Mitchell House and Gardens to offer free wedding

in July 2010 to couple dedicated to serving others

            The Mitchell House and Gardens in Lexington is giving Cupid a helping hand in planning a free wedding in July for a couple dedicated to serving others.

               Applications for the semi-annual “Great Holiday Dream Wedding” contest are being accepted through noon Tuesday, March 2, 2010. The winner will be announced Friday, March 5, and the wedding will be held at The Mitchell House in July.

               The contest is open to people in service professions, including men and women in the military, first responders, educators, healthcare professionals, volunteers and others whose unselfish dedication has made their community, state or nation a better place in which to live.

            “Over the past two years, our nation has relied on the selfless acts of men and women to help us through adversity,” said Patsy Kiser, vice president of The Mitchell House and Gardens. “Their personal stories are heartwarming, and we know that we have many deserving couples in the Midlands.”

            The contest is the fourth for The Mitchell House, which gave away its first wedding in December 2008 when the economic downturn inspired the business to offer a free holiday wedding.  Other contests have led to weddings in July and December 2009.

                "The first contest was so enjoyable that we talked about what we could do next," said Phyllis James, owner of The Mitchell House and Gardens. "During our 18 years in business, we’ve taken great pride in making wedding dreams come true. The ‘Great Holiday Dream Wedding’ contest that began in 2008 is another way for us to recognize couples.”

             The wedding package will include the use of the historic home and grounds for five hours on a date selected in July 2010, a fully catered reception for up to 75 guests, flowers, a wedding cake, champagne toast, planning sessions with one of The Mitchell House wedding consultants, wedding candles, and other special services, including those of a wedding director.

                The contest rules include: At least one of the couple must be in a service profession or actively involved as a volunteer in their community; the couple must submit a 350-word story and photo; at least one of the couple must schedule an appointment and tour The Mitchell House to ensure that the facility is appropriate for their event; the couple must present a legal marriage license on the day of the wedding; and both the bride and groom must be 18 years of age or older.

            The Mitchell House, established in 1992 as the Midlands' first full-service wedding business, is recognized for its weddings, receptions and special events with Southern charm and elegance.

                "We love people being in love, and we are looking forward to helping another couple have the wedding of their dreams,” said Karen Petit, wedding director.

                Cal 803-359-5325 for information on the wedding giveaway or email Mitchellhouseandgardens@gmail.com.

                To learn more about The Mitchelln House and Gardes and the services that it provides, visit www.themitchellhouseandgardens.com.