I felt a massive wave of relief, and hugged Morf before being congratulated by my other friends from my table, and the tables close by. I had done it; I had won for a fifth consecutive time, and it meant I joined Stacey with the prestigious honour.
Next up was The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation Appreciation Awards. Having worked closely with the charity on two weddings last year I had the honour of being nominated for Corporate Supplier of the Year. I never expected to win the award, but even being nominated felt very special to me. Congratulations to Strawberry Field Catering Ltd, Event Catering CompanyCatering for winning a highly commended in the category, and to The Kingscote Barn - Wedding venue for winning the award. After the auction and raffle it was time for the party to begin, and there was a photo booth provided by Hotshots entertainment.
Congratulations to everybody that entered the awards, to the winners, and to the charity itself. I must also say a huge well done to those who pulled the event together. Without such help and support, an event of this size just wouldn’t be possible. I hope the event was a real success, raising more than previous award nights. Bring on the 2019 awards ceremony; here’s to building upon the success that this year has brought The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation.
Special thanks also to Studiowise Photography for taking this lovely picture of my awards.
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