Let’s take a look back on one of our most cherished memories of 2023 – receiving four awards at the Seattle Bride’s Best of 2023 Awards gala alongside our PNW wedding vendor community.
Reflecting On Our Journey
When our team first attended the Seattle Bride Best Of 2018 Awards, we entered the National Nordic Museum filled with awe and aspiration. We weren’t in the running for the awards that year, but witnessing the celebration of so many of our talented event peers inspired us to return to next year’s ceremony as nominees. The next year we were nominated for Best Catering. Although we didn’t win, our sales and culinary team thoroughly enjoyed the night of revelry with our wedding industry peers. The following year we were nominated for three awards and were ecstatic to bring home two wins! Each year we felt more and more recognized within our industry and set an aspirational goal to one day win Best Overall Wedding Vendor as DSquared Hospitality.
Last year, to our complete shock and delight, we were in the running for four awards - Best Historic Venue and Best Outdoor Venue for the Hall at Fauntleroy, Best Catering for Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes, and Best Overall Wedding Vendor for DSquared Hospitality. Our team was over the moon to receive these four nominations highlighting the different aspects of our company. We went into the night with no expectations and an overwhelming feeling of excitement to celebrate all of the incredibly talented vendors in our community.
Celebrating at Block 41
Block 41, the industrial chic venue located in the heart of downtown Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood, was the perfect venue for the elegantly urban black-tie event. Their expansive, high-end spaces made this celebration uniquely glamourous. Upstairs, the night started with a stunning cocktail hour and ceremony. We were in awe of the Iron Diamond Media team, Gian Events, and the other vendors’ ability to produce such a seamless and exceptional event. We enjoyed pizza ovens outside in the Courtyard, and a wildly fun after-party with live music, a dance floor, a photo booth, and an ice cream cart downstairs in The Ewing Theater.
During the ceremony, each member of our team – Matt, Emily, Adam, and myself – went up to receive an award and strut down the runway, with our industry peers and partners cheering us on every step of the way. Each time our name was called we felt a mix of surprise, pride, and sheer excitement. Emily Schiller, our Sales Director, says, “It was such an honor to be recognized amongst our peers and fellow hospitality professionals in so many categories. It’s not just recognition, but a celebration of hard work and our commitment to hospitality excellence.” Thinking back to our first time attending this awards gala, we can't help but feel proud of how far we’ve come. Gratitude filled our hearts as we celebrated those in our industry, and felt that love reciprocated back.
Making Priceless Connections
While it is a privilege and honor to be recognized for our work, our absolute favorite thing about this awards gala is the opportunity to connect with our community. Adam Purkey, our Business Development & Event Manager, says, “The energy in the room was palpable and almost as much as winning our own awards, it was so fun to see our industry peers be recognized for all of their hard work.”
Our team cheered enthusiastically as Cherise from Another One Ties The Knot – a vendor who we had not previously had the pleasure of meeting – won Best Officiant. The next week, at a scheduled stylized photoshoot at the Hall at Fauntleroy, we were pleasantly surprised to see Cherise, and had the joy of congratulating each other once again. We are so thankful for the full-circle moments that come from this awards gala, and the opportunities we have to create new relationships with the creative minds in our industry.
On the flip side, it was so heartwarming to see vendors we have known and worked with for years be rewarded for their talent and creativity. We were thrilled to witness Jenn Tai & Co. win Member of the Year. Watching the eruption of cheers from the room as an emotional Jenn accepted her award was the sweetest moment of the night.
Bringing Our Awards Home
Creating enchanting experiences for our guests is genuinely a team effort, and we felt a deep sense of pride in bringing these awards home to our team. During our morning huddle, we had the gratifying opportunity to express a heartfelt "thank you" to all our chefs and event planning team for their unwavering hard work and creativity. Without their dedication, these awards would never be possible. They now hang proudly in our lobby where our team can take a moment to reflect on our accomplishments and feel inspired for the future.
Embracing The Future
Our One Brilliant Team is entering 2024 feeling confident, inspired, and ready for lots of extraordinary days celebrating special people. We’re ready for everything the future has to offer and are beyond excited to continue to nurture the relationships we’ve built in our industry.
The Washington Wedding Day Best of 2024 voting is now OPEN! Click the link below to cast your vote.
washingtonweddingday.com/WWD-Best-of-2024-Voting
Voting closes on Friday, February 2nd.
Photography | Julie Bulanov
Planning | Gian Events
Rentals | Adore Decore
Venue | Block 41
Balloons | Confete Gifts and Party Boxes
Catering | Foodz Catering
DJ | Music By J. Fields
Designs + Branding | Letters and Dust
Dessert | Aha Sugar, Suite J, Catering and Events
Entertainment | The Afterparty Band
Florals | Lebed Design
Giveaway | Alaska Airlines
Hair + Makeup | Urbanista Weddings
Installation | On the Wall
Lighting + DJ | LightSmiths
Marquee Lighting | Seattle Marquee Lighting
Photo Booth | Photo Box Seattle
Videography | Kaneri Films
Vinyl Decals | Blue Ink Seattle
Written January 2024
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