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The Registration period for Jacksonville Magazine’s sixth annual Great Wedding Giveaway, hosted by Serenata Beach Club, opens September 2, 2013.
Since 2009 five lucky First Coast couples have been treated to the wedding of their dreams. The search for couple number six starts this fall. The Great Wedding Giveaway is a once-in-a-lifetime prize package that has become the most talked about contest extravaganza in all of Northeast Florida. Since 2009, we have awarded more than $160,000 in wedding services and goods provided by the region’s leading bridal business professionals. Well, for 2014, we’re at it again. The beautiful Serenata Beach Club in South Ponte Vedra Beach once again serves as the host site for the ocean-side ceremony and reception. Additional elements of the prize package for 2014 are being finalized. Look for updates to be posted throughout the fall.
Posted below are just some of the details of the 2014 Great Wedding Giveaway, all made possible because of the generous support of our sponsors. A bevy of top local wedding services including DJ entertainment, nuptials jewelry, luncheons, hair and makeup and more will be included, too.
The 2014 package includes:
Serenata Beach Club
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. 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 pools, 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
Pier House Resort & Spa
Honeymoon Package • For nearly 40 years Pier House Resort & Spa has been a Key West icon reflecting the free-spirited attitude of our island. As the first true resort on the island, we continue to offer our guests the authentic experience that has made Key West a favorite destination for all generations. Our Key West hotel is located on a six acre compound at the corner of the Gulf of Mexico and Duval Street. Beautiful tropical gardens surround our pool in the center of the property and open directly onto the private beach that includes a discreet “top-optional” sunning area. • pierhouse.com
Allison Holdridge Sandals
Custom Design Coordinates Package • Bright, organic, modern and happy! Allison Holdridge creates custom surface and textile designs for fashion, interiors, events and packaging. Find out more at www.AllisonHoldridge.com
Pineapple Post
Beautiful Serving Accessories from Mariposa • Founded in 1973, Pineapple Post is still in its original location in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, and has had the privilege of serving generations of customers. Pineapple Post offers an astounding selection of fabulous merchandise. More than 300 lines are represented in the store, and new items will be added to the website on an ongoing basis. •2403 3rd St S Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, (904) 249-7477, pineapplepostgifts.com
Bridals & More
Rehearsal Dinner Dress & 20% off Bridesmaids Dresses • Bridals & More is family owned and operated and is centrally located just west of Kernan on Beach Boulevard. With over 20-years of retail and customer service experience they also offer custom in-store alterations. Bridals & More makes every effort to establish the highest of standards when it comes to their trained consultants, top seamstresses, attention to detail, and extraordinary care for each individual bride. • 12226 Beach Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32246, (904) 434-6627; www.mybridalsandmore.com
Dr. Geoffrey A. Banga, DDS
Teeth Whitening for Bride and Groom • Two words that describe the care you’ll receive at our office are gentle and compassionate. On top of desiring a dental office that provides excellent clinical care and a variety of treatment options, we understand that the way you’re treated as an individual is very important. We tailor our treatment plans and financial arrangements to your personal needs. • 7000 Sawgrass Village Cir Ponte Vedra, FL 32082, (904) 280-1200; pontevedrafamilydentistry.com
Gregory’s Jewelers
Rings for Bride and Groom • Gregory’s Jewelers is a family owned and operated business, specializing in custom made jewelry and repair. Our Master Jewelers work on premises to design one of a kind pieces. • 940 3rd St N Jacksonville Bch, FL 32250, (904) 249-4434 gregorysjewelers.com
Serendipity Wedding & Events
Wedding Planning Services • Serendipity Weddings & Events is a Fun, Funky, Sassy, Southern wedding design house serving the Southeast and anywhere beyond. Planning an event is more than matching colors, its taking the personality of the client and infusing it into every design detail – we want our events to do more than just fill a purpose we want it to tell the couples story. • 843-287-1102 lovethatserendipity.com
Cluade’s Chocolate
An assortment of chocolate bonbons & Truffles • Claude’s passionate appreciation for achieving the proper balance of flavors between the aromatic and flavorful ganache (interiors) and the dark or milk chocolate coatings, results in a flawless little mouthful of heaven. Our gourmet Belgian chocolate is made from the finest ingredients available. Our bonbons and truffles do not contain any artificial additives or preservatives. • 145 Hilden Road Ponte Vedra, FL 32081; 6 Granada Street St Augustine, FL 32084; claudeschocolate.com
Marici Photography
Photography Package • Marici Photography offers professional photography with a creative touch. Photographer Chris Cottrell is a professional photographer and a member of “Professional Photographers of America.” Chris specializes in weddings, portrait, landscape and more. • 3948 Third St. S., #126 Jacksonville Beach, (904)-333-2420, MariciPhotography.com.
