Award Winning Hertfordshire Wedding Videographer | Winning the 4 Counties Wedding Awards!
Winning The 4 Counties Wedding Awards! How I Feel About Becoming an Award-Winning Hertfordshire Wedding Videographer
It's still quite early days for my wedding photography and videography business, so the possibility of winning an award wasn't something I thought much about. When thinking of people who have won awards, it felt inspiring but also out of reach.
A while ago, I joined an amazing group called the 4 Counties Wedding Community. It's which is hosted by Tracy Butterfield. The group is amazing. It's full of positive and creative wedding suppliers and I loved getting to know everyone.
Entering the 4 Counties Wedding Awards
Last year, I saw a post in the group about the 4 Counties Wedding Awards. It got me thinking about what it would be like to win an award. It was an exciting prospect, but I still didn't think winning was a possibility!
I had a look through the entering process and I had everything I needed to enter. I sent my submission, with all of my business information and some of my very favourite wedding videos. As part of the process, I had to get some of my couples to write a testimonial and vote for me.
This part of the process was all hidden, so I had no idea what my couples were writing!
I still wasn't focussed on winning, but I thought the experience would be amazing. At the very least, I'd get some really useful feedback from my couples.
Waiting for the Shortlist
After submitting my application, I waited. I checked my email every day and it was all I could think about for weeks!
One morning I woke up, and after drinking my morning coffee I checked my emails. There it was. ‘FINALIST’. My heart was thumping and I remember shooting out of bed and doing a victory dance! I couldn’t believe it, I was a finalist! I got a graphic to share on my social channels and I was so excited to let everyone know my amazing news.
The 4 Counties Wedding Awards Gala
I was so excited for the 4 Counties Wedding Awards gala. It was held in Bedfordshire at Woodland Manor Hotel. The theme was black and gold and I spent a lot of time in the run-up planning my outfit.
The evening came around and I arrived at the beautiful venue with my boyfriend James. We were handed a glass of bubbles on arrival, and then we had our photo taken. It was fun to be on the other side of the camera! Everything felt glamorous and exciting and I was really nervous. A band played live music, while everyone mingled in their glittery outfits.
I met up with my florist friend who was also a finalist, Vicki from Vicki’s Floral Designs. We were sitting together, so we found our table together and sat down for a chat.
Our delicious dinner was served. There were table gifts and there was lots of wine flowing! It almost felt like we were all attending a beautiful wedding.
The Awards Announcements
Tracy appeared on stage and it was finally time for the awards ceremony. I had butterflies in my tummy by this point, and my boyfriend held my hand for support.
When my category came up, my heart started thumping. I couldn't believe it when Tracy called my name as the winner of the Highly Commended Award. Loud music started playing and I floated to the stage and to accept my award. The previous winners gave me a huge hug, and then I got a hug from Tracy.
I honestly couldn’t believe it… After posing for a few photographs for the official photographer, I made my way back to my table. I felt really emotional, as I was so stunned and thrilled.
What Being an Award-Winning Hertfordshire Wedding Videographer Means to Me
I can honestly say that winning this award has changed my life and my business. It has given me confidence in so many ways and has opened my mind to the opportunities around me. If you don’t try, then you will never know! I am so glad I decided to enter the awards.
After the awards, I received the testimonials my couples had submitted, and I cried my heart out. They were so beautiful. It made me truly realise that what I do has such a huge impact on my couples. It's a privilege to create videos of their special day that will last a lifetime. I just love what I do.
Thank you so much to the 4 Counties Wedding Awards, 4C Community and Tracy Butterfield for recognising the creativity, hard work and passion I put into my business!
I would love to be a part of your wedding, so if you're looking for an Award-winning Hertfordshire Wedding Videographer or wedding photography or videography across Herts or Essex, please do get in touch. You can check out some more of my work on my blog.
Offical event photography by Nicola Casey