Local businesses win in the Irish Wedding Awards 2017
Local flower shop owner Caroline Shevlin came up smelling of roses when she was named as the winner of Florist of the Year at the Irish Wedding Awards in The Crown Plaza, Dublin airport, on Sunday.
Caroline, who runs The Flower Studio, was one of six regional finalists competing in the awards which is one of the biggest events in the Irish wedding trade calendar.
‘I am absolutely delighted as there were hundreds of nominees,’ says Caroline, who opened The Flower Studio just over twenty years ago, in October 1996.
The winners were selected through a combination of on-line voting, a visit by a mystery shopper, and an inspection of flowers, standard of work, and portfolio.
The award is a major acknowledge of Caroline’s high standard of work and artistry as well as that of her team of qualified florists, Mary, Maeve and Aine.
Another local winner was Rashida Keenan who was named as Wedding Photographer of the Year. Rashida, who is lives along the border, just five minutes from Dundalk, wore a stunning dress by Lordship born designer Eamonn McGill to the awards.
‘I have been completely blown away by the support and well wishes I have received,’ she wrote on her Facebook page. ‘I bought my first camera 16 months ago with no idea of what the future would hold. This last year has far exceeded all my expectations and dreams. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me, followed my work and especially those that nominated me. I am so grateful and humble I cannot thank you all enough.’
Stickallen based Julie Durrigan who runs Jem Heads, an online shop specialising in wedding hats, fascinators and hair pieces, was named the Wedding Accessories Provider of the Year.