The Dorset Wedding Supplier Awards 2018

by Natasha Gilchrist
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10 Nov, 2018
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Wow, what a night!

When the email dropped into my inbox at the beginning of October to say I was a finalist in The Dorset Wedding Supplier Awards, I could not believe what I was reading!

Back at the beginning of the year I launched my business, ‘Tasha-Mae’ offering on the day wedding & events co-ordination. Over the first few months I noticed that different companies were entering a variety of awards and I began to wonder if there were any that may be suited to my new business. After some research I came across the Dorset & Hampshire Wedding Supplier Awards and discovered that they had a newcomer category. Still unsure as to whether I was too new (if that is even possible!), I met with Sam from South Coast Events who is the organiser of these awards. Sam’s advice to me was if you don’t try you will never know.

These were wise words!

I got to work writing my application which seemed to take forever with the constant tweaking. Eventually when finishing, I copied it onto the online form, paid my entry fee, nervously pressed the ‘send’ button and then all I could do was sit back and wait!

Now I am not an impatient person but the nervous anticipation was beginning to creep in, so waiting to hear whether I had made it to the finalist stage felt like forever!

Then the email arrived, not one but two!

1. Congratulations I am delighted to let you know that you are a finalist in the Newcomer category.

2. Congratulations I am delighted to let you know that you are a finalist in the People’s Choice category.

Being a newbie and not completely understanding how the awards worked I thought that every entry would be a finalist in The Peoples Choice Award, as this is the only award which was based on votes. It wasn’t until I spoke with Sam a few days later that I realised this email was telling me I was in the top four for The Peoples Choice Award too.

There is only one word to describe how I felt…Gobsmacked!

The night of the awards loomed nearer and the excitement and uncertainty set in, but I was ready for this!

Along my wedding and events journey I have met with some lovely suppliers, but having seen the finalist list I only recognised a few names on it. To win an award didn’t even enter my head, I was just thrilled to be a finalist, which for me was a great achievement in itself. Being a part of the awards, I saw this as a great opportunity to meet with more of Dorsets wedding suppliers, of whom I hope to work with at some point in the near future.

On the night itself, when I arrived at The Hilton Hotel in Bournemouth with my good friend Helen for support, it was amazing to see so much glamour in one room. Stunning dresses, fabulous hair & make up and very smartly groomed men.

We were welcomed by the lovely Mark from Pegasus Disco who instantly put me at ease. Mark told me that although I am a newcomer there were many other suppliers that although may be established businesses, it may also be their first year of entering too, so I was not alone.

Taking a glass of bubbly, a canape and mingling in the arrival area we introduced ourselves to a few lovely ladies, Mel from Bournemouth Bridal Hair and Make-Up, Sally from Blushing Brides Wedding Hair and Make up and Jay from Jays Photography.

After checking out the seating plan, it was now time to take a seat on table 17 ready for the awards ceremony to begin.

On our table we were sat with Becky from Thompson Wedding Films, The Green House Hotel and The Little Sanctuary. It was an all female table and a great group of ladies…GIRL POWER!

The evening went something like this…

A ‘hello’ from Sam from South Coast Events and a thank you to all the amazing sponsors; Pegasus Discos, 83 Media, Balloon a Room Weddings, St-Events, The Photo Rooms, and the ambassadors; Kate Rushall from Bridal Reloved and Danielle Manton-Kelly from The Wedding Crecherz.

Whilst listening to Sam I realised just how dedicated and passionate she is in recognising how important it is to bring Dorsets wedding suppliers together and to reward them for all their hard work during the year.

A true wonder-woman!

Next was a beautiful presentation from Naomi, the founder of the chosen charity 'The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation'. Naomi told us all about her wonderful charity that is dedicated to organising and funding weddings for couples affected by terminal or life-limiting illnesses and she went on to touch everyone in the room with her own inspirational story.

The introductions were followed by...

the starter, awards, main course, awards, pudding, and then the last part of the awards…which I was in!

When the very energetic compere Mark Masters called out the newcomers names, I knew I was up against some very talented suppliers; The Festidolls, Nikki Mullard Hair and Make-Up and Light Up Letters. Feeling like I was too new, I wasn’t surprised when Nikki was announced the winner of the newcomer category, her work is fantastic and she was a very deserving winner. My smile didn’t fade as I was just happy to be a finalist and I absolutely loved watching all the worthy winners go up to receive their awards. For me, I had come this far in such a short space of time and I was sat amongst the best of the best in Dorset...what more could I ask for!

Then came The Peoples Choice Award, it was great to hear my name read out again, but in my head I didn’t have a hope in hell of winning this award. Mark read through the nominations and announced…

The winner of The Peoples Choice Award is (drum-roll please)...

'TASHA-MAE!’

I looked at my friend unsure as to whether I had heard him right and stood up in complete shock to make my way to the stage.

I couldn’t help but think maybe he has read out the wrong name like at the Oscars and I am going to be told to sit down again. But no, I received my award from one of the judges, Victoria Southern, without anyone coming to take it away from me. My face and hands were shaking so much, I was finding it hard to smile for the camera!