Last night was Oregon Bride's "Best of" event at the Oregon Historical Society. Each year the magazine throws a fabulous party to announce the results of the "best of" votes, as well as show off the latest issue of the magazine. I was so excited to attend this year, as I've spent the last year or so meeting other fabulous vendors and experts in the industry. I've made some close friends and gotten to work on several inspiration shoots with several different people, so it was fun seeing many familiar faces. I brought my darling husband, who is my ultimate number one fan, and he was really excited to meet these people that I always talk about! When it came time to announce winners, we were quickly approaching the "best invites" category. John asked me if I was nominated, and I said to him, "Doubtful." In my mind, I still felt like I wasn't that well known but was just beginning to make a lot of connections and get my name out there. It would've been awesome to be nominated but I just didn't want to get my hopes up. So we both look up on screen and see the list of finalists for Best Invites: Uncommon Invites, Ecru Modern Stationer, and... Paper Bloom. John nudged me and said, "Um..?" I was completely surprised. First to be in a category with two amazing invitation vendors, and second just to see Paper Bloom on the big screen. Then Liz Hummer, editor of Oregon Bride, announced that Paper Bloom was the winner. John SCREAMED with excitement (several people later told me how awesome his reaction was), and I was totally shocked! I accepted my award and just couldn't stop smiling– I still can't! It is such an honor, and really reassuring to know that other people know and appreciate my business and my hard work. I absolutely love what I do and this gave me a big boost of confidence. So thank you to everyone who voted for me, and who believes in me!!
Click here to see the other amazing nominees and winners, including a few I'd like to specifically call out: Fleur:ology (finalist for Best New Vendor), The Candy Buffet (finalist for Best New Vendor and Most Creative Favors), The Groomslist (editor's pick!) Crave Design (winner of Most Creative Favors), Uncommon Invites (finalist for Best Invites), Champagne (finalist for Best Wedding Planner), Abernethy Center (Best All-Inclusive Venue) and Focal Point Digital Media (Best Videographer). These are people I've met, worked with, and just love!!
