Northern Ireland Wedding Awards 2019
I think it’s about time I blogged about the fantastic night I had at the Northern Ireland Wedding Awards 2019 at the Crown Plaza, Belfast. And to top it off I won wedding photographer of the year.
I WAS THRILLED!!!
It wasn’t until early 2018 that I seen the application call for the awards. I had never put myself forward for theses competitions before but that was all to change. I sent forward my application and I was overwhelmed by the response for clients to nominate. When my clients past at present found out I was in for the award the support was humbling. As a self employed photographer you are always your own worst critic. Every detail of your work you analysis again and again and are always questioning if your client is happy. So this support was a welcomed and a really nice boost for the old confidence……..
THE NIGHT.
So the stage was set. I had made it to the final shortlist and was invited up attend the prize giving. I was more excited about pulling on the glad rags and getting a long overdue night out with my husband. I’d be lying to say a night away from the kids was not going to be a nice bonus. I had never been to one of these awards so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Everyone was dressed in formal gowns and black tie with full make-up and hairs done professionally. I did feel slightly under-prepared but glad my lovely friend had offered to do my make-up for the occasion. It was so nice to see some familiar faces and have a chat with other wedding suppliers without the pressure of both having to work when we meet.
AND THE WINNER IS MUIREAD KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY.
The atmosphere was electric and it had final got to the wedding photographer award. I was chatting away with my colleague Kerry-Leigh as I genuinely did not expect to win and was also telling another good friend and great videographer Christina not to bother video recording me as there wasn’t a chance. But guess what I did win it. I was shell shocked to say the least and there was a slight curse word used, which is very unlike me. The next thing I new I was on stage with Cool FM dj Paulo…accepting the award and giving a speech. I have a lovely video from Christina which captured the whole event, which I now treasure and re-watch when I need a reminder that my job is hard but I am OK at what I do and my clients are there to remind me and support my business.
Tbh it was a fantastic end to a very busy year and I still can’t get over it. It has reaffirmed my ability not only to capture my bride and groom’s big day but to also dampen that tough critic in my head that I am pleasing my clients with their photos and giving them the one thing they can treasure forever.
I would like to thank all those that voted for me and supported me throughout the years. A big thank you especially to my husband, Matthew, who gave me the confidence to put my name forward in the first instance, who likes and shares every one of my business posts on social media, who lights the studio fire for every single studio shoot I do in winter and who is there for when I doubt myself and my ability.