Three More Days and Counting...

Find out which lucky couple wins our dream wedding giveaway this Saturday, May 30th, at the Hidden Valley Retreat and Spa.

Only 8,650 Miles to Love - Couple #27

8,650 miles is the combined distance that it took Micheli to leave her hometown in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Richard his Baltimore, Maryland, upbringing, before cupid united these two at a Valentine's Day party in Los Angeles.


Cupid was quite literally a grown man wearing red, furry wings and a giant diaper, and his arrow was not initially striking at this Chinatown affair. The "Lock and Key" party proved to be a dud. Failing to find a spark with their counterparts wearing their matching key or lock, Micheli grew quickly frustrated and accosted the cherubic party host. He promised to find her a match.

Fortunately for Richard, he knew the man playing Cupid and he just so happened to be talking to him when Micheli walked by. Cupid grabbed her arm and exclaimed, "I have the perfect guy for you." Then he swung her around to face Richard.

It didn't take long before these two acted on what they knew from that very first moment, - that they are perfect for each other and that it was time to get hitched! As Richard says, "Winning the "Who Wants to Win a Wedding?" contest would be the perfect way to bring our far-flung friends and family together."

A Horse and Carriage Ride for the Bride

Always and Forever Carriage Company will be providing our lucky bride with a horse drawn ride into our outdoor ceremony site on September 12th, 2009.
Need we type more????

Find out which lucky couple wins this wonderful prize at our Bridal Faire on Saturday, May 30th, from 12-4pm at the Hidden Valley Retreat and Spa.
We can't wait!

Couple #26 - Love In the Time of Childhood

Melissa and her military man met for the very first time when she was just 7-years old. He was her step-dad's nephew and, although his family moved around the country quite a bit, his and Melissa's mutual interest in one another was ignited with every encounter. However, it was not until the age of fifteen, when they were dance partners in her stepsister's "quinceanera," that these two children became close. With his family's move back to Miami, the young lovebirds not only become close, but they also became inseparable.

After years of moving, dating others, and the typical turbulences that accompany most adolescent years, these two were finally united here in San Diego, at Camp Pendleton. On September 12th, 2006, they married. There was no horse and carriage, or other memorable morsels to remember their commitment ceremony by. Rather, six-months later, Melissa was pregnant and her husband was shipped off for two back-to-back deployments. Finally, last summer, he returned and the happy family has been living together as a single unit since. Melissa is now hoping to win the wedding that she has always dreamed of. Good luck to couple #26!!

It Is Almost Time...

to announce the winners of our coveted dream wedding giveaway!

We are hoping that you are well rested after the long weekend and ready for our
Intimate Bridal Faire & Open House, up at the Hidden Valley, this Saturday,
May 30th, from 12-4pm. We have crafted an afternoon of activities, ideas, and fun, for planning your perfect nuptial day.

Stay tuned for more information leading up to this exciting event. I will also be posting more formal driving directions before then.

A Hint of Contemporary Sophistication

A Touch d'Elegance will be providing all of the decor for our September 12th nuptials. From linens and chair covers to centerpieces and candleabras, A Touch d'Elegance brings a sophisticated flair and an inspired atmosphere to any event.

Got Wedding Cake?

The French Gourmet has kindly donated the wedding cake for our lucky "Who Wants to Win a Wedding?" contest winners' September 12th nuptials. The 30-year old catering company makes its wedding cakes from scratch. The French Gourment is attuned to the bride and groom's needs and desires, and only uses fresh, natural ingredients. The end result is a delectable taste, and a stylish center piece for any wedding reception.

Thank You, The French Gourmet!

Couple #25 - A bartender, a hostess, and two dogs later...

Megan and Armand met over six years ago while working at a Marie Callendar's. He was a bartender, she was a hostess, and the sparks flew. Since that time, these two have enjoyed spending time with each other as well as with their two dogs, Ginger and Stinky Pete. They are outdoor enthusiasts who love camping, skiing, and traveling. Although they are 100% ready to spend the rest of their lives together, their engagement has now stretched on for two-and-a-half years. This young couple feels torn between being financially responsible and having an enjoyable celebration for their family and friends. Winning this dream wedding contest would relieve a lot of the financial burden as well as stress associated with planning a wedding.

Couple #24 Finding Love on the World Wide Web

Jacque had posted a personal ad on myspace, - she was looking for a sweet and romantic man. Troy responded and though he had been married before he had never been in love. This time around, he says that Jacque makes him want to be a better man. She adores his doting affection and his chivalrous actions, while he loves the way they laugh and always have fun together. "We can have fun in any situation," he says. "We can walk to the grocery store at 11pm and laugh the whole way there and back."

