For once, I went to an event without a photo booth, a props table or a van full of equipment to unload. Just me, a jacket and rather a lot of hope.
On Monday 9 November, I represented Yorkshire Magic Mirror at the TWIA 2027 Yorkshire & North East regional finals at South Causey Inn. We were finalists in Photo/Video Entertainment, and I wanted to be there when the result was announced.
A Spare Ticket and a Chilly Arrival
A thank-you to Damian, who found a spare ticket and made the trip possible. A job nearby the following day then turned the journey into an overnight stay, with time at the hotel to get ready before the doors opened at 7pm.
By the time I arrived, the temperature had dropped to about four degrees. November had made its position perfectly clear.
A room of around 450 people. Rather more than the ten or so I knew.
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South Causey Inn on a chilly November evening.
Photo:Yorkshire Magic Mirror
Finding the Familiar Faces
I had come on my own, and I will be honest: walking into a room of roughly 450 people when you know about ten of them felt a little awkward. There were plenty of suppliers I had never met before.
I spent the first part of the evening chatting with Chloe from Herve Jones stationery, Rob Harrison Photography and their partners, had a quick hello with Jane from Jane’s Flowers, and spent most of the rest of the night with Lisa from Bridal Affair and Danielle from Wreathes and Flowers.
Jase and Charlotte were there too. Familiar faces make a difference when you arrive solo, and it was good to have people to share the evening with.
A few familiar faces: Jase, Charlotte and me.
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Catching up with Rob, Chloe and their partners.
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Plenty of Reasons to Cheer
Chloe won in stationery, and Bridal Affair won their category. Danielle received Highly Commended in flowers, while Hackness Grange received Highly Commended in Venue: Other.
Having photographed weddings at Hackness Grange, it was lovely to see a venue we know recognised too.
There is something lovely about seeing people you have been chatting with make their way down the aisle to collect an award. Danielle also supplied a memorable two-word pep talk. I will leave the exact wording to your imagination, but it made me laugh.
A win for Chloe in the stationery category.
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Danielle on her way to collect Highly Commended in flowers.
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Lisa and her husband heading up for Bridal Affair’s win.
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Highly Commended for Hackness Grange in Venue: Other.
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Our Result
We didn’t win. Mobile Portrait Booth received Highly Commended in our category, and congratulations to them on their recognition.
Of course I was disappointed. I wanted our name to be called. We put a huge amount into Yorkshire Magic Mirror, and I am proud of the ideas, care and graft behind it.
From bespoke print designs to developing Yorkshire Magic Memories and bringing guest uploads onto venue screens with Memories Live, there is always another idea being worked on. That work matters to us, and so does the experience our couples and their guests have.
I am not going to pretend the result didn’t matter. Being disappointed and being proud of what we do can sit quite comfortably together.
Highly Commended for Mobile Portrait Booth in our category.
Photo:Yorkshire Magic Mirror
Something Worth Taking Home
Damian said something on stage for those of us who hadn’t won:
“Being a finalist is rare, and your clients love you.”
That stayed with me. This began with a client nomination, followed by couples taking the time to vote for us.
To every couple who voted: thank you. You had already trusted us with part of your wedding. Taking time afterwards to support us meant a great deal, and we appreciate it.
Back to Creating
No trophy came back with me this time. There were familiar faces, some laughs, people to congratulate and a reminder of the couples who helped put us in that room.
There was also a job to get ready for the following day. The jacket could go back on its hanger; Yorkshire Magic Mirror had an event to do.
Still proud. Still full of ideas. Still plenty we want to create.
Usually behind the camera. Occasionally persuaded to stand in front of it.
Photo:Yorkshire Magic Mirror
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