A Pilates Studio
20 Reformer, TRX, and/or Barre Classes • With regular visits to A Pilates Studio, you’ll balance and tone your body while we bring you to a place of strength and harmony within. We’re a full-service Pilates studio and fitness center in South Jacksonville Beach offering reformer and TRX classes in a spa-like setting. • 1102 3rd St. S. Jacksonville Beach, FL, 904-305-0518, pilatesbyamber.com
Oceanside Cleaners
Steaming, Delivery and Preservation of Wedding Gown • Oceanside Cleaners has served the North Florida Community since 1990. Our 22 years of service, attention to detail and quality work have made us the premier cleaners for those who value their apparel and home furnishings. All our work is guaranteed and we are confident that you will “See the Difference.” Our extensive list of services includes dry cleaning, laundry, tailoring and alterations, preservation and we will come to you for on-site cleaning. • 3742 Southside Blvd., 904-642-6177; and 298 Solano Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach, 904-285-2123. oceansidecleaners.com
Casa Marina
Bridal Shower for 25 in Penthouse • Weddings and private parties at the Casa Marina are our specialty. We take pleasure in adding a bit of imagination and glamour to every special affair, allowing our guests to relax and leave the details to us. Our genuine and personal attention to every aspect of outstanding service and exquisite food will exceed your expectations. The Penthouse Lounge enjoys its own notoriety, with one of the most stunning views of the Florida coastline. • 691 N. First St. Jacksonville Beach, (904) 270-0025. www.casamarinahotel.com
Publix Bakery
Wedding Cake for 100 • The Publix Bakery is known for superior quality. And nowhere is this more evident than in our Publix Bakery customized cakes. Our experienced and talented cake designers will work with you to help create the perfect cake for your special occasion. www.publix.com
Bellezza Salon and Boutique
Hair & Make Up • Bellezza, meaning “Beautiful” in Italian, is an upscale full service hair salon and boutique located in Ponte Vedra Beach. The salon combines unparalleled customer service, attention to detail, and the most advanced hair care products available. The salon is staffed with experienced and dedicated professionals who are eager to share their artistic talents with clients. • 330 A1A N. Suite 307. Ponte Vedra Beach (904) 280-4247 www.bellezzasalonandboutique.com
The Write Touch
Invitations • The Write Touch is a San Marco Square landmark, serving loyal customers in search of fine invitations and stationary, books and pens, leather goods, briefcases, desk accessories and gifts. Among the many leading brands it carries are Vera Wang, Johnston & Murphy, Kate Spade, Bosca, Crane & Co. and Filofax. The shop specializes in personal service, including seeking out rare and hard-to-find gifts. It’s selection of fine invitations and stationary is second to none. • 1967 San Marco Blvd., San Marco (904) 398-2009. www.thewritetouch.com
Daniel Thompson Bridals
Custom Wedding Gown for Bride • The Daniel Thompson Collection includes a wide array of different styles from sleek sheaths to A-lines to ball gowns. We create with luxurious silks embellished with rich alencon lace work, beading and embroideries. All of Daniel’s designs are custom made, thus each bride’s individual personality is represented throughout the design process. • 128 San Marco Avenue. 904-217-7982. Danielthompsonbridals.com
Ellie Bing
Vintage Necklaces • Located in Jacksonville Beach, Ellie Bing Jewelry has built its reputation as a unique shop offering jewelry, both current and vintage, designer handbags, hair accessories as well as stationary items. The shop has recently expanded to better serve its clients, savvy shoppers who come from across the city to discover items found only at Ellie Bing. • 21 S. 12th St., Jacksonville Beach (904) 249-6444
Wehner Weddings
String Quartet for the Ceremony and Cocktails • Kyle Wehner has played the violin and viola for more than 25 years. A graduate of the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Kyle returned to his home town of Orange Park to run the family business. Wehner’s School of the Arts is a music and dance school serving over 700 students per week. In addition to teaching the violin and running the school, Kyle performs frequently with ensembles including the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and the Coastal Symphony of Georgia. Other highlights include performances with Aretha Franklin, Michael W. Smith and the Broadway tours of Annie, The Lion King and Chicago. He leads his quartet in a presentation of elegant music during both the ceremony and following for the reception, two hours in all and a $1,400 value. • 515 College Dr., Doctors Inlet (904) 502-4426. www.wehnerweddings.com
Requirements for Application
To Enter
Thank you for your interest in Jacksonville Magazine’s sixth annual Great Wedding Giveaway, hosted by Serenata Beach Club. All questions on the application form must be answered in their entirety in order for your application to be accepted. The last day to submit an application is November 1, 2013.
