I’ll never forget it. We were sitting on the bus in Miami, just getting back from a fantastic vacation in the Caribbean. Although we had a great time on the trip we had something lurking in the back of our minds. The South Carolina Association of Wedding Photographer’s annual competition was happening that same week, and we wouldn’t be able to check the results until we got back.

Now that we had cell phone reception again, my wife Debra turned on her phone to see what had happened in the world over the past week. A few minutes later she started to cry. I asked her what happened. She just said, “Never mind you will see soon enough.” Concerned that someone had died I bugged her more and she gave in… we had been awarded “2012 South Carolina Wedding Photographer of the Year” at the competition. And then we just kind of sat there for a moment of disbelief. Then she said it again “you did it babe! your South Carolina Wedding Photographer of the Year!” … Had I not been sitting in a congested bus I probably would have tried to do a cartwheel.

So yea. Wow. I guess this is that awkward part where someone has to say a bunch of thankful things to a lot of people. But honestly, if your reading this, then THANK YOU. Really, this wouldn’t be possible without the incredible gift God has given me, my awesome wife for all her help during the weddings, and of course some fantastic couples to work with.

Here’s a look at our winning portfolio (complete with new fancy logos!):

In addition we also won some other awards in some of the individual categories:

1st Place – Getting Ready Category 

1st Place – Details Category 

2nd Place – Wedding Reception Category 

Honorable Mention – Wedding Reception Category 

Honorable Mention – Couples Portrait Category 

Honorable Mention – Wedding Ceremony CategorySo excited!! I also wanted to personally thank the three judges, Jeff Blake, and the South Carolina Association of Wedding Photographers for putting on the contest each year.

If you’ve got a lot of time to kill you can view the entire judging and awards ceremony on youtube at: https://www.youtube.com/user/jeffblakephoto
Also, to see the official results or to read more about the contest feel free to visit: http://www.scawpj.com/