International Women’s Day

On Friday, I attended the ICON awards for the first time. If you don’t know, the ICONs are kind of like the Oscars for Colorado event planning. (And yes, there was a La La Land joke 😃)

I went with Walli Richardson, an incredibly talented and kind wedding and event planner. She actually won the Lifetime Achievement award at the ICONS in 2012! This year, I was up for the award for Best Photographer. Walli was up for Best Event Produced for an Individual.

Walli and I. Photo by Grant Oakes.

On Saturday, I attended a completely different event. It was a baby shower I had the pleasure of photographing. The baby on the way will be the first great grandchild for the couple who threw the shower. Lots of love there, to say the least.

Gorgeous centerpieces by Newberry Brothers. The baby shower set up! Cake by Gateaux, decor by Newberry Brothers, at Elway’s in Cherry Creek.

What did these two seemingly unrelated events have in common? They had something in common with all my jobs.

I’m working with and supported by women every step of the way. It’s SO common, it’s nearly invisible to me now! But, today is International Women’s Day, which is a great time to pause and appreciate the women around us.

Case in point? I never in a million years would have submitted my work to the ICONS without Walli’s encouragement. And I ended up being a finalist!

There’s this strange and hurtful expectation that we should be or are in competition with each other – there’s only so much room at the table. And sure, you’ll always run into that expectation.

But one of my favorite quotes comes to mind.

 

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” To this day, especially in times of “disaster,” I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.”

— Fred Rogers

 

Now, you may or may not view the current environment for women in the US and beyond as a disaster. You may think women are in an incredibly lucky position. You may see discrimination everywhere you turn.

Regardless, if take a moment to look for the awesome women around you, you honestly won’t be able to help but see them.

As for the ICONS, congratulations to Walli Richardson Events and Affair with Flair, and thank you for sharing the stage with me! Congrats to Zorn Photography, Colorado Wedding Company, Newberry Brothers, and all the incredible event and wedding professionals who won a 2017 ICON Award.

Walli won! That’s me on the left. So cool to be on stage with ICON winners, Walli of Walli Richardson Events and Lisa & Leslie of Affair with Flair. That’s my photo on the projector on the far left, too 🙂 Thanks again to Grant Oakes for the photo!

And to all the wonderful men who support, love, and see women for who they are, thank you, too.

Hug a lady today!

Sort of random portrait of three sisters we made at the end of last year. But it’s Women’s Day!