Entertain us and convince us that you are the right couple
In addition to the application, we are asking couples to create a short video to tell us why they are the most qualified couple to receive this amazing wedding giveaway! We expect more than 150 entries. Every little bit extra will help your chances. If you do decide to produce a video, we ask that it be at least 3 minutes in length, but must not exceed 5 minutes in length. No entries will be accepted after 5 PM on November 1, 2013. Acceptable video format: Mini-DV or DVD only. Your video will not be returned.
Please note:
Along with your video, please include a still photo of the two of you along with complete contact information. Jacksonville Magazine takes no responsibility for submissions that may become lost in the mail. For questions regarding video submissions, please contact Mike Romero at (904) 389-3622.
By submitting your application for the destination giveaway, you are agreeing to receive materials, e-mails and phone calls from Jacksonville Magazine regarding the promotion. You further agree to be featured on any and all of our websites in promotions related to this event and any other Jacksonville Magazine initiatives. Please note that your video may be posted on YouTube and/or other on-line video hosting sites as deemed appropriate by Jacksonville Magazine.
Mailing Instructions
Send your video, photo and complete contact information to:
Jacksonville Magazine’s Great Wedding Giveaway
Attn: Mike Romero
1261 King St.
Jacksonville, FL 32204
Eligibility Criteria
Each individual must be available for an interview, either by phone or in person. Each individual must be of good moral character and have never been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor (other than moving violations that did not involve personal injury, drugs or alcohol). He or she must have nothing in their background that, at the sole discretion of Jacksonville Magazine, could be considered detrimental to the publication and its partners and the success of this promotion. Neither of the individuals may be an elected official or currently running for any political office (local, state or federal).
Each applicant must be willing to undergo a background check conducted by Jacksonville Magazine and be willing to sign waiver forms authorizing the release of personal and background information.
This opportunity is open to currently engaged couples who are legal residents of the US, each of whom is at least 21 years old and each of whom complies with all requirements set forth in these rules. Couples must be engaged prior to registration.
Each applicant must be willing to have his or her wedding ceremony performed at the venue selected by Jacksonville Magazine, and at the magazine’s sole discretion, including, without limitation, an outdoor wedding. Each applicant must be willing to sign an affidavit attesting to the truth of the facts in the application form and video and attesting that each applicant meets all the eligibility requirements.
Selected applicants must also be willing to undertake the following:
• To be interviewed by Jacksonville Magazine and a selected local TV station, and to either appear in a videotape produced by Jacksonville Magazine or to submit a videotape in which the applicants or couple appears;
• To make themselves available to attend fittings and to engage in public appearances and in photo shoots, as requested by Jacksonville Magazine;
• Applicants must agree that, if selected as the wedding couple, they will be married at Serenata Beach Club on a Monday in May of 2014. The date is subject to change at the sole discretion of Jacksonville Magazine.
Applicants must agree, if they are among the preliminary group of couples identified (see Selection Process below) to make themselves available to Jacksonville Magazine for publicity and promotion, and must agree that they will not allow interviews by other media outlets, including television, magazines, newspapers, radio, and internet, unless authorized by Jacksonville Magazine from the time the four finalists are announced, through the final on-air appearance of the wedding couple.
If at any point during the contest Jacksonville Magazine deems an applicant or finalist couple ineligible, Jacksonville Magazine, at its sole discretion, may disqualify that couple and select an alternate.
Selection Process
Jacksonville Magazine at its sole discretion will select a preliminary group of couples from eligible entries (completed application form plus video) submitted. Jacksonville Magazine will begin reviewing entries on a rolling basis as they are received, and will end the selection process when a preliminary group of qualified couples has been chosen.
