It’s the Twin Cities Wedding & Event Professionals (TCWEP) biggest night of the year! And rightly so, tonight marks the ten year anniversary for the warm & friendly event-industry networking group. The gilded gala is being held at the brand-new venue/distillery Royal Foundry Crafts Spirits at 241 Fremont Ave N. Minneapolis, MN 55405.
Pre-Show VIP Experience
TCWEP Founding Members* relax, sip champagne, and prepare for the gala in a private 4th floor suite at the hotel Delta by Marriott Minneapolis Northeast with a complete glam set-up of mirrors and make-up stations provided by Dream Day Dressing Rooms.
Elizabeth S. prepares Michelle T. prepares Susan L. prepares

Luxury Limo Service
24 Passenger Luxury Limo arrives at Delta Hotel Marriott Northeast 20 Passenger Luxury Limo by Renee’s Limosine

Transportation to the event is in luxury. A 24 passenger Limo Coach provided by Renee’s Limousines. The roads aren’t wonderful with the snow-storm, but you wouldn’t know it inside the limo. Everyone is socializing and celebrating while the chauffeur navigates the streets and traffic.
Limo Perks:
- Perimeter Leather Seating
- Upgraded Sound System w/ 42″ LED TV, CD Player, DVD Player, iPod Hookup
- Wet Bar stocked w/ Crystal Glassware
- Chauffeur handles navigating the streets in bad/good weather so you cn enjoy yourself
The Venue – Royal Foundry Craft Spirits
Royal Foundry Craft Spirits (RFCS) is a 15,000 foot venue space. We’d describe it as “modern contemporary with iconic British design elements.”
There are three distinct spaces in the venue:
Barrel Room Crown Room Gaming Area
- Barrel Room 29,000 sq. feet. Capacity up to 350 attendees.
- Crown Room 650 sq. feet. Capacity: up to 35 attendees.
- Gaming Area 1,100 sq. feet. Capacity up to 70 attendees.
Venue Perks:
- Close to downtown for transportation and accommodation needs
- Indoor facility guarantees protection from all types of weather
Barrel Room Set-Up (Earlier in the day)
RFCS Barrel Room Vendors loading in Lexi Albers, Event Planner, guides decor Lexi A., Lori Snyder, place glitz design element Todd Hoffman, owner Your-Type Letters Lexi Albers, Availed Events; Lori Snyder, Rock Your Dermis Venue with lighting, stage set, and all the decor
Founding Members & Guests Arrival at Venue
Matthew Sherry assists Claire Holder while limo driver holds umbrella Elizabeth Sherry arrives, driver holding umbrella Michelle Tverberg arrives, while driver holds umbrella
The event begins in earnest as the founding members of TCWEP descend from their limo.
Red Carpet Arrival Moments
Elizabeth Sherry, TCWEP Program Coordinator Claire Holder, Delta Hotels Marriott The Apeketis, Heidi A. owner 139 Hair by Heidi
Studio Veil photographs all founding members on the red carpet, as well as arriving attendees. Step and Repeat background by Your Type Letters.
Invitation Only “Crown Room” Pre-party
At 5pm a special invitation-only pre-party champagne reception is held in RFCS’ “Crown Room” for founding members, event sponsors, and the Diamond-of-Dedication award nominees to socialize. Refreshments included gourmet popcorn from Hip Pop.

VIP Crown Room Centerpieces
Mani Mela / Hana April Inc.VIP Crown Room
Decor – Festivities
TCWEP 10th Year Anniversary Gala Officially Begins
Stage 3D letters by Your-Type Event Letters, Lighting by Imagine Lights, Floral by Bellagala, Photo booth by 2 The Maxx Entertainment
Doors to the main event space open precisely at 6pm as the 150+ guests begin arriving. Complimentary valet by Cities Valet, who is providing spectacular service parking our guests cars with the snowy weather. Guests are welcomed at registration with personalized nametags designed by T. Aletta Event Stationery . Members receive special 2018-2019 Member Pins upon arrival..
Signature Cocktail by Royal Foundry Craft Spirits

