Amy and I had the pleasure of announcing this years’ winners for the eleven eleven WEDDING Giveaway and the moment brought back so many unforgettable memories of our entire experience. To stand before all of the vendors and finalists with the winning envelope in our hands made both of our hearts race as if we were finalists all over again.
The excitement of the moment overwhelmed us prior to even arriving to the reveal party. On the car ride to the restaurant, Amy and I were reminiscing about the entire experience. Being in shock that we’ve been married for roughly 6 months, we realized that the winning couple would be experiencing a life changing period of their lives that simply left us speechless. (For those of you that know me, this is very rare!!) What was so amazing was that we were given the opportunity to meet all of the wonderful vendors again. This was really important to us because we have been wanting to thank all of them again and again and again. To see the excitement in their eyes as they anticipated the announcement of this years’ winners truly embodies the essence of who they really are as individuals; so loving and gracious.
As we were watching the interviews prior to the announcement, Amy and I were very nervous (in excitement). We were whispering under our voices the entire time trying to game plan a “cool” way of announcing the winners. Well, as usual, we bombed. No fancy words or ridiculous antics, we froze and simply read the names on the piece of paper. I guess it all makes sense; very few things in life go as planned. Being on the other side at the reveal party was just as exciting as being a finalist waiting for the winners to be announced. It’s like everybody there was family….such an amazing feeling.
To Connie and Jessica….congratulations and get ready for the ride of your lives…it’s going to be fantastic.
In case you have not already seen it, here is the awesome video from the Live Reveal Party at Nellcote, thank you Poetic Productions. Thanks again to Amy and Howard for announcing our 2012 winners!
First off let me just start by thanking everyone behind the eleven eleven WEDDING Giveaway. Thank you to everyone who voted for us and thank you to the amazing sponsors!
The past month has been intense! We spent the whole voting week glued to our computers, phones, and pounding the pavement. We pestered our friends and family, we contacted every media source we could get our hands on, and utilized social networking websites to promote the contest in every way possible. We were so shocked by the overwhelming response from everyone that voted for us, shared our link, or wrote about our story. Our story and the contest was shared all around the world! We received such wonderful responses from long lost grade school friends to the It Gets Better Project. Regardless of whether we won or lost, we felt like this contest showed us that we are loved, that we are accepted, and that there is so much support for our relationship and for same-sex marriage. We never dreamed of this much support.
When we found out that we were finalists we were even more surprised! All our hard work (17 hour days of tweeting, sending out press releases, going to local businesses and organizations) really paid off. The next step was the interview processes. We were so excited to meet the Greatest Expectations team! Poetic Productions made us feel so comfortable in front of the camera! After the interview we waited a few weeks for the live reveal event at Nellcote. Let me just say that we were sitting on pins and needles waiting to hear who won!
Tuesday night finally came and we were so excited to be able to bring three of our closest friends and Jessica’s mother to Nellcote for the live reveal. The staff at Nellcote was wonderful, the food and drinks were amazing, and the space was stunning! It was a pleasure to finally meet the other finalists and generous sponsors, but as the event went on we grew more and more excited for the big reveal! Luckily having a blast in the Shutterbooth photo booth kept us at ease.
And then.. all of a sudden there we were, watching the interviews with the other couples and ourselves. Everyone had such an amazing story, some of which brought us to tears. It was such an honor to be in this contest with the three other couples. Then finally.. the big moment when last year’s winners Amy and Howard came to announce the 2012 winners and it was (Drum Roll Please!) Connie and Jessica! We were beyond shocked, but as we held each other close and cried, the applause from the crowd and the love from our friends and family affirmed our win.
The sponsors and other couples rushed to congratulate us with hugs and kind words. Our friends and family, who have been so supportive throughout our relationship and this contest cried. It was overwhelming and emotional and we couldn’t have felt more love and acceptance in that moment. We are truly blessed.
We cannot wait to start the planning process with all the wonderful sponsors of the eleven eleven WEDDING Giveaway! We look forward to keeping everyone up to date throughout the process! And guess what? We’re getting married… IN NOVEMBER!
We are so pleased to announce that the 2012 winners of the eleven eleven WEDDING Giveaway are Connie and Jessica! This adorable couple impressed the sponsors with their beautiful love story and zest for life!
Connie and Jessica will be documenting their entire wedding planning journey so be sure to keep checking back for fun details!
We would like to give an extra special thank you to Nellcote for hosting the most amazing Live Reveal Party last night, Cris from BKO for the entertainment and to Amanda Hein for capturing these stunning images (she promises more will come very soon)! It was fantastic to see so many of our sponsors come out for the big reveal … This giveaway would not be possible with out them!
