'Dream come true' for Buckie DJ Paul T as he triumphs at prestigious Scottish Wedding Awards
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IT was a case of third time lucky for a Buckie DJ after he triumphed at a prestigious national awards ceremony.
Paul Tough – known professionally as DJ Paul T – had been hoping to go one better than the Highly Commended honour he won at last year's Scottish Wedding Awards in the Wedding DJ of the Year category. He had previously been nominated for the trophy in 2020 and 2022, there being no awards in 2021 due to Covid.
However, at the awards ceremony on Tuesday evening at The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel with over 500 guests in attendance Paul was no longer the bridesmaid for the silverware, seeing off a tough challenge from nine other finalists drawn from across Scotland.
He was initially nominated by brides and grooms before going to a public vote between last August and November which saw him propelled into the final shortlist. A judging panel were given the difficult task of deciding who went home with the category crown.
A delighted Paul described the victory as a "dream come true".
He said said: "I'm over the moon, absolutely delighted, this has been a dream come true.
"I was absolutely speechless when my name was read out. To be honest I didn't think I had much of a chance. I was one of 10 finalists who were all well-recognised DJs in their own regions – coming out of that on top is just incredible, it's huge recognition both professionally and personally."
Such was Paul's shock at winning that he still cannot bring himself to watch the video of his acceptance speech.
"I was in so much shock I was stumbling over my words, I just couldn't believe it" he confessed.
As a finalist, Paul had to submit evidence to the judges to support his challenge for the title.
"In my supporting evidence I had things like reviews from brides, organisations I've done support work for like the BBs or Netherha Care Home and local venues and people who use me all the time," he continued.
"Also, I submitted photos and videos of what I do as well as details of and links to the press support I've had from the Banffshire Advertiser and [sister title] The Northern Scot.
"I think I did better with the supporting evidence this year, I submitted more than I ever have before and hopefully that helped get me over the line."
Paul's triumph has seen a huge groundswell of congratulations for his achievement.
He commented: "The feedback and support has been amazing, I've had so many people coming up to me and saying 'Congratulations!'.
"At the awards ceremony my phone was going all night after I posted that I'd won; I was getting messages from friends and family across the UK and across the world.
"So many Buckie businesses were sharing my post as well, which was wonderful.
"Even pals of my 10-year-old son Louie have been asking him to say 'Well done' to me. He's very proud of his dad!
"I'd like to thank everyone who has supported me on my journey, whether that was by voting for me, providing reviews or other support.
"I'm especially proud of this award when I think of the difficult time I had over the pandemic.
It is back to earth at the weekend for Paul, who will be swapping a glittering awards ceremony for putting smiles on faces at the Mulben Ladies Day and the Mamma Mia event at the Seafield Arms Hotel in Cullen.
Paul has been on the DJ trail since the age of 10, and while most of his clientele is drawn roughly from the Aberdeen to Inverness corridor, he is more than happy to venture further afield wherever his services are required. He has even worked with couples from abroad who are getting married in Scotland.
Now in its tenth year, the Scottish Wedding Awards celebrate the best wedding industry professionals and businesses across Scotland.
The awards, run by Creative Oceanic, aim to recognise the hard work, dedication, and exceptional service of those who have contributed to making weddings unforgettable and special occasions for couples and their loved ones. They also aim to inspire others in the industry to strive for excellence in their work.
A spokesperson for The Scottish Wedding Awards 2023 said: "We are thrilled to have been able to celebrate the very best of the wedding industry in Scotland.
"The winners truly deserve this recognition for their exceptional work, and we hope that their success will inspire others in the industry to strive for excellence.
“Each winner demonstrated exceptional skill, talent, and dedication to their craft, and should be proud of their achievements. We would like to extend our warmest congratulations to all the winners and finalists.”
The Buckie area was also represented in one of the regional contests at the awards. Caroline Holmes of Fochabers-based Twisted Willow Florists was in the running for the Florist of the Year (North) award – her second nomination in two years – but unfortunately was not successful.
See the full list of award winners at https://creativeoceanicblog.wordpress.com