Attendees walking into the Barrel Room are greeted by TCWEP’s official event signature cocktail. Aptly named Something Borrowed, Something Blue; composed in the classic Collins-style of Spirit/Citrus/Sugar/& Water element.
“We wanted the design of TCWEP’s signature cocktail to be refreshing. Something people could have a couple of,” says Marlon Hanson, assistant distiller at RFCS. “Crafting the cocktail was a team effort here. We used Gin, Ginger & Mint syrup, Lime juice & soda water to finish it off. Garnishing it with a sprig of mint.” When asked about the color, he explains, “There aren’t many ways to give cocktails a blue-tone, so that comes from some use of food coloring. We really wanted to give a knod to the 10 year anniversary color of blue.”
Dinner by Crave Catering

CRAVE catering is committed to providing catering services with unlimited resources for event planners, corporations, and individuals planning special events ranging from large-scale galas, weddings, small intimate in-home dinner parties, and everything in between. Preferred at over 30 Twin Cities venues.
Catering Menu
- Bavarian Bites Station soft pretzel knots with chipotle ranch or honey mustard dipping sauces.
- Grilled Sliced Flank Steak marinated in Tamari honey ginger sauce, served with rice noodle salad.
- Glazed Side of Salmon honey garlic glaze, served over bed of Israeli cous cous studded with spinach and tomato.
- Grilled Peach & Arugula Salad Platter with white beans, basil, goat cheese, and basil vinaigrette.
- Crostini Bar grilled breads served with various special spreads (8 spreads)
Italian crostini with various toppings Steak slices Salmon with CouCous

Desserts by Cocoa & Fig

Cocoa & Fig, known for their stylishly decadent desserts, brought in their best-large-scale-event-selling menu items to the gala knowing it would be attended by many industry planners. “We wanted to show people some of our most-loved desserts” says Michael Taylor of Cocoa & Fig. He composed the dessert menu while keeping in mind that these are the best-selling items for large-scale events. Such as weddings and corporate gatherings.
Dessert Menu
- Salted Caramel French Macaroons best sellingsignature item of Cocoa & Fig, the name says it all
- Vanilla Cake Pops vanilla cake and buttercream dipped in white chocolate
- Flourless Chocolate Cake simply a decadent flourless chocolate cake with a bit of ganache, chocolate frosting, and a little white chocolate twist
- Lemon Raspberry Cupcake vanilla cake raspberry Italian meringue buttercream
- Fresh Fruit Tartlets a tartlet shell filled with a lemon cream cheese filling, topped with raspberries and blueberries
Fruit Tartlets Salted Caramel French Vanilla Cake Pops Flourless Chocolate Cake Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes
4 1/2 Tier Event Cake by Sugar & Spice Custom Cakery

Standing at 2 1/2 feet tall, with 3 1/2 tiers of cake along with a light-up midsection, this custom cake by Dawn Olson-Wallerus of Sugar & Spice Custom Cakery feeds about 85 people.
“I knew I wanted to do something big” says Dawn. “The design inspiration for this cake came from the vision board that event planner Lori Snyder sent over.” All of the cake components are covered with fondant, the bottom tier has hexagon fondant cutouts applied for design, and the “10 TCWEP” official icon was printed out by Dawn’s edible printer which she uses to print food coloring onto sugar sheets.
Cake Tier Flavors
- Top Half-Sphere Cake Tier Chocolate cake layered with chocolate mousse filling, almond buttercream frosting piped to mimic a hydrangea flower effect
- Top Cake Tier Chocolate cake layered with chocolate mousse filling, almond buttercream frosting, covered with fondant
- Middle Light-Up Tier Edible Isomalt molded to mimic dripping diamonds and placed around the perimeter of a vase containing LED lights
- Middle Cake Tier Spice cake layered with caramel filling, brandy buttercream frosting, covered with fondant
- Bottom Cake Tier Lemon cake layered with lemon curd filling, with lemon buttercream frosting, covered with fondant
Floral Decor

