Wait, so she decided not to attend the awards banquet with you before you admitted you liked her? That's odd... is there any reason why?

I don't really think you could have put that any better considering the circumstances (close friendship, nerves etc), but her responses seem... abrupt. I think she's genuinely surprised by your admission... that isn't necessarily a bad thing, though. Don't even remotely consider that you messed something up; anyone here, male or female, would have taken those steps too if it meant being happy, myself included. You should be pleased that you had the courage to go for it. Nobody even wins the lottery if they don't buy a ticket.

Anyways, do not force the issue, if anyone is going to mention the situation, let it be her. In the meantime, just ensure that you remain friends, that you keep doing the same stuff without any awkward sentiments and see what happens from there.