Former Floridian Wins Contest for Free Wedding from www.ParadiseCoast.com
A carriage ride from Charlene’s Classic Carriages
Hollie Harrah and Jeff Gorden of Chandler, Ariz., felt like they were meant to be together. They tied the knot on Sunday, June 8, 2008, at the romantic Inn on Fifth in Naples, Fla., after a weekend of activities shared with their families and friends, all courtesy of the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau and its sponsor partners in the Wedding in Paradise online contest, held on the bureau's visitor information Web site.
Hollie's father saw an article in the Naples Daily News about the free destination wedding contest, and the couple took on the challenge with an enthusiasm that ensured the win. Describing herself as a "crafty person," the Cape Coral, Fla., native made winning the wedding a full-time job. After posting their two-minute video online describing why they should win the wedding, which included a rewritten version of "Chapel of Love," Hollie created "vote for Hollie and Jeff" cards with bits of candy attached by a colorful ribbon and handed them to friends and strangers, even waiters at restaurants, throughout the Phoenix area. An Internet-savvy scrap booker, she posted Vote-for-Hollie-and-Jeff e-mails on scrapbooking message boards, receiving votes from people as far away as the United Arab Emirates. Her fiance, Jeff, a native of Ukiah, Calif., also got involved. As a member of the Chandler Toastmasters club, he continually reminded other members to spread the word to vote.
"We feel we are so blessed to have won this wonderful wedding. It's almost as if the stars lined up because while we are on our honeymoon we will also be celebrating the fourth anniversary of the day we first met," said Hollie. "I used to go to Naples when I was younger and always thought of it as such a beautiful place, and now that my wedding was held there it makes it that much more special."
The Wedding in Paradise package included accommodations at the romantic Inn on Fifth in downtown Naples for 20 including the bride, groom and their families and friends In addition, the package included local ground transportation; a rehearsal dinner for all the guests and the wedding officiate; the wedding ceremony with officiate, flowers and music; limousine transportation; a horse-drawn carriage ride for the bride and groom; photography and video of the wedding; a wedding reception with DJ, cocktails and dinner at the Inn on Fifth; a wedding cake; a welcome brunch for
Winning bride and groom Hollie and Jeff and their wedding party
the wedding party; a cruise for the group on The Naples Princess yacht, and a Gulf-view deluxe room for two for five nights at the luxurious LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort for a romantic and relaxing honeymoon.
The public was invited to visit www.paradisecoast.com where they found compelling video stories from five couples describing why they should win the destination wedding of their dreams. People were then asked to click on the video they found most deserving of the free destination wedding and an unforgettable start to a new life together. Voting took place from March 21 through April 13, 2008. The winning couple was announced April 15, 2008.
For more information on visiting Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades - The Paradise Coast, call 1-800-688-3600 to request a copy of the free Official Visitors Guide magazine, Discover Florida's Last Paradise, or start planning your visit, or your own dream destination wedding, at www.paradisecoast.com. Top of Page
