Awards Categories
At the Love & Legacy Couples Awards Gala, we celebrate couples whose lives, love, and leadership are shaping our community for the better.
Each award category honors a different expression of partnership—from lifetime commitment to emerging impact. Explore the categories below to find the best fit for your nomination.
Emerging Couple Award
The Rising Legacy Honor
Spotlighting emerging couples making rapid and meaningful contributions to their community.
The Emerging Couple Award honors couples who may be early in their journey, but are already making a noticeable impact. These are rising leaders whose energy, creativity, and commitment signal that their legacy is just beginning—and it’s powerful.
Eligibility
- Couple generally married or partnered for 1–10 years (flexible based on story and impact)
- Actively involved in community, professional, faith-based, or social impact work
- Showing rapid growth in influence, leadership, or service
- Open to younger couples and newer partnerships as well as later-in-life unions that are newly engaged in community work
Key Measurable Qualities
- Strong momentum in community engagement or leadership within the last 1–5 years
- Evidence of launching new initiatives, programs, or creative solutions
- Demonstrated balance of personal growth, partnership, and service to others
- Ongoing commitment to developing their impact, not just a one-time accomplishment
Example Indicators of Excellence
- Founding or co-leading a new nonprofit, program, or group that meets a current need
- Organizing community events, workshops, or social impact campaigns
- Rapidly increasing involvement, recognition, or responsibility in organizations or ministries
- Testimonials showing they are “the couple to watch” in terms of future community leadership
Community Service Award
The Hearts-In-Action Honor
Celebrating couples who lead with service, compassion, and hands-on community transformation.
The Community Service Award recognizes couples who roll up their sleeves and serve. These are the hearts-in-action leaders—showing up for neighborhoods, schools, nonprofits, and causes that matter, and creating real change through their shared commitment to service.
Eligibility
- Couple actively engaged in community service, volunteer work, or advocacy
- Service can be through nonprofits, grassroots initiatives, schools, civic groups, or informal outreach
- Must demonstrate a pattern of service over time (not just a one-time event)
- Open to couples of all ages and backgrounds
Key Measurable Qualities
- Consistent volunteer hours or leadership roles in service-based organizations
- Clear evidence of impact on specific groups (youth, seniors, underserved families, etc.)
- Collaboration as a couple in planning, organizing, or executing service projects
- Visibility and reliability as trusted community servants
Example Indicators of Excellence
- Leading recurring community events (food drives, health fairs, back-to-school events, etc.)
- Serving on boards, committees, or leadership teams for service organizations
- Documented partnerships with local schools, shelters, churches, or neighborhood groups
- Testimonials or stories from community members about how their service has made a difference
Spiritual couple award
The Divine Partnership Honor
Recognizing couples whose faith leadership strengthens families, churches, and communities.
The Spiritual Couple Award celebrates couples whose relationship is rooted in faith and expressed through service, discipleship, and spiritual leadership. These couples uplift others, model grace under pressure, and help strengthen the spiritual foundation of families and communities..
Eligibility
- Couple generally married or partnered for 1–10 years (flexible based on story and impact)
- Actively involved in community, professional, faith-based, or social impact work
- Showing rapid growth in influence, leadership, or service
- Open to younger couples and newer partnerships as well as later-in-life unions that are newly engaged in community work
Key Measurable Qualities
- Consistent faith-based service and availability to support others
- Demonstrated spiritual maturity, integrity, and character
- Positive influence on the spiritual growth of individuals, families, or congregations
- Evidence of unity and partnership in their faith walk and service
Example Indicators of Excellence
- Leading or co-leading ministries, small groups, marriage classes, or prayer gatherings
- Providing ongoing counseling, mentoring, or spiritual support to couples and families
- Being called upon regularly during times of crisis, grief, or major life transitions
- Stories of transformed lives, restored relationships, or renewed faith connected to their influence
Business couple award
The Power Partnership Excellence Honor
Honoring entrepreneurial couples whose business and philanthropy strengthen the economic health of the community..
The Business Couple Award celebrates couples who build together—leveraging their business, leadership, and resources to uplift others. These couples use entrepreneurship not just for profit, but for people: creating jobs, opportunities, and community impact through their work and giving.
Eligibility
- Couple that co-owns, co-leads, or meaningfully co-manages a business or enterprise
- Business must have a connection to the local or regional community
- Demonstrated commitment to ethical practices, community involvement, or philanthropy
- Open to small business owners, franchise owners, professional service firms, and other entrepreneurial ventures
Key Measurable Qualities
- Business longevity or growth (years in operation, expansion, or stability)
- Job creation, internships, or opportunities provided to local residents
- Financial or in-kind support for community initiatives, nonprofits, or events
- Visible partnership dynamics—how they lead together, share responsibilities, and model healthy collaboration
Example Indicators of Excellence
- Hosting or sponsoring community events, scholarships, or training programs
- Hiring locally, supporting local vendors, or engaging in equitable business practices
- Serving on business or chamber boards, advisory councils, or economic development initiatives
- Being recognized by customers, employees, or partners as a positive and impactful business presence
Love & Legacy award
The Eternal Impact Honor
Celebrating couples whose long-standing marriage and unwavering service have created a multigenerational impact.
The Love & Legacy Award honors couples whose enduring commitment to one another has produced a powerful, lasting impact on their family and community. This category recognizes couples who have weathered seasons together, invested in others, and built a legacy of love that inspires generations.
Eligibility
- Married or committed couple in a long-term partnership (typically 15+ years)
- Reside in or have strong ties to the local community or surrounding region
- Demonstrated consistent involvement in family, community, faith, or civic life
- May be nominated by community members, organizations, faith leaders, family, friends, or through self-nomination
Key Measurable Qualities
- Length of partnership and continuity of commitment
- Evidence of positive influence on children, grandchildren, or extended family
- Consistent involvement in community or faith-based service over multiple years
- Examples of mentorship, guidance, or support given to other couples or families
Example Indicators of Excellence
- 15–40+ years of marriage or partnership with a record of mutual support
- Regular hosting or leading of family gatherings, marriage groups, or mentorship circles
- Stories of how their relationship has inspired others to reconcile, grow, or stay committed
- Documented involvement in community boards, ministries, nonprofits, or civic projects over time