February 26, 2010

Imagine pulling into your dream wedding, knowing you didn't pay for one single thing. Through the Charlottesville Free Wedding Project, it's a dream come true.

"People spend years and years thinking about how to make their wedding special, to have something like this, it's very unique," said Andrea Saathoff, of Albemarle Vintage Limousine.

Local photographer Jack Looney thought of the idea, and dozens of other wedding vendors have joined in to help create a top-of-the-line, custom wedding for the right couple. Brides and grooms-to be can submit their stories on the project's website. One couple will be selected for a free November wedding at Mountfair Vineyards in White Hall.

So how do the project creators pick the right couple for the gift?

"Could be someone who's lost their job, has health issues, or in the military. The primary criteria is a great love story," said Looney.

The plush wedding will have every base covered, from tuxes and dresses courtesy of West Main Bridal, to catering from Harvest Moon, and everything else in between.

"It's our job to make the bride's look beautiful, and we will find the absolutely perfect dress," said Susan Sorbello, of West Main Bridal.

"Each menu is created based on the ideas that they really like, food they like, styles that they like, how they want the cocktail hour to look, all the different options that go into a wedding," added Mark Hahn, of Harvest Moon Catering.

The deadline to register is March 25, and a panel of independent judges will announce the winning couple at the end of April. And for the lucky couple, the unique experience will be the chance and the day of a lifetime.