Thank you to ALL of our amazing finalists for taking this exciting journey with us and congratulations to Connie and Jessica! Buckle up, this will be a fun ride
Thank you to all of our amazing semi-finalists and everyone who voted! What an exciting week we had … The votes were really close … After reviewing the voting, we found a number of votes that came in after the deadline. Upon final tally, two of the couples were in a statistical dead heat. As all of the contestants have truly embraced the spirit of this competition, we decided to use our sponsor’s discretion (as detailed in the contest rules) to allow a fourth finalist.
It is our pleasure to introduce our finalists for the 2012 eleven eleven WEDDING Giveaway. We look forward to meeting all four couples next week as we conduct video interviews. The winning couple will be announced on May 8th at the live reveal party hosted by Nellcôte.
We hope you will continue to follow their stories!
Connie & Jessica
Connie and Jessica were introduced by a mutual friend while living on opposite sides of Michigan. They communicated through e-mail and text messages until their first official date two weeks later. Magic seemed to happen but Connie had to break it to Jessie that in a few short months she would be moving to Chicago. They kept their love strong through Skype, packages in the mail, and 6 hour road trips in the snowiest of weather, and Jessie soon followed Connie to Chicago. Fast forward four years and, after a weeklong trip to Michigan without Jessie, Connie decided it was time to pop the question. They met at their favorite bar and Connie presented Jessie with a new IPhone, something she had always wanted. Underneath the phone, wrapped in the cords, was a ring. Although Jessie almost missed the ring due to her excitement over the phone, the answer was yes!
Connie and Jessica feel they deserve to win this wedding because they support one another above all else. Jessie is currently finishing her teaching degree while Connie works to support them both. When Jessie is finished with school and can find a full time job, Connie will then return to school. This doesn’t leave much time or money to plan a wedding.
Connie and Jessica are most looking forward to the moment when they see one another for the first time. They also can’t wait to see the faces of their friends and family who have supported them all along as they join into a Civil Union. And of course the dancing!
Kelsey & Oscar
Oscar and Kelsey met six years ago, just as she was beginning her nursing degree and he was graduating with his BFA. The spark was instantaneous, but it took them two weeks of coy looks, and red cheeked giggles, to finally go on a date to the Museum of Fine Art in Houston. As a painter, the way he spoke of art was enchanting, and he was equally enthralled by her antics about the marvels of the human form. Their love’s whirlwind swept them to Chicago only a year later where Kelsey continued on her path to become a midwife and Oscar painted. One late summer night, Oscar proposed that the only thing they really needed was each other and asked Kelsey to be his wife. She knew her life did not make sense without him, and so she accepted his proposal. They eagerly wait for the day when they can proclaim their commitment and celebrate the beginning of the next chapter of their lives together!
Oscar and Kelsey have focused on developing themselves professionally, and while they have been discussing their wedding for some time, it has always been on the back burner. Because they have both lived in a variety of places, deciding where to have the wedding has been a struggle. By doing it in Chicago they could have a world class wedding that would finally bring both families together. Oscar and Kelsey feel they could never have a wedding of this caliber of elegance on their own. It would be an absolute dream come true!
Oscar and Kelsey are most looking forward to their families together at the Nature Museum witnessing the binding of their lives. They feel this celebration will be unforgettable.
April & Patrick
In 2008, April and Patrick were at their elementary school reunion. Even though they attended the same school, a 9 year age difference made them only acquaintances. After a night of flirting, they started talking regularly. Patrick was living in Wrigleyville and April was a single mom of two young kids in Montgomery, so it was a challenge to find time to really get to know each other. Patrick met April’s kids, and he realized that he was falling in love with them just as quickly as he did their mother. April’s son was diagnosed with brain cancer last June. They realized how quickly life can change and that they never wanted to spend a day without each other. It was at that point that a ring and all of the traditional elements of a wedding were no longer important; having ALL four of them together was all that seemed to matter now. Although all of the odds were against them, four years later they are still standing stronger than ever, even despite cancer.
Patrick and April feel they deserve this wedding because Patrick wants to give April the wedding of her dreams. It would be next to impossible for them to afford a wedding with the financial hardships they have faced. For the past eight months, their family and friends have been pulled to every extreme emotionally while helping April’s son on his journey. This wedding would give the four of them something to look forward to at the end of his battle. It will show what love can endure and a sign of all the good times that await their family!
On their wedding day, Patrick cannot wait to see his step-children walk their mother down the aisle and give her away to him in front of their closest family and friends. It will solidify their love for one another!
