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2009 Winning Couple
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   Jacksonville Magazine's 2009 Great Wedding Giveaway is officially over. The lucky couple, Mr. and Mrs. Ian Hurley, wed the evening of June 1 at Serenata Beach Club. The couple looked fantastic, the weather was perfect, and a good time was had by all of the nearly 100 guests who gathered to celebrate the occasion. Congratulations to Nita and Ian and their families. We couldn't have picked a more appreciative, friendly and happy couple. We wish them all the best.
Of course, the entire event couldn't have happened without the generous contributions from our many participating sponsors. This collection of local wedding professionals represents the very best in the city. (See below for a complete list of sponsors and their donations.)
Nita and Ian's journey as the winner's of our inaugural Great Wedding Giveaway contest began in the summer of 2008. Thats when they decided to take the chance and register for this truly once-in-a-lifetime prize package - nearly $40,000 in wedding services and a five-day honeymoon in the Caribbean. More than 60 couple registered and qualified for entry in the contest. That group was trimmed to ten couples, who were asked to come to the Jacksonville Magazine offices and
be interviewed by our selection panel. Next, four finalist couples were chosen to compete the night of December 12 in a "game show", from which the grand prize winner would be selected.
That evening emcees Cole Pepper and 2008 Miss Florida USA Jessica Minch presided over "The Nearlywed Game," a live event presented in front of an audi
ence of more than 150. The four participating couples had to be prepared for almost anything, as the questions asked were in the spirit of a cheesy 1970s game show. Needless to say, several questions in the two-round competition involved the phrase, "making whoopee."
Our semi-finalist couples - Nita Sinden and Ian Hurley, Ryan Ketterman and Monica Mia Hiday, Lauren Brooks and Brian Imhulse, and Kathleen Holland and Brian Triggs - competed fiercely. At the conclusion of two rounds, the game ended in a two-way tie. The tiebreaker came down to three questions, with the question "The perfect wife (fill in the blank)" being the decider. In the end, it was Ian who answered correctly, saying "loves." Ian's response secured them the Golden Cake Topper trophy and the prize package of complimentary wedding services.
The full story of Nita and Ians gorgeous oceanside wedding will be featured in the August 2009 edition of Jacksonville Magazines Bride, due out in late July. Check it out. Also, we will be posting a video here from the June 1 nuptials. Registration for the 2010 Great Wedding Giveaway opened June 1 and concludes this November. So, if you or someone you know plans to get married next year, register now.
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Click here to see photos from the wedding.
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Click here to see video and images from the Nearly Wed Game.
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Nita and Ian's Winning Prize Package included:
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Serenata Beach Club
$15,000 • Wedding & Reception
As North Florida’s premier oceanside private membership club, Serenata Beach Club is a favorite for brides searching for the ultimate location at which to host a wedding. Located perched atop high dunes between Ponte Vedra Beach and St. Augustine, Serenata features all the amenities one would expect from a first-class club—outstanding dining, two poo
ls, exercise facilities and more. Plus, the view of the Atlantic Ocean is unmatched in the region. • 3175 S. Ponte Vedra Blvd., 823-3368.
www.serenataclub.com
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My Personal Training Studio
$5,500 • Personal Fitness Training For 2
My Personal Training Studio (MPTS) offers you some of the most innovative, up-to-date personal training available. Unlike other personal training studios, MPTS offers locker rooms, pilates, yoga, and other state-of-the-art fitness equipment. The mission of MPTS is to provide a health and fitness location that will allow you to rise to your true potential, and allow you to feel comfortable in a gym environment. Prize package includes two sessions per week from December 1 through May 31, 2009. • 533 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 305-3728.
www.mype
rsonaltrainingstudio.net
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Naturally Photography
$4,000 • Photography Package
Winner of The Knot magazine’s National Photography Competition for Best Wedding Photography, Naturally Photography is a cutting edge digital photography studio specializing in weddings and family lifestyle portraits. Our prize package features six hours of coverage, including black and white images, a 20-page glove leather album, online proofing, a CD of approved pictures, an engagement session and more • 2445-B South Third St., 247-1969.
www.naturallyphotography.com
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D’Land Entertainment
$1,795 • Four Hours of Entertainment
D'Land Entertainment provides Jacksonville and Northeast Florida with the highest quality, most memorable entertainment you've ever experienced. D'Land is made up of a team of dedicated, professional entertainers who strive for perfection when performing at wedding receptions, bar mitzvahs and corporate parties. The philosophy at D’Land Entertainment is that anyone can play music—we entertain. • (904) 880-7887.
www.delandentertainment.com
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Liz Stewart Floral Design
$1,500 • Flowers & Arrangements
Liz Stewart offers more than the fulfillment of custom floral arrangements. Our boutique takes a completely customized approach to completing the visual feast necessary for every spectacular wedding or special event. • 1059 Beach Blvd., 246-0016.
