Finalists Chosen in Southern Maryland Dream Wedding Contest

Voting begins Monday to decide which couple will win dream wedding valued at more than $20,000 

WALDORF, Md. (April 14, 2010) – It’s a grand slam for any bride and groom – winning the wedding of your dreams.

Now, two lucky local couples are one step closer to scoring that wedding, but to win, they’ll need your help!

Bambi Kwiatkoski and Steven Phillips of Lusby (pictured to the right of Blue Crabs mascot "Pinch") and Crystal Virts and Steve Boice of Mechanicsville (pictured left of Pinch) were chosen as finalists in the Southern Maryland Dream Wedding Giveaway. Their names were drawn during the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs’ annual Fan Fest at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf on Saturday, April 10.

“We were delighted to select these two wonderful couples and learn more about them,” said Kimberly Bean, founder and CEO of The Southern Maryland Wedding Guide. “They’re one step closer to winning a fabulous dream wedding. The local vendors we’ve lined up are dedicated to making the wedding day perfect.”

Blue Crabs’s mascot Pinch was on hand to greet and congratulate the finalists. The couples also met Bean and two of the vendors who will be working on the dream wedding: Mary Rahall, Master Bridal Consultant with Waldorf Engraving & Printing, and Dave Williams of Dave's Videography Services.

Each couple recorded a video that will be posted on SoMdWeddings.com, and from Monday, April 19, until midnight Friday, April 23, the general public will cast votes for the couple they think should win the grand prize. (Voters must be residents of Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s counties.)

“The videos are a chance for each couple to tell their story and explain why they should win a dream wedding,” Bean said. “We hope readers take the time to get to know them and decide which couple should win!”

The winners of the reader vote will be announced Friday, April 30, during the Blue Crabs’ Opening Day game at Regency Furniture Stadium. The wedding will take place Friday, Sept. 3, 2010.

Several of Southern Maryland’s premier wedding service providers are contributing their services to make the winning couple’s day perfect: Reception for up to 100 guests at the Legends Club -- Regency Furniture Stadium; wedding gown -- Today's Bride & Formal Wear; tuxedo rental for groom -- Today's Bride & Formal Wear; ceremony music -- St. Charles String Quartet; reception site decorations -- Wisechoice Productions; photography services -- Sandi Foraci Photography; bridal consulting -- Mary Rahall, Master Bridal Consultant; wedding invitations -- Waldorf Engraving & Printing; limousine transportation -- Diamond Limousine; DJ services -- Just Jeff the DJ; wedding cake -- Anita's Wedding Cake Company; wedding night accommodations -- Clarion Inn, Waldorf; videography services -- Daves' Videography Services; wedding flowers -- Country Florist; hair services -- Illusions Hair & Nail Salon; wedding favors and gifts -- BridalEverything.com.

Plus, the winning couple’s wedding will be featured in the Winter Spring 2011 edition of the The Southern Maryland Wedding Guide.

The Southern Maryland Wedding Guide is published twice each year and features stories about local weddings, vendors and wedding trends. The all-digital magazine includes video and live email and web links. Planning tools and tips and an extensive reception site guide make the magazine a must-have for Southern Maryland brides.

SoMdWeddings.com debuted in December 2002 and averages 40,000 to 50,000 page views per month.