In continuing with my reflection from the NEAWP conference October 27, 2009. I received a 
huge surprise that night by being awarded the 1st Annual Excellence in the Wedding Industry
Award presented by Amy Mader. I was so stunned I cried and I didn't hear half the things she
said about the award and asked her to send it over to me. It brings tears to my eyes even now
to read through her comments. It means so much to be recognized for doing what you love.
It isn't often that you hear what your peers think of you and it is even more heartfelt coming
from what some would consider a competitor. The exciting thing to me is that the professionals
in NEAWP have come together not only to bring planners and vendors together, but to help the
industry as a whole elevate the level of service to brides. 

Here are Amy's comments from the award presentation.

The second award I would like to present is to an event planner who believes in
the integrity of the wedding industry and supports the growth of education
amongst their peers. The recipient of this award is Barbara Hearne of Barbara’s
Brides. I have known Barbara for over 10 years and still the only one who can call
her Barbie and not get slapped. She hails from the catering industry in hotels
and country clubs before opening Barbara’s Brides and has worked with brides
for over 25 years. She truly loves the magic of weddings and how unique each
one is. She prides herself in relieving stress off the brides and can be the best
mamma bear to all who are close to her.

She was one of the first consultants who came to AWEC with a vision to raise the
bar of professionalism with wedding consultants. I have sat in numerous board
meetings with her when I held my various board positions and she hers. We have
not always agreed on everything, but she is one of the only people who will go
head to head with me in an argument and I do understand that her goal is to push
me to be a better person. She stands up for what she believes and people can not
waver her on an issue. She was one of the first to develop an internship program
allowing prospective wedding consultants to come work for her and gain
knowledge and experience in the industry. One of her first interns, Tanya Posavatz
was trained under Barbara and she created a successful event company here in
Austin, clink events. In addition to her internship program, Barbara has taught
seminars with topics ranging from “effective bloggings” establishing and
promoting your business to teaching brides how to plan a wedding (knowing that
not every bride will hire an event planner). Her passion and desire for this industry
is unmatched.

It is with deep pleasure that I present Barbara Hearne of Barbara's Brides with the
first annual excellence in the wedding industry award.


Thank you Amy and NEAWP for giving me a place to shine.

I can't wait to hang the award in my new office coming next month,
Barbara
www.barbarasbrides.com