Selection criteria used by the judges shall include:
• The couple’s video and application materials;
• The personality of each entrant, individually and as a couple;
• The demonstrated strength of couple’s commitment;
• The nature of the couple’s history and background (how each couple met, became engaged, how long they have been engaged, the relationship of the couple with family members and friends, and any other factors that make the couple’s story unique or compelling);
• The appearance of the couple, both individually and as a couple.
From the preliminary group of couples, Jacksonville Magazine will then select up to twenty semifinalist couples, based on these factors above, plus telephone interviews with the couples. These semifinalist couples will be required as a condition of continued eligibility to complete and sign an Affidavit of Eligibility, Waiver of Liability and Publicity Release in the form attached to these Rules.
The semifinalist couples thus selected will be interviewed by Jacksonville Magazine and may be asked to participate in the filming of a videotaped interview by representatives of Jacksonville Magazine.
The semifinalist couples will also be subject to background checks to verify and determine additional information about each of the individuals.
Based on Jacksonville Magazine’s interviews, the videos, the background checks and the selection criteria noted above, the finalist couples will be selected by representatives of Jacksonville Magazine, at its sole discretion. Jacksonville Magazine, at its sole discretion, may utilize guest judges and may grant immunity to certain couples.
Pictures of the finalist couples, and a brief synopsis prepared by Jacksonville Magazine regarding each of the couples and their performance in the Jacksonville Magazine competitions will be placed on Jacksonville Magazine-related websites.
If the wedding couple is disqualified or otherwise unable to fulfill the requirements asked of them, a second couple from among the finalist couples, selected by Jacksonville Magazine, may receive the wedding.
Wedding
Couple must agree that elements of the wedding will be determined by Jacksonville Magazine, including but not limited to, wedding planner, rehearsal dinner, wedding site, ceremony, reception and catering, accommodations, florist, photographer and videographer.
Couples are agreeing to legally wed; if your religion does not permit this, please do not apply. Couples are responsible for completing licensing requirements for Duval County, Florida.
Please note: Giveaway package is for a total of one hundred (100) persons, including the bride and groom. There may be an opportunity for the couple to pay for additional persons.
Disqualification
Couples may be disqualified by not complying with these rules or their inability to fulfill all of the requirements. If the winning couple is disqualified, they will become ineligible and the runner-up will take their place.
MULTIPLE ENTRIES RECEIVED FROM ANY PERSONS WILL VOID ALL ADDITIONAL ENTRIES. Entries that are incomplete, illegible, postage due or corrupted are void and will not be accepted. If any entrant becomes ineligible during the contest, he or she may be disqualified.
All entries, including application forms and photos, become the property of Jacksonville Magazine and will not be acknowledged or returned.
Disclaimer
Jacksonville Magazine is not responsible for telecommunications, network, electronic, technical or computer failures of any kind, for inaccurate transcription of entry information, for errors in any promotional or marketing materials, for errors in these rules, for any human or electronic error, including but not limited to the administration of this Event or Prizes, or for entries that are stolen, misdirected, garbled, delayed by computer transmissions, lost, late, damaged, or postage due.
Jacksonville Magazine and its partners are not responsible for any injuries or damages caused or claimed to be caused in the event and will not assume any liability. Jacksonville Magazine is not responsible for entries lost in the mail.
Note: Like all contest prizes, this wedding package is considered taxable income by the IRS. By accepting the prize, all taxes owed become the responsibility of the winning couple.
Past Winners
2013 Great Wedding Giveaway Winners Liz & Brett. The couple married in May of this year and were treated to a honeymoon at Ocean Key Resort & Spa in Key West.
2012 Great Wedding Winners Sherry & Gill. The couple married in May of 2012, and were treated to a honeymoon vacation at Hawk’s Cay in the Florida Keys.
2011 Great Wedding winners Katherine & Kevin. The couple married June 6, 2011, and were treated to a honeymoon vacation at the Boca Raton Resort & Club.
2010 Great Wedding winners Sareh and Zac. The couple wed June 14, 2010 and enjoyed a week’s honeymoon stay at the Casa Marina Resort in Key West.
2009 Great Wedding winners Nita and Ian. The two married June, 2009, and spent a week at the Ocean Club Resorts in the Turks & Caicos islands.