Wednesday, 19 November 2008

• Twin Cities Bridal ICON Awards 11-16-08

   

  WE WON!!!  The Twin Cities 2008 ICON Awards

  This is the most exciting thing that's happened to me this year!  Sunday was the date for the Twin Cities Bridal Association's ICON awards - honoring the top wedding vendors in the Twin Cities. I was a finalist in the Excellence in Wedding Photography category.

  The black-tie gala (complete with red carpet!) was held at the Minneapolis Convention Center. I wasn't prepared for how "grand" the event was set-up, decorated for, and presented. When we arrived, we walked into the ballroom, which looked like a beautiful movie set. The entrants for the Excellence in Reception Decor had decorated some of the "sets". We enjoyed champagne and hors d'oevres while walking around and marveling at how beautiful everything was.

  After dinner, the awards presentation began. Different local celebrities presented  each award. When the first winners came to the podium and gave a beautiful polished, rehearsed speech, I began to get more and more nervous as my category drew near because I hadn't expected to have to make a speech!  Still, I did not think I'd win.....  The Wedding Photography category was the fifth award presented that night. My heart started thumping as they projected our studio name on the two big 20x30 screens and the images began to scroll. THEN, when they ACTUALLY CALLED MY NAME!!  and the other people at my table cheered, I don't even remember floating up to the stage and taking the award and making a speech. Mike said I "looked like a natural" and gave a fine speech - I hardly remember doing this! NOW I know that the actors at the Academy Awards aren't faking it when they get up there and say "oh my gosh - I didn't expect to win; I don't have a speech prepared" and they seem so flustered! When the model handed me the award, I was shocked at how heavy it was and Mike tells me that's the first thing I said (he said that was the only corny thing I said).

  Then I had to go out to the red carpet area to be photographed. They tell me that the photos will be in the January 2009 Minnesota Monthly issue that comes out right before Christmas. But Jack took this nice photo of Molly and I the next day so I could put it on the blog right away  

  I have to thank Kristin Branlund and Tim Girod for providing us with a beautiful wedding to photograph (AND for being such a gorgeous couple, too!) Their's was the wedding portfolio I submitted for this award.

  Wow - I am still on Cloud Nine 3 days later......!

   A very HEAVY award - it's about 12" high and weighs about 5 pounds! I will proudly display this!

  all of the award winners

  I was at "Table #1"

  the funny thing is, I didn't even think to have Mike take a photo when we won!

  Some of the beautifully decorated 'sets':

  Richfield Flowers and Events won the Excellence in Reception Decor. This is their display.

  

   

   

  

   

  

   

  

   

  Another beautiful sitting area

  

  love these tall floating candle vases!

  

  

  Kristin and Tim Girod (wedding date 6/28/08 - you can see more of their photos on one of my earlier blog entries)

  this is worth putting on the blog twice!!! 

   

   

   

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