These two lovebirds have been inseparable since last Halloween and, this year, Troy proposed. "He gets down on bended knee, and proposes everyday," Jacque writes. Jacque and Troy both believe that they deserve this fairy tale wedding because "we are what legends are made of, - our love will never fade or break."

Couple #23 - A Shining Example of the Strength of Vows and Commitment

Latisha and Scott's love story has been a serious lesson in perseverance. After seven years of marriage, Latisha grew tired of being rejected by Scott's family as well as Scott's refusal to stand up for both her and their children. So, she left him, - just like that. However, it must have been the wake up call that Scott needed because, eleven months later, he came back around. Only, this time, he was there physically as well as spiritually and emotionally. The break-up was exactly what he needed to realize that he had been failing at the most important aspects of marriage, - he had not been a partner or a friend throughout all those early years together.
Latisha, on the other hand, was not sure if she wanted to reconcile, but she was always a person who believed in second chances. So, this couple of old started attending marriage counseling sessions and, little by little, Latisha's passion started making a come back. Love was reborn, anew.
Unfortunately, tragedy struck again. This time in the form of cervical cancer but Scott was there, every step of the way. He proved, once and for all, that he is Latisha's life long rock. These two have weathered the serious storms that all marriages can bring with them. Yet, they never had the pleasure of celebrating their big day with a special wedding ceremony. Now, Latisha thinks its time.

Couple #22 - Six Beautiful, Strong Years

For these two, love came early. It was in high school where their relationship blossomed. He remembers that very first day. What she was wearing, and how he thought, "This is going to be a good year." In Algebra class, they would fight for the teacher's attention, meanwhile she would secretly stare at him in a daze.

It has been six years since these first fateful days. "Six beautiful, and strong years," Andrea says. Now, it has been over a year since he first proposed and the idea of financing a wedding just doesn't seem plausible. "Still," she says, "every time I look at him, whether he knows it or not, I get those butterflies. The feeling tends to take over my whole body, and I can't help but to smile."

Find out whether or not these young lovebirds receive the gift of a lifetime, - a dream wedding that will leave both of their heart's smiling for eternity.

Indulge Your Senses with Indulge Catering Company

Indulge Catering has generously donated their amazing contemporary catering services to our "Who Wants to Win a Wedding?" nuptials on September 12th, 2009. Indulge chefs perfectly blend the art of gourmet cooking with a sense of professionalism and attention to detail. Their goal is to "create the reception of your dreams." Indulge is also sensitive to the wishes of the bride and groom and seeks a "careful representation of the relationship between the two" in the food they prepare, arrange, and serve.

We are excited to welcome San Diego's Indulge Catering on board as a participating sponsor in our "Who Wants to Win a Wedding?" contest,and we look forward to presenting the gift of a dream wedding to one lucky couple on Saturday, May 30th, at the Hidden Valley's Intimate Bridal Faire and Open House. See you then!

Couple #21 - Love On a Rainy Day

Rain's month could not have been any worse. She got laid off and was struggling to find new work, her roommate moved out, and then her beloved Chihuahua ran out the front door and underneath the wheels of a speeding motorist. Her life was quickly becoming a bad country song gone worse. Fortunately Justin, a skinny rocker dude with tattoos and long black hair, walked out his sister's front door and into Rain's life.

Justin was her neighbor's brother and, after an evening spent outside talking for hours, he reminded Rain of "how beautiful life can be and how full of promise a new day is." Now, the happy couple lives together with Squid, a Chihuahua who they rescued and have nursed back to health. Meanwhile, Rain has landed her dream job and her and Justin can still talk for hours. As she says, "it may sound corny, but he is my best friend."

The "Who Wants to Win a Wedding Contest" and an Intimate Bridal Faire

The "Who Wants to Win a Wedding?" contest is winding down. In the posts that follow, you will find the profiles of twenty couples who have entered our dream wedding giveaway. From San Diego to Los Angeles, from Montana to Arizona, and from Rhode Island to Massachusetts, their love stories are diverse and filled with tales of hope, loss, perseverance, and redemption. Thus, we are going to need your help in deciding which couple to award a 70-person wedding to on September 12th, 2009.