Table top floral centerpieces and stage floral arrangements by Bellagala’s own Jamie Spellerman. Composed of white hydrangea, white roses, asperagus fern, sprigs of Eucalyptus and various greens. “Jamie Spellerberg with Bellagala is spot on with this floral decor. She is incredibly wonderful to work with, even with short notice, she created three glorious surprise bouquets for me to give away as thank you’s during the gala event, which I am prouder than proud to give away. Thank you, Jamie!”
– Michelle T., Co-founder TCWEP
Florals by Bellagala
Video: 10 Years

Kicking off the Awards Gala, projected up on the white walls is the latest video covering interviews and footage about TCWEP created by Moving Tree Media. Includes conversations with members: Heather Hanson, Heather Hanson Photography; James Ehlenz, EMI Audio; Renee Aymar-Kosmatka, Renee’s Limousines; Lexie Albers, Availed Wedding & Event Planning; Rev. Susan Lee Wright, Perfect Day Ceremonies & Affordable I Do’s.
Ceremony & Awards Show
Furniture & Linens by Ultimate Events; Big On-Stage Letters by Your-Type Lettering; Uplighting by Imagine Lights & EMI Audio
Thanking Gala Event Planners
Very special thank you to Rockstar Lead Event Planner Lori Snyder – Rodan & Fields and co-planner Lexi Albers – Availed Events for planning this epic 10 year TCWEP Celebration Humongous thank you to Elizabeth Sherry, TCWEP Event Coordinator We could not do these events without her, she brings all the details together and is truly a rock solid diamond to this organization.
Honoring Founding Members

Susan – Perfect Day Ceremonies; Sandra – Silks & Images; Paula and Eryka – Historic Hope Glen Farm

Two Lovely SURPRISES!

Surprise 1: Program Coordinator, Elizabeth Sherry, surprises everyone by announcing she inserted a fake award and time-slot into the event program.
People in the audience look quizzically to one another wondering what she is up to, Michelle Tverberg and Matthew Sherry both look just as stunned as the audience.
“I totally sabotaged this. Matt and Michelle think something else is happening right now… I want to let Michelle and Matt know that the course of my life changed because of this group.”
Elizabeth present both Matt and Michelle with their own Diamonds-of-Dedication awards for 10 years of service.

Watch Elizabeth’s Sabotage
Click play, the video is set to the moment of her sabotage, if you need to find the moment go to 44:36 in the timeline.
Surprise 2: Matthew Sherry wins “Potty-Bank” award. (Finally!) For months and months Tom O’Brien with On-site Companies has been giving away mini “Potty-Banks” at TCWEP’s monthly events. And each and every time TCWEP co-founder Matthew Sherry’s name is never picked for the prize giveaway. Well, Tom O’Brien has a special surprise for Matthew, he awards him a golden “Potty Bank.”
Diamonds-of-Dedication Awards Show Winners
Thunderous applause erupts around me moments after each winner is announced.
Volunteer Hero Award Difference Maker Award Lifeline Award Best Networker in the Twin Cities Award Rising Star Award Homegrown Award Best Planner in the Twin Cities Best Catering in the Twin Cities Award TCWEP Member of the Year award accepted by Susan Lee Wright and Lori Snyder on behalf of Jeannine Pohl of Jeannine Marie Photography Winners – Best TCWEP Event … Ever
Paula & Eryka – Historic Hope Glen Farm
Contributing Sponsors: Chef Alberto – A’BriTian Catering; Heidi – 139 Hair by Heidi;
Paul – Slingshot Branding & PR; DJ Greg – Neckwerk Entertainment
Volunteer Hero Award
Tami Cabrera
Muddy Paws CheesecakeDifference Maker Award
Robin Rosenberg
Linen EffectsLifeline Award
Tami Johnson
Studio B Floral DesignsHome Grown Award
Tom O’Brien
On Site CompaniesBest Networker Award
Jaime Engebretson
J’aime EventsThe Rising Star Award
Heidi Mathson
Dream Day Dressing RoomsBest Catering Award
Kelsey Knudson
CRAVE CateringBest Planner Award
Maddie Huntwork
Ask for the Moon EventsTCWEP Member of the Year
Jeannine Pohl
Jeannine Marie PhotographyBest TCWEP Event Ever 09/18
Eryka, Paula Bushilla
Hope Glen Farm & VineyardDiamond of Dedication
Matthew Sherry
Complete Weddings + EventsDiamond of Dedication
Founders Awards
Michelle Tverberg
Matthew Sherry
Elizabeth Sherry
See full list of 2019 diamonds-of-dedication nominees and award winners
Watch Full Awards Show Webcam
After Show Dance Party
DJ Greg – Neckwerk Entertainment Imagine Lights – LED Dance Floor
DJ Greg Ellis with Neckwerk Entertainment was chosen special for this event. Greg brings such energy and life to all he does; his energy brings nearly everyone out to dance on the epic LED light up dance floor that is one-of-a-kind by Imagine Lights.
Modern & Sleek Photobooth Fun
Modern, contemporary photo-booth provided by 2 The Maxx Entertainment
Thank You Sponsors

