18th Annual Minnesota Star Awards — From the Ashes

ILEA MSP
Jul 15
2 min read

Date: April 1, 2022

Venue: The Whim

Director: Kastina Morrison

“From the Ashes, A Rebirth into 2022. You’ve made it, out of the ashes, through the dust and found your seat to celebrate all of us.” The 18th Annual Star Awards celebrated a full return to the events industry with a stunning progressive event.

Images by Mark Fierst Photography

2022 Winners

Best On-Premise Catered Event — "August Al Fresco" — Breanne Burich, D'Amico Catering

Best Event Design & Decor Budget under $25,000 — "Fabyanske, Westra, Hart & Thomson 40th Anniversary Celebration" — Michaella Holden, Lucent Blue Events

Best Event Design & Decor Budget over $25,000 — "Curtain Call Ball" — Ryan Hanson, CSEP, BeEvents; Dale Moore, Andon Balloons; Summer Harsh, Summer Harsh Botanical Artistry; Matthew Trettel, Haven & Gather; Katie Nelson, Children's Theatre Company

Best Use of Specialty Decor — "2021 Commencement Mural" — Ryan Hanson, BeEvents; Sarah Cash-Darvell, Augsburg University; Jane Klein, BIG INK

Best Event Photography — "T&K T the K (Tom & Ken Tie the Knot)" — Joe Szurszewski, Joe Szurszewski Photography

Best Event Videography — "Midnight Masquerade" — Enticing Entertainment, Steven Lewer of Lewer Unlimited

Best Support Services - Logistics, Outdoor & Tent Event — "Game Fair" — Colin Ericson, Ultimate Events

Best Entertainment Production — "Midnight Masquerade" — Enticing Entertainment

Best Corporate Event — "Morrie's Luxury Land Rover Launch" — Hana April Chughtai, Hana April, Inc.

Best Non-Profit Event — "Recovery Gala" — Sarah Cash-Darvell, Augsburg University

Best Social Event (Non-Wedding) — "Midnight Masquerade" — Enticing Entertainment

Best Wedding — "Savannah & RJ's Wedding" — Pink Peony Weddings & Events

Best Event - Virtual or Hybrid — "The ONE Forum" — Jodi Collen, CSEP, Be the Match; Ryan Hanson, CSEP, BeEvents; Kitty Hart, Heroic Productions; Brave New Outpost; Walk the Moon Media

Best Industry Innovation — "There's No Place Like Home" — Christie Altendorf, D'Amico Catering

Best ILEA Team Effort — "The ONE Forum" — Jodi Collen, CSEP, Be the Match; Ryan Hanson, CSEP, BeEvents; Kitty Hart, Heroic Productions

Volunteer of the Year: Samantha Morrow

Partner of the Year: D'Amico Hospitality