2014 Winner’s Words: Darby and Joan
|Who are you?
Karen Eggleton from Darby & Joan
What have you won?
Best Wedding Venue Stylist
What initially inspired you to take part in TWIA 2014?
A couple of wedding industry friends suggested I entered and we have had such an amazing couple of years that I thought it was now or never. I felt confident that the weddings we had worked on gave us a really strong chance of winning the Regionals, but I never dreamt we would win the National award. I liked the process of the awards and that only actual clients could vote.
How surprised were you to hear your name announced as the winner?
I honestly can’t remember walking up to the stage. It was all a blur and I literally stood frozen to the spot for a few moments when our name was announced, my husband had to give me a nudge!
What does winning The Wedding Industry Awards mean to you?
It really does mean the world. Several other awards are purely a numbers game and anyone can vote for you, even people you haven’t met or worked with – simply the more votes you gain, the more chance you have of winning.
The way these awards are structured means that only past brides and grooms can vote for you and they complete a detailed questionnaire on all aspects of your business and delivery. The judging panel looks at your website, social media presence, the way you interact with other wedding suppliers as well as the work you produce. The final piece of the process is an interview where you have the opportunity to talk about your business and why you should win.
Our couples took the time to vote, said amazing things about us and we have the approval of the judging panel – what more could we want? It reaffirms that we are good at what we do, and our clients and peers think the same.
Tell us a bit about your background.
I’ve always had an interest in fashion, interiors and design and I’d love to think that Darby & Joan has an integrity and style that reflects that. It is a real privilege being asked to be so involved in a wedding and we always, always have an excitement about every wedding we work on.
What has been the most valuable part of TWIA 2014 for you?
The contacts I have made and the opportunities that have been offered to me since winning have been phenomenal.
What was your favourite feedback from your voter comments?
“I invested in Karen as well as her company; her enthusiasm and creative original ideas I knew would be perfect for my wedding.
Karen gave us a great impression from the word go, and we totally trusted her to deliver what we wanted. Her aesthetic vision is just gorgeous, and really just what we had in mind.”
How has winning an award affected your business?
It has offered us a real credibility in a very competitive market. On a personal level it has given me a huge boost of confidence that Darby & Joan does help couples to add a little magic to their wedding day. I hoped we did, but now I know we do!
What were your highlights of TWIA 2014 awards presentation?
It was a fantastic evening, beautifully put together and planned. The highlight has to be seeing my husband’s face when I came back off the stage.
Where can we find out more about you?
Website: www.darbyandjoanvintage.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/darbyandjoanvin
Twitter: twitter.com/darbyandjoanvin