We will be announcing the winners of our contest at a Bridal Faire, held at the Hidden Valley on Saturday, May 30th, from noon - 4pm. So, let us know your thoughts before then. Find the love story that speaks the most to you and tell us why you think this couple should win our contest by clicking on the 'Comments' link at the end of the posting. Otherwise, we look forward to seeing you at the Hidden Valley on May 30th. Good luck to all our couples. Read on!!!

Couple #20 - A Match Made in a Massage Parlor Heaven

Jenny and Jason are both massage therapists who met while co-working at a spa. At that time, Jenny was married and Jason was torturing himself by chasing other women. After three years of watching Jason cycle through romances, Jenny became a divorcee. During one fateful night at work, these two wandering souls shared a conversation that seemed to cover eveything all at once. As Jenny says, "I felt more connected to him than I had to another person in years." Jenny marked her return to the dating scene, after a 10-year hiatus, by calling Jason up and asking him out, but he turned her down! Apparently, he had band practice that night and, he was so discombobulated from the offer, he forgot to ask for a raincheck. Kicking himself over a lost opportunity, Jason emailed Jenny a few days later and asked her out this time. Upon receiving his email, Jenny became giddy like a teenager. She jumped up and down around her apartment. These two soulmates, who fit together like jig-saw puzzle pieces, have been together ever since.
Unfortunately, the collapse of the economy took with it a nest egg that was intended to be used for their wedding nuptials. The setback took the wind right out of this couple and they have been floundering for ways to create the wedding they envision since. They're keeping their fingers crossed that the Hidden Valley's "Who Wants to Win a Wedding?" contest will be the answer they've been seeking.
Good luck to Jason and Jenny our "Who Wants to Win a Wedding?" couple #20!

Hear the Lion ROar

Eagle Lion Video has donated their services to our "Who Wants to Win a Wedding?" contest. On September 12th, Bob Wright will be on hand to film the wedding ceremony and reception. He is also providing the lucky bride and groom with three (3) fully-edited DVD copies. A huge "Thank you!" to Bob Wright and Eagle Lion Video!

So Belle? So Delicious, and Thoughtful too.

So Belle Chocolates & Favors For All Occasions has generously donated their exquisite chocolate favors to our "Who Wants to Win a Wedding?" contest winners. One lucky bride and groom will sure leave an everlasting impression on their September 12th guests with So Belle's distinct edible creations.
Thanks, So Belle!

Couple #19 - Ignoring the Crowd, and Listening to the Heart

Kirsten was a cheerleader and Alexander was just a silly boy that all the girls on the squad would look at and say, "Ewww...look at the geek!" Even though Kirsten pretended to agree with the viewpoints of her peers, she secretly harbored a longing to squeeze, hug, and kiss, Alex. All it took was one little love note, slipped to Alex during class, and this young couple has been working through the ebb and flow of life together ever since. Although the past five years have been wrought with emotional trauma, as well as the tension and stress that racial and religious divides can create, Kirsten and Alex have found in each other the strength to cope, relate, and push forward. They are now studying for degrees, in Human Services for her and Forensic Computers for him. Winning this contest would provide for the best day of their lives, - the day when Kirsten and Alex's hands are united in marriage. As Kirsten says, "I want to be the first one he wakes up to, and the one who, when he says me naked on the toilet he doesn't run and scream for his life."

Couple #18 - Pepe le Peu's Persistence Finally Pays Off

Finally, after two years of nagging her to go out on a date with him, Eric got Marie to relent. The friends of two years only dated for a little while before they broke up due to vast differences in their personal lives. Eric was heart broken. He was so love sick that crying became habitual and hunger never seemed to set in. Nonetheless, he made a personal resolve, - he would take every step neccessary to recapture the love of his life. And, he did! The happy couple have been inseperable since last August. On Valentine's Day, Eric proposed and Marie said "yes." In regards to their love story, Eric says "ours is a testament to a spirit who refuses to be told that something cannot be done." He also writes, "winning this contest would be the most incredible conclusion to this extraordinary courtship. My reward is to have the love of my life in marriage, and winning this would only add to this majestic covenant."

Good luck to couple #18!

Inviting Guests with Style

STS Invitations has donated the invitations to our lucky bride and groom for their up and coming September 12th nuptials at the Hidden Valley Retreat and Spa. STS offers an array of stylized invitations, from classical to whimsical, at a reasonable price. We are pleased to welcome this local company on board as one of our "Who Wants to Win a Wedding?" participating vendors.

