Roxanna Derrick and Rusty Jernigan are the winners of the December 2010 “Great Holiday Dream Wedding” contