The 2018 11th Annual AACWP Vendi Awards

By: Ashlie Lynch March 28th, 2018

Welcome to the Circus!

Every year the members of AACWP want to celebrate the wonderful vendors that have worked so hard to make all of their weddings and events go off with a bang. Teamwork is integral to our industry and without a fantastic vendor team none of our events would happen. We rely on the stellar performances of all of our teammates to make our clients’ dreams come true!

This year we wanted to think outside the box and create a truly unique experience for everyone. So the concept of the immersive circus experience was born! Our 2017 Vendor Relations Chair and 2018 Fundraising Chair Lauren Twichell, Senior Catering Sales Manager for Wolfgang Puck Catering, worked tirelessly with all of the amazing vendors to create every detail and experience throughout the evening.

Guests began with a unique check-in experience before entering the circus. Walking the black carpet they were treated to some fun entertainment that included fire dancers and an adorable capuchin monkey! Once at the front, they checked in and retrieved their table assignments by picking up a box of popcorn with their name and table number from the boxwoods flanking the doorway.

Upon entering through the doorway, guests were immersed into the world of the big top with circus-style music and festive tunes provided by DJ Nate Nelson from the tiger’s cage and magicians and silk entertainers from Anthony Entertains and Bravo Entertainment. After an entertaining hour mingling and sampling signature cocktails from Kendra Scott (who also provided lovely gift boxes) and Jordan Kahn, guests were invited to the main event!

Members and guests alike were welcomed into The Hall on Dragon with a cocktail shooter handed through a living wall by mysterious white gloved hands. As they enjoyed the beverage, everyone walked down a long white hallway that opened out into a magnificent ballroom filled with an eclectic collection of mixed tables decorated in black, white, red, and gold with a variety of unique centerpieces including elaborate details with floral, spinning centerpieces, and candlelight. The room looked spectacular and guests were in awe at the amazing details brought together by AM Linen, Belle Décor, Haute Floral, Magic Moments, Top Tier Rentals, and more.

The dinner began with entertainment by the fabulous Brian Prescott and continued throughout the evening with groups by Kenny the Entertainer, Josh Ayala Entertainment, and Bravo Entertainment. The awards were the highlight of the evening with all of the AACWP board members gracing the stage to hand out the statues to the deserving winners. Each of our nominees were written in by members and voted on to come up with the final nominees in each category. All of the members have a hand in who is nominated and who wins. This year there were even six categories where the winner and runner-up were within six or fewer votes from one another!

After all the awards were handed out and guests enjoyed a delectable dinner from CN Catering, everyone was surprised with a musical intro from Walton Stout Band leading everyone beyond the curtains into the after party. Stilt walkers in unique LED outfits reminiscent of Daft Punk danced with guests on the black and white swirl dance floor while the band cranked out hit after hit. Guests continued to enjoy fun cocktails and circus treats like cotton candy and candied popcorn while CN catering came around with little late night treats of fried Oreos and pretzels. Many stayed to dance late into the night and celebrate a year of comradery and fantastic events!

We can’t do this each year without all of our amazing vendor partners! Here's everyone who helped us make our weddings and events stand out in 2017, and to everyone who contributed to making this night extra special.