The Art of Beauty at its Finest

Melanie Littlewood, of Hair & Makeup Artistry by Melanie, is donating her Hair and Makeup services to our lucky bride on the morning of her September 12th nuptials. Melanie will also be on hand at our Bridal Faire on Saturday, May 30th. Melanie is a licensed cosmetologist who works as a makeup and grooming freelance artist. Her work has been displayed in print, on runways, and in TV commericals. Welcome, Melanie! And, thank you for your kind and generous donation.

Couple #17 - If the Heart Leads the Soulmate Will Follow

Rosella and Rudy met when they both volunteered for a church program in February of '07. Rudy says that "Rosella's pretty face hasn't left my mind since the moment when I first laid eyes on her." Although Rosella was initially intrigued by Rudy's
6'6" stature, she wasn't as sure. In a bold, early move, Rudy asked a mutual friend for Rosella's number and called to ask her out on a lunch date. However, after their second date, Rosella tried to tell Rudy that she just didn't think they were a good match. Undeterred, Rudy asked Rosella out again. His persistence eventually broke though her tough walls, and this happy couple hasn't stopped dating since. Together, they are currently taking a pre-marital class and are striving daily to "grow closer and to strengthen our walk with Christ." Rudy writes that he and Rosella want to "be an example of how marriage is more than just a life-long commitment; it is a gift from god that should be treasured for life."

Find out whether or not Rudy and Rosella are our contest winners at our Bridal Faire on Saturday, May 30th from noon - 4pm up at our glorious hillside paradise.

Couple #16 - Love Lost, Love Found

These May days are springing past us. Memorial day will soon be here, bringing with it another summer as well as the winners of our "Who Wants to Win a Wedding?" contest. On May 30th, we will announce our lucky contest winners at a Bridal Faire up at the Hidden Valley, from noon - 4pm. Until then, we have more exciting news to report as the contestant entries and the participating vendors keep rolling in.

Now introducing couple #16, - Tammy and Mark of Phoenix, Arizona.

Tammy's world seemed to be falling apart all around her. She had just relocated herself, and her two children, to Phoenix when she discovered that her fiance was not the man she had been led to believe he was. Devastated and distraught, she packed her, and her children's, belongings and moved out. In need of moving assistance, her cousin and his friend volunteered to help. It was then when Mark, a patient and caring man, walked into her life. He hasn't left her side since.
Tammy is hoping that winning this contest will be her thanks to Mark for all that he has done for her and her children since that fateful day.

Couple #15 - A Soldier's Return and a Couple's Love Reignited

As a single mom, Jen was won over by her now husband when, after years of friendship, he finally asked her out on a real date. That night, he backed Jen's new car into a fence and then stole a kiss from her in order to soothe her panic and frustration. Ever since, he has been a loyal and affectionate partner who has taken care of not just Jen but her son, too.
Together, this happy couple was first married during a tiny, cheap, and rushed, wedding over ten years ago. Now, Jen is eagerly awaiting her husband's return home from his deployment overseas. She is hoping to renew their vows with a ceremony at the Hidden Valley. Winning the "Who Wants to Win a Wedding?" contest would be a "truly amazing way to reignite our love for each other," she says.

Find out whether or not this couple, or the other fourteen couples profiled, wins our dream wedding giveaway at a Bridal Faire and Open House held at the Hidden Valley on May 30th, 2009, from noon-4pm.
Mark your calendars, as the date will soon be upon us!

Couple #14 - Cupids Arrow Finally Strikes These Two College Acquaintances

Zach and Lauren first met in Calculus class during the fall of '04 at the University of Missouri-Columbia. At the time, they were both in serious relationships with other people, thus Cupid had to take a raincheck. Years later, as college graduates and business professionals, the arrow struck.

The young people were re-introduced, through friends of friends, and they eventually went out on their first date. It was a Cardinals game and, somehow, Lauren's aunt managed to tag along for the ride. Nonetheless, Zach and Lauren hit if off and began dating soon thereafter.

One night, during a BBQ at his place, Zach hit the ball far out of the ballpark when he got down on one knee and seranaded Lauren with Garth Brooks' song "Shameless." True to form, Zach performed it in front of all of his assembled dinner guests and friends.

During the winter of '06, Zach fell deathly ill with a Staph infection. Lauren had to skip out on numerous holiday parties and family events in order to be at Zach's bedside in the hospital. It was then when she realized how much her and Zach were meant for each other. Ever since, she says, "we have known that we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together, and that we would do anything for each other."

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.