This April marked a milestone for the Twin Cities Wedding & Event Professionals (TCWEP) as the organization celebrated its Sweet 16-year anniversary in unforgettable style. With frosting-pink vibes, golden accents, and enough sparkle to make Cinderella blush, the anniversary event was a heartfelt nod to the network’s humble beginnings and its ongoing mission to support and connect event industry pros across the Twin Cities.
✨ Celebrating Excellence: The 2025 TCWEP Awards
In true TCWEP fashion, the evening wasn’t just about sweets and selfies—it was also about spotlighting the best of the best in the local wedding and event industry. Each year, TCWEP recognizes professionals who go above and beyond with peer-nominated awards, and this year’s finalists represented the incredible talent and heart that define this community.
Here’s a round of applause (and a few confetti emojis 🎉🎉) for this year’s nominees and winners:
🌟 Rising Star Award
Finalists: Nothing Bundt Cakes, Wandering Charcuterie, Wooden Hill Brewing Company
🏆 Winner: Nothing Bundt Cakes
🏛️ Venue Excellence Award
Finalists: Historic Hope Glen Farm & Tree House, Leopold’s Mississippi Gardens, Mendakota Country Club
🏆 Winner: Historic Hope Glen Farm & Tree House
🍽️ Catering Excellence Award
Finalists: A’BriTin Catering, Big Guys BBQ Roadhouse, Crave Catering
🏆 Winner: Big Guys BBQ Roadhouse
💐 Vendor Excellence Award
Finalists: Custom Keepsake Drawings by Michelle, Rustic Elegance, Studio B Floral
🏆 Winner: Studio B Floral
❤️ Heart of the Industry Award
Finalists: Dana Allison (Keyed Up Events), Greg Ellis (DJ Greg Ellis), Ari Reynolds (Complete Weddings + Events)
🏆 Winner: Ari Reynolds, Complete Weddings + Events
These awards reflect the passion, creativity, and dedication that fuel Minnesota’s wedding and event scene—and judging by the standing ovations and misty eyes, these wins meant the world to the recipients.
Hosted at the romantic and scenic Leopold’s Mississippi Gardens, the event embraced the “Sweet 16” theme from top to bottom. Guests were welcomed into a stunning ballroom that overlooked the mighty Mississippi River, where elegance met enchantment. Soft Disney-inspired touches peeked out throughout the venue—hidden villains, and romantic magic for those with a keen eye.
The aesthetic? Picture the inside of a birthday cake meets luxury wedding dream: linens in vibrant pink and coral hues by Linen Effects, florals bursting with yellow and pink roses, and delicate alstroemeria courtesy of Studio B Floral, and uplighting that bathed the space in color by Complete Weddings + Events. To complete the dreamy backdrop, a playful balloon arch by Marsha’s Stitches served as both a photo op and an eye-catching feature wall.
And of course, the event was captured in all its splendor by not one, but two expert photographers: Jeannine Marie Photography and Jessica Knighton Photography. Award speeches and highlight reels were filmed by the talented team at Studio Veil Videography.
In true TCWEP fashion, the food was as fabulous as the florals. Mintahoe Catering brought the flavor with mouthwatering sliders, a build-your-own burrito bar, and salads featuring candied pecans and cranberries. But the real star of the culinary show? A dessert spread fit for a fairytale. From a whimsical candy bar curated by Keyed Up Events, to Cardigan Donuts galore, and a towering three-tier cake handcrafted by The Thirsty Whale Bakery, no sweet tooth left unsatisfied.
The evening pulsed with energy thanks to one of the Twin Cities’ top wedding DJs, DJ Greg Ellis, who got everyone moving and grooving into the evening.
Additional sponsors for the night who helped bring the vision to life included:
- Villa Valley Goods
- Hana April Inc.
- Elysian Events
This evening of sparkle and celebration also marked a moment to reflect on just how far TCWEP has come.
From Crockpots to Couture
Founded in April 2009, just after the economic recession, TCWEP was born from collaboration and resourcefulness. Co-founders Michelle Tverberg of Delight Photography and Matthew Sherry, CEO of Complete Weddings + Events, began networking together to share business and referrals in a time of economic uncertainty. What started as casual meetups with folding chairs and crockpot meals quickly blossomed into a professional powerhouse of connection and community.
Over the past 16 years, TCWEP has hosted over 149 Venue Tour + Vendor Meetups at locations across the metro area—yes, even during the COVID-19 pandemic when meetings moved online. The group has brought together more than 4,000 event professionals and is powered by a remarkable 1,400 volunteers and sponsors who have contributed their time and talent over the years.
Today, the group continues to grow, offering monthly networking events on the second Wednesday of each monththat serve as both community-building gatherings and business-boosting opportunities for event professionals of all kinds.
What hasn’t changed is the heart behind it all: people helping people, business owners lifting each other up, and a shared love for creating unforgettable events.
Here’s to Many More
As TCWEP blew out the candles on 16 incredible years, the evening served as a reminder that while trends may change and businesses may evolve, the power of community, connection, and creativity is timeless.
Whether you’re a florist, photographer, venue manager, DJ, or donut enthusiast—TCWEP continues to be a place where professionals grow, collaborate, and celebrate together.
For more information about the event, look at our 2025 Sweet 16 Gala landing page