Vancouver Island Wedding Industry 2020 Awards Special Edition...it was a year of changes in every way and that included this year’s Vancouver Island Wedding Awards. The Board members looked for a way to recognize the industry while acknowledging the difficulties and positive moments. The decision was made to create categories that reflected the circumstances and celebrated the community.
This Gala format was something completely new, so everyone was relieved when 17 Black Events came onboard with their online event experience. Mary Winspear Centre once again offered their theatre for filming while Sara of The Good Party worked away at scripts. Friendors throughout the Island sent in pre=taped intros while Painted Sky Films put together a mix of images from the previous year.
Tamara and Scott, surrounded by decor and floral by The Good Party and Fleurtacious by Lynda Marie, guided us through an evening of awards, giveaways, music and recognition of those who are supporting the Island wedding community. DJ Chris Poynter opened the evening with a half hour set while Jill Cooper played the intermission and ended the evening with her vocals. We especially loved Derek and Lindsay with their hilarious ‘in bed’ working moments and the crowd out in Tofino who crowd sourced their ‘friendor’ intro! (thanks to Long Beach Lodge Resort!)
Giveaways throughout the Awards were provided by Bilston Creek Farm, Charcuterie and Co. , Gardens at HCP, Bear & Joey Cafe, Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse, Jam and Co. Luxury Picnics and The Fat Macaron. The most important portion of the evening were the Community Contributors being recognized for their work on behalf of the wedding industry. Jon-Mark Photography, Rare Earth Events, Artistry for Alexa, Four Frames Photo Booth and Paper Heart Films were all nominated by their fellow vendors for this honor.
Many thanks to everyone who worked to make the 2020 Awards happen: the Sponsors, the Industry Association board members, the volunteers and, of course, our judges. A special thank you to the creator of our one of a kind West Coast awards this year – Melanie Anne Designs.
The past year has certainly not been what anyone was expecting…in business or personally. However, we hope to come out a stronger group of ‘friendors’, ready to help couples as they choose to marry on Vancouver Island. We look forward to the Vancouver Island Wedding Industry Awards Gala in 2022. See you there!
WINNERS
THE BALANCING ACT: Kelsey Goodwin of KGOODPhoto
FINALISTS: Tammy of Blue Lily Event Planning + Susan of Cobble Hill Cake Co.
BEST VIRTUAL/AT A DISTANCE EXPERIENCE: Twist Victoria
FINALISTS: Karen of Bezaire Floral and Events | Kailli of Dancing Dandelion Farms | The Good Party
POSITIVE UNEXPECTED OUTCOME: Bilston Creek Farm
FINALISTS: KGOODPhoto and Twist Victoria
MOST UNIQUE SERVICE DELIVERY: Dakota of The Good Party
FINALISTS: Vow and Co. and Oak Bay Beach Hotel
MACRO TO MICRO: Details Planning + Design
FINALISTS: The Good Party + Tulle and Tweed Photography
