Ask any bride-to-be, and she'll probably tell you she's been thinking about her wedding day since she was a little girl. Those dreams and ideas take shape as she and her fiancé plan their wedding day.
The Southern Maryland Wedding Guide is going to make one lucky couple's wedding dreams a reality. The magazine is currently planning its first-ever "Southern Maryland Dream Wedding Giveaway," a prize valued at more than $25,000 in goods and services. The contest coincides with SoMdWeddings.com's second anniversary.
"I can't think of a better way to celebrate our second year online than by making someone's dreams come true," said Kimberly Bean, founder and CEO of SoMdWeddings.com. "The winners will receive everything they need for a perfect day, from the hall to the decorations to the dress and more."
The wedding will take place Saturday, February 18, 2006 at Middleton Hall in Waldorf, which will provide catering and hall rental for the wedding. Several vendors have already signed on for the contest: Sandi Foraci Photography, Mary Rahall (consulting and invitations), Forever Yours (decorations), Elite Beatz Entertainment (DJ services), Lynn Kline of Illusions Hair and Nail Salon (hair and makeup) and BridalEverything.com (favors). Vendor services are still being collected; the winning couple will be provided with everything they need for their wedding day.
"We're working with some of Southern Maryland's top wedding service providers to make this day special," Bean said. "We'll all work together to make the day one that the winners will never forget."
SoMdWeddings.com will track the couple's progress as they plan their big day with the help of Master Bridal Consultant Mary Rahall. The magazine will also attend and report on the wedding and reception.
Entry forms and rules will be posted on SoMdWeddings.com; the entry period opens on January 3, 2005. Five finalists will be drawn at the magazine's annual bridal show, "A Bridal Affair," which will be held at Middleton Hall on Sunday, February 20, 2005. Those five couples will be asked to write a short essay, and a panel of local wedding experts will choose the winner.
SoMdWeddings.com debuted in December 2002 and averages 30,000 to 35,000 page views per month. At the site, visitors can search the site's directory of more than 800 local wedding service providers, including caterers, reception sites, photographers, florists, party rentals and others. The site also features real Southern Maryland weddings, engagement announcements, message boards and wedding trend articles and resources.