www.lizflowers.com
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Love, A Bridal Boutique
$1,500 • Gown Gift Certificate
Located in the heart of the bustling shopping and entertainment district of Jacksonville Beach, Love features many unique bridal fashions and accessories for brides, bridesmaids, flower girls and mothers, as well as dresses for special occasions. • 434 Third St. N., 242-9800
www.lovebridalboutique.com
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Wed With Ease
$1,500 • Wedding Coordination Services
Wed With Ease is a full spectrum wedding management firm. Their mission is to assist couples down the aisle, all the while making the process stress-free. Owner, Layla D. Smith, a Consultant Member of the Association of Bridal Consultants, has been planning weddings since 2005. She is organized, artistic, and prides herself on her integrity, professionalism, and negotiation skills. She expects the BEST, shouldn't you? • P.O. Box 425, Orange Park, 993-0644.
www.wedwithease.com
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Magnolia String Quartet
$1,375 • Two hours of Music
The Magnolia String Quartet is among the premier musical groups in the region. All of the musicians in the quartet are members of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. This talented group of full-time, professional musicians has performed in concerts around the world. Winners will receive two hours of music before, during and after the ceremony. • 1328 Inwood Terrace, 399-1010.
www.magnoliajax.com
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Sheila's Cakes & Specialty Treats
$1,250 • Wedding Cake & Grooms Cake
Every single one of Sheila's cakes and baked goods are made from scratch right in the shop. More than just the garden-variety wedding cakes, Sheila’s are custom-made to order and hand-decorated by true artists. Sheila’s also produces desserts by the piece, box or party trays, gift boxes and more. In fact, Sheila’s can make a fitting dessert for practically every occasion. • 4522 Appleton Ave., 388-8910.
www.sheilascakes.com
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Dana
's Limousine and Transpotation Services
$1,000 • 10 Hours Limo Service
Dana's Limousine Service offers the fine touches and attention to detail that can only come from a company that has been family owned and operated for more than 30 years. Distinguished for our professionalism and top-of-the-line vehicles, Dana's is the provider of choice when your occasion demands the very finest in service and luxury. • 10220 New Berlin Rd., Ste 100, 744-3333.
www.danaslimo.com
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Rejuvanence Life Spa
$1,000 • Facial & Massage Package
Rejuvanence is the first of its kind, next generation life spa. The stunning new facility is dedicated to helping clients live what we call the “Beauty, Body, Life Trilogy” by providing a full range of spa, medical and nutritional services and products. Our amazing facial and massage package also includes Radisee, Botox and Mineral Makeup treatments for the entire Bridal Party. • 4413 Town Center Pkwy, 996-7595.
www.rejuvanence.com
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Ocean Club Resorts, Turks & Caicos
$950 • Five-Day/Four-Night Honeymoon
A mere 75-minute flight from Miami, the Turks and Caicos Islands are the ultimate getaway from the stresses of everyday life. The British Crown colony is blessed with over 230 miles of exquisite white sand beaches, gorgeous turquoise waters, coral reefs and more. The two Ocean Club Resorts feature freshwater pools, spa facilities, fitness centers—all just steps off the beach. Island activities include tennis, golf, diving and snorkeling. Prize package excludes airfare, airport transportation, food and beverages) Honeymoon stay must be redeemed June 2-December 22, 2009 (excluding Thanksgiving week).
www.oceanclubresorts.com
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Pineapple Post
$500 • 100 invitations
Founded in 1973, Pineapple Post is well known for its vast selection of fine gifts and professional service. The boutique is located in its original location in Jacksonville Beach. Pineapple Post offers an astounding selection of fabulous merchandise with more than 300 unique lines represented in the store. • 2403 S. Third St., 249-7477.
www.pineapplepostgifts.com
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Spa at Sawgrass
$460 • Couples Package
The Sawgrass Golf Resort and Spa at the Marriott Resort is a 25,000-square-foot luxury sanctuary that stands alone among Ponte Vedra Spas. This one-of-a-kind spa is a Zen-inspired realm where personalized treatments, soothing music, and warm lighting accent a tranquil symphony of Eastern design elements. Included in the prize package is a 50-minute couples’ massage, couples’ pedicure and lunch for two at the spa’s signature café. • 1000 PGA Tour Blvd., 674-4772.
www.pineapplepostgifts.com
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Olitsky Smiles
$350 • Teeth Whitening for the Bride
Inspired by the incredible technological advances in cosmetic dentistry and the necessity for a higher level of expertise in all facets of dental aesthetics, Olitsky Smiles is a unique dental studio born through a new philosophy in the dental profession: Making cosmetic dentistry look like natural teeth … with flair. • 818 N. Hwy A1A, Ste. 209, 273-1723.
www.olitskysmiles.com
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Red
$300 • Lingerie Gift Certificate
A shopping destination for the fashion-savvy woman who strives for beauty in every piece in her wardrobe, Red carries all the trimmings from underpinnings to accessories, dresses to denim, as well as the latest trends and timeless pieces. • 240 A1A N., 247-3900.
www.shopredboutique.com
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The Write Touch
$250 • Travel Accessories
Located in the heart of the San Marco Square dining and shopping district, The Write Touch specializes in top-of-the-line leather goods, invitations, fine pens, books, desk accessories, wallets, totes and unusual gift items. Included among the many designer names they feature are Vera Wang, Cross, Kate Spade, Bosca and Graphic Image. • 1967 San Marco Blvd., 398-2009.
www.thewritetouch.com
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Bellezza Salon and Boutique
$75 per person • Wedding
Hair styles for the entire Bridal Party, including practice run with the bride beforehand • 330 A1A N., 280-4247.
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