Lucky Couple #13 - Happiness Found At the End of One Rainbow

Vanessa and Daniel met in Boston in 2005. At the time, Vanessa was a distraught single mother of a son who was suffering with severe asthma. Vanessa and her son spent almost a year of stressful time at the Children's Hospital, where Daniel was a security officer. Daniel was kind, open-hearted, and sympathetic. He always offered a gentle smile and a warm hello, even though Vanessa continually snubbed him and his offerings. However, after Vanessa's son had healed and been allowed to return home, Vanessa received an email from Daniel.
He began to charm the lovely lady through the world wide web. After months of casual conversations, this sweet couple finally moved their relationship outside. They started dating officially, but Daniel didn't just want Vanessa, he told her. Instead, he said that he wanted "the whole package." This developing family of three then began spending time together. And, now, Vanessa wants to give Daniel the perfect wedding because, she says, "Daniel is my bestfriend, and I want to spend all of eternity with him."

Couple #12 - A Long-Winded Romance

Lucky and Laurie first met in 1982 in Kona, Hawaii. They were both working in the hospitality industry while leading the lives of a musician and an outdoors enthusiast. After quickly hitting it off, Laurie soon found herself taking care of Lucky's 10-year-old son as well as his 70-year-old mother. Next thing she knew, ten years had elapsed, two more children were born, and then the young couple split up for seven years.
However, 1999 reunited their paths. Laurie moved back to the mainland, and back in with Lucky. These two star-crossed lovers finished raising their sons together. Jacob is now in the USMC, and Zachary is completing med school. Meanwhile, their parents have yet to marry. The "Who Wants to Win a Wedding?" Contest is the perfect opportunity for Lucky and Laurie to, finally, pronounce their undying love for one another in the presence of their two beautiful sons, and other close friends and loved ones.

"Vote" On Your Favorite Love Story

In search of the perfect couple to give a 70-person dream wedding to on
September 12th, 2009, at the Hidden Valley, we have been profiling our
contestants on this blog. Simply scroll through the pages below to read
about how they met and then click on the 'Comments' link to tell us why you think they should win.

On May 30th, from noon - 4pm we will be announcing our dream wedding giveaway
winners at a Bridal Faire on our historic property. So, keep tuning, in,
subscibe, and tell us what you think!

Couple #11 - Videogames and a Non-Virtual Love

Chelsea and Nathaniel met during their freshman year of college. One day, Nathaniel popped his head outside of his bedroom door just as Chelsea was strolling by. He introduced himself and then asked her to join him for some video game playing. Although Chelsea said that she might, she never showed up for a game and Nathaniel spent a whole night in waiting.
Months later, the dorm neighbors ran into each other again at the cafeteria. This time, Nathaniel pretended not to know the girl whose eyes made him cower. Feeling snubbed, Chelsea stomped off and then proceeded to shoot dirty looks at the boy feigning forgetfulness. Finally, Nathaniel grew weary of the game of love that he and Chelsea had been dancing around for months. He went up to her and re-introduced himself. "Yeah," Chelsea responded, "we've met."
"So, if I know you and you know me, then maybe you could stop glaring at me every time we see each other," Nathaniel purred.
Now, the happy couple are college graduates (they have the same degree no less!) who have realized that they are perfect together. They have settled in San Diego, where Nathaniel proposed and where Chelsea plays video games.

Music the Only Way We Like It

Music As You Like It of San Diego will be providing all of the music and entertainment needs for our September 12th nuptials. From a live harpist for the ceremony to a tuxedoed DJ for the reception, Music As You Like It provides a diverse array of sounds and tunes to accomodate the desires of any bride, or event.

Couple #10 - Fate

Justin and Kelly spent their teenage years growing through the turbulence of adolesence at the same high school. Although they were only one year apart in school, they did not officially meet until they had both moved away to Arizona. Seven years ago, they were both recovering from the loss of a serious relationship when fate brought them to each other's doors. Since then, they have been inseparable. Kelly works for a national bank while Justin stays busy in the hospitality industry. At home, they pour their love and attention into their two Chuhuahuas. Unfortunately, the real estate bust saw their home equity crumble in two years. A small ceremony, amongst her closest family members and friends, is all that Kelly wishes for. She is hoping that the Hidden Valley Retreat and Spa's "Who Wants to Win a Wedding?" contest will turn her dream into a reality.

Couple #9 - Two Soldiers and One Proposal

Zeolah and Alex are two marines who were stationed in Japan in 2004 when they met.
Slowly, during deployments and training exercises, these two service members warmed up to each other. One day, Zeolah became violently ill. Alex brought her miso soup and pudding beacuse he knew that it was the only food she could stomach. It was this sweet, simple action which convinced Zeolah that he was the man for her. Upon his return from a deployment to Korea, Alex fell to one knee and proposed.
The excited couple had a bittersweet ceremony before a justice of the peace in Okinawa. Zeolah cried that day not just because she was happy, but because she missed the presence of her mother, father, and other close family members. As we all know, there is nothing better than celebrating the milestone memory of a marriage with your closest family and friends. This is what Zeolah is hoping for, - the chance to celebrate her's and Alex's love for each other with their family.