Joanna & Felipe
While studying abroad in Merida, Mexico, Joanna often found herself tearing up the dance floors of the discotecas. On a night out with friends, she spotted the “hot guy in the pink shirt.” They danced together all night, but Joanna hesitated to give up her number. They went their separate ways, but fate brought them together… over 2 a.m. tacos! At first, Joanna tried to resist Felipe’s charm, but she realized just how happy he made her. They kissed goodbye four months later, unconvinced long distance could really work. Throughout college, they worked to save up for their next visit and pay off their long distance phone bills. After two years, Felipe took a leap of faith and moved from Mexico to Chicago to pursue Joanna (and his Master’s degree). Now, six years later, they frequently trade nights out at a discoteca with nights on the couch in their pajamas. After all they have overcome they find their greatest joy in just being together. This past Valentine’s Day, Felipe simply spoke from his heart. Without a jumbotron or her name in lights, he got down on one knee and shocked Joanna with a ring. Together, in their pajamas, their journey began…
Joanna and Felipe feel they deserve this because they took a chance on love. They endured two years of long distance, the obstacles of student visas, and the everyday struggles of “real life.” At times, it felt like the odds were stacked against them; however, their love won. More importantly, they deserve this because they want to celebrate love by hosting both sides of their lives together in one space. Their hearts break at the thought of 2,731 miles and countless expenses preventing their loved ones from joining together. With this wedding, Joanna and Felipe would forever cherish the sight of their crazy aunts and uncles out on the dance floor, their siblings celebrating, their friends toasting, and their parents embracing them with love.
Both Joanna and Felipe get a little teary picturing this special moment: locking eyes as she walks down the aisle steadied by her parents on either arm. They picture Joanna’s parents greeting the man they already love like a son, turning around to face their loved ones, and granting them their most sincere blessing.
Thank you to all of our semi-finalists for participating in the voting this past week. It was an exceptional week and so many of you really went the extra mile to secure votes! We wish we could give all of you a free wedding!
At this time we will be reviewing all of the votes (you know, all that legal stuff we are obligated to do) and will officially post the thee finalists tomorrow! We cannot wait to meet the three finalists in person and find out who the winner will be!
Thank you again, to all who voted and helped make this such a fun and exciting process!
When it comes to custom wedding favors and sweetscapes it doesn’t get any more delightful than truffle truffle. In the past year truffle truffle has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, O – The Opera Magazine and Daily Candy … Why? Because they offer the best treats in the country!
truffle truffle is a premiere source for customized event support, offering creative design services for everything from take-home favors for your guests to full-scale themed dessert tables abundant with delicious treats and custom finishings, and anything in between. truffle truffle’s custom dessert tables combine classic & inventive treats that suit your style with handcrafted design elements to complement your event décor & vibe. From the finishing details on their artisanal treats to label graphics and packaging for take home favors to full-scale prop displays, they will perfect every detail to ensure that your custom “sweetscape” elevates your event to the next level of Wow! Leave your next dessert display in the hands of their classically-trained Pastry Chef and amazing Creative Design Team, and let their dedication and creativity bring your imagination to life!
For the 2012 eleven eleven WEDDING Giveaway, truffle truffle will be providing custom favors for the lucky couple’s wedding party and their guests!
Here is truffle truffle chef and owner, Nicole Greene, setting up for Amy & Howard’s 11.11.11 wedding!
Check out these delightful custom favors created for Amy & Howard! The flavors were created just for our winners and the design was the perfect marriage between their color palette and their family heritage.
We are excited to welcome a new sponsor to our eleven eleven WEDDING family … Beauty on Call!
With a fresh approach to retail freelance staffing and on-location beauty and spa services, Beauty on Call has filled a void in the beauty industry. They have built a successful reputation by providing qualified professionals and pairing them with the highest quality products.
Beauty on Call will take care of all of your beauty needs on your big day in the most convenient way – by bringing their talented staff to you.
For the 2012 eleven eleven WEDDING Giveaway, Beauty on Call will be providing hair and makeup services for the bride and her bridesmaids. We know everyone will look stunning!
In the wedding industry we always say the event is “in the details.” All of the little details need to come together in order for the event to be a success and that is why Private Label Linens is so special! They produce some of the most amazing linens in Chicago and help to make sure your table top is perfect. Private Label Linens embodies what’s new and exciting in Chicago’s fine linen industry. With their unique and custom made linen on your tables, your guests are sure to be in awe.
For the 2012 eleven eleven WEDDING GiveawayPrivate Label Linens will be donating all linens for the reception.
For Amy & Howard’s 11.11.11 wedding, Private Label provided these breathtaking Espresso Shantung and Tiffany Blue Lamour linens.
