The 2017 UK African Wedding Awards (UKAWA) held on Thursday, the 5th of October, 2017 at St John’s in Hyde Park, London. The awards ceremony aims to recognise and honour distinctive individuals and businesses which serve the UK African wedding industry, whilst consistently demonstrating a level of excellence fused with diversity, creativity and innovation through the services they offer.
With over 11,000 votes for 150 wedding professionals, the award finalists were shortlisted and announced on Bella Naija. The judging panel made up of Yemi Kosibah (Kosibah), Elizabeth Solaru (Elizabeth’s Emporium), MC Charles Emeka, Adebayo Deru (Adebayo Deru Photography), Chidinma Obiamalu (African Sweetheart Weddings) amongst others then had the huge task of choosing winners from the finalists.
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The event kicked off a little late but this gave us the perfect opportunity to catch some of our favourite UK African wedding vendors looking dapper. It was great to see so many fantastic vendors,who work really hard to create memorable events for their clients, take some time out to enjoy a night out in their honour. Here are some vendors we spotted;
Look out for our vlog on our YouTube channel in the next few days to see all the highlights from the event including the very energetic dance choreography and Godson’s interesting dance to receive his award but we’ll save all that for YouTube. Here’s a list of the nominees and winners.
Wedding Cake Vendor of the Year
- Favoured Cakes – Winner
- Just Like Mummy’s
- Tees Bakery
- Teal & Roses
Wedding Décorator & Venue Stylist of the Year
- Anaiah Grace – Winner
- Events Royale
- Posh N Sparkle
- Florissa Designs
- Michelle Buabin
Wedding Drinks Vendor of the Year
- Stirrers and Shakers Cocktails – Winner
- The Hunters Cocktails
- Guzzu Drinks
- E Delicious Cocktails
Bridal Hair Stylist of the Year
- Charis Hair – Winner
- AVOS Hair
- Styles by Toks
- Hair by Abike
- GHAB Pro
Bridal MakeUp Artist of the Year
- Joy Adenuga – Winner
- Divaz Beauty
- Makeup by J
- Makeup by Paloma
- J Annan Beauty
Wedding Photographer of the Year
- Godson Studio – Winner
- FDAN Photography
- Slick Photography
- Enitan Photography
- Bigg Ayo Photography
Suit Maker of the Year
- Anthony’s Collections – Winner
- Keye London
Wedding Videographer of the Year
- Samon Films – Winner
- Special Functions
- G Truly Weddings
- Marvin Films
Wedding Entertainer of the Year
- Iyanna Monique – Winner
- Soji Alayo
- Jermaine Jones
Wedding MC of the Year
- Simply Andy – Winner
- Folly Fresh
- A DOT Comedian
- MC Mark Comedian
- Mr Tandoh
Wedding Caterer of the Year
- Magic Fingers – Winner
- Taste Haven
- MSK Catering Services
- Dansaki Catering
- King Solomon
- The Food Connoisseurs
Wedding DJ of the Year
- DJ Darkozy – Winner
- DJ Tallest
- DJ Yung Milli
- Danny Yega
- DJ Blitz
Wedding Planner of the Year
- Just As Planned – Winner
- Mrs Wedding Planner
- Events on Wheels
- Ahava Weddings
- SD Weddings Management
- JB Wedding Planner
Wedding of the year – A collective team award
- Hannah & Olu #OluHan17 – Winner
- Debo & Ali #DStar2017
- Rachel & Yinka #RaYinx17
- Yemi & Tolu #YTLOVE16
What’s an award ceremony without a Steve Harvey moment. When it was time to announce the winner of the Wedding venue of the year award, Meridian Grand were announced as the winners even though the big screen had Hilton Park Lane displayed. MC Charles Emeka immediately stepped in and apologised for the error.
Venue of the Year
- Hilton Park Lane – Winner
- Northbrook Park
- The Decorium
- Addington Palace
- Meridian Grand
Quite noticably, there was no winner announced for the Bridal Dress Maker of the Year award whichhad the following nominees; Cobbina Studios, Anike Midele and Alonuko.
Well done to all the nominees, winners and the team who put the awards ceremony together. We look forward to next year’s event!!