The nominations have been verified, the votes are in and we’re super excited to reveal the winners of the 2020 Taranaki Weddings Industry Awards!
But before we do – we just want to give props to ALL the awesome and dedicated Vendors that were nominated this year! Seriously – what an achievement. It’s no secret that the Wedding Industry in Taranaki is really over-saturated in some sectors, so a nomination for a Taranaki Weddings Industry Award is never guaranteed for any business. This year a total of 218 valid nominations were received for 70 local Wedding Vendos. Your nominations this year are a reflection of your dedication, your passion, your creativity and your excellent level of service – CONGRATULATIONS!
Each year – one of the BEST parts about the Awards process is reading the INCREDIBLE comments added into the nominations – it’s humbling to see just how appreciated local Wedding Vendors are – I want you all to know that without a doubt – your hard work does not go unnoticed, or unappreciated.
This year a whopping 16153 valid votes were received. And NEVER in the past 5 years has the score been so close in some of the categories. The scoring process is complex and exact – with some Vendors scoring exceedingly high and extremely close – in fact this year, in one category our winner, and our highly recommended business were seperated by just 10 points.
This year, the Weddings and Events Industry has had some tough hurdles to leap over, and there’s definitely a few more challenges in the post. Around the country, and in fact the world, businesses are facing uncertainty and sadly, many won’t make it through unscathed. But we have something special here in Taranaki – something that Wedding Vendors around the country talk about, something quite unheard of anywhere else. We have a don’t just have a local Wedding Industry – we have a community. A community of people, not just businesses, who strive to bring out the best in each other, who celebrate, collaborate and, when necessary, commiserate, together. And together – we can and will not only survive the uncertain times ahead – but we will thrive.
The Taranaki Weddings Industry Awards were born out of a desire to have something to strive towards – to raise the bar in terms of customer service and product delivery. To recognise the businesses and individuals who give up their weekends, their holidays and their summers in the pursuit of someone elses “happily every after” – I’ve worked in a variety of Industries over the past two decades but never have I worked in an Industry as committed and dedicated as the Taranaki Weddings Industry.
5 months ago, as we went into Lockdown, we had to make the difficult decision to postpone the Taranaki Weddings Industry Awards night – but cancelling was never an option. Having our season cut short this year was unforeseen, and for so many vendors, felt impossible to come back from – but just 3 weeks ago the Taranaki Weddings Community came together to put on the first Wedding Expo in the country post Lockdown – it was a celebration of all things love and felt like the beginning of a new era. We were totally stunned when the Country was put back into Alert Level 2 just 3 days later – and once again the future of our Industry became uncertain. The Level 2 extension meant we would be unable to go ahead with the downscaled intimate cocktail style event we had planned for the 2020 Taranaki Weddings Industry Awards – so instead, we had to try something new – and for the first time since it’s inception 5 years ago – the Taranaki Weddings Industry Awards were presented live online.
Vendors hosted watch parties across the region – inviting their family, friends and “friendors” to join them in the homes and workplaces as the winners were announced live over Instagram and Facebook!
And the Winners are….
The Accommodation Category The Winner – King and Queen Suites. Highly Recommended – Okurukuru Chalets.
The Bridal Wear Category The Winner – Churchwood Bridal. Highly Recommended – Dylins Bridal and Loved Once More Limited.
The Catering and Bar Services Category The Winner – L’Epicure Creative Catering. Highly Recommended – ABC Catering.
The Celebrants Category The Winner – Amber Caskey – Celebrant. Highly Recommended – Tracey Zehnder – Celebrant.
The Entertainment Category The Winner – Photo Booth Fun – Taranaki Region. Highly Recommended – Hemi Coates.
The Florist Category The Winner – Ivy Lane Florist. Highly Recommended – Pineapple Sage.
The Health and Beauty Category The Winner – Hair by Kate. Highly Recommended – Makeup By Annalee.
The Hire Services Category The Winner – Dobsons Marquee and Party Hire. Highly Recommended – Westerly and Co.
The Other Services Category The Winner – Dalgleish Diamond Jewellers. Highly Recommended – Kombi Krush.
The Photos and Video Category The Winner – Natalie Waugh Photography. Highly Recommended – Amanda Ritchie Photography.
The Planning and Stylist Category The Winner – Elizabeth Jean Weddings and Events. Highly Recommended – Ever After Wedding Collective.
The Venue Category The Winner – Plymouth International Hotel. Highly Recommended – Stanleigh Gardens.
The Wedding Cake Category The Winner – A Love of Cakes – by Annette. Highly Recommended – Tartan Rose Cakery and Deli.
Congratulations to all our Category Winners this year who each receive 3 months FREE advertising on the Taranaki Weddings Directory.
And Lastly – our OVERALL WINNER for 2020. The Winner of Taranaki’s FAVOURITE Wedding Vendors and a Years free Advertising on Taranaki Weddings is
AMBER CASKEY – CELEBRANT!
Congratulations Amber – so very much deserved. You are an incredible celebrant who not only excels in her work and the ceremonies she provides but takes pleasure in being a pillar of positivity and an incredible mentor to celebrants starting out in the Industry. Amber – it’s such a pleasure to know you, to have seen you at work and to have you as part of the Taranaki Weddings Community.
To everyone who submitted nominations and voted – we thank you for your support. To all our nominees, highly recommended businesses and Winners – we wish you all HUGE Congratulations!
Here’s to doing it all again – the RIGHT WAY – in 2021!
Mrs TW x