Heather Hanson Photography, LLC

Sponsor Poster by Epitome Papers Member Board by Epitome Papers
Event Sponsors
Diamond Sponsor – Majestic Oaks Golf Club / Hailey Fenton
Diamond Sponsor – Muddy Paws Cheesecake / Tami Cabrera
Catering & Bar Service – Crave Catering & Events / Kelsey Knudsen
Centerpieces – Mani Mela / Hana April Inc. / Hana April Chughtai
Co-Event Planning – Availed Events / Lexi Albers
Dance Floor & Lighting – Imagine Lights / Kirk Hoslin; EMI Audio / James Ehlenz
Desserts & Truffles – Cocoa & Fig / Michael Taylor
DJ – Neckwerk Entertainment / Greg Ellis Event
Event Planning – Rock Your Dermis Rock Your Life – Rodan + Fields / Lori Snyder
Event Media – Slingshot Branding & PR, LLC / Paul M.
Floral – Bellagala / Jamie Spellerberg
Furniture & Linens – Ultimate Events / Allison Munsell
Hotel Sponsor – Delta Hotels by Marriott / Claire Holder
Invitation, Programs & Posters – Epitome Papers / Evelyn Miller
Large Letters – Your Type Letters / Todd Hoffman
Name Tag Design – T. Aletta Event Stationery / Tricia Aletta Heagle
Photographer – Heather Hanson Photography / Heather Hanson
Event Pics Here
Photo Station – 2 The Maxx Entertainment & DJ Service
Photo Station Pics Here
Specialty Cake – Sugar & Spice Custom Cakery / Dawn Olson- Wallerus
Step & Repeat Photographer – Studio Veil / Ryan Veil
Red Carpet Photo Images Here
Valet Service: Cities Valet / Sam Anderson & Nick Alexander
Venue & Signature Cocktail – Royal Foundry Craft Spirits / Nikki McLain
Videography – Moving Tree Media, LLC / Luke Porter
VIP Experience Sponsor – Day Dream Dressing Rooms / Heidi Mathson
VIP Room Decor – Festivities / Amber Thorson
VIP Refreshments – Hip Pop Gourmet Popcorn
VIP Champagne Pour – Crave Catering & Events / Kelsey Knudsen
VIP Transport Sponsor – Renee’s Limousines / Renee Aymar- Kosmatka
Volunteer Jes B Jewelry Designs / Jessica Betzold
Volunteer – Minnesota Chamber of Commerce / Sandy Nichols
Volunteer– Onyx Event Planning / Danielle Saima
Volunteer– Geneva 338 Personal Chef Services / Leonardo Boone
Volunteer – Uy Lennon Floral & Events / Terri Uy Lennon
TCWEP Gala Leadership Team
Co-Founders
Complete Weddings + Events / Matthew Sherry
Delight Photography / Michelle Tverberg
Event Logistics Coordinator
Rock Your Dermis – Rock Your Life / Lori Snyder
Program Coordinator
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce / Elizabeth Sherry
Media & Website
Slingshot Branding & PR, LLC / Paul M.
*Founding members joined in 2015 when TCWEP launched new online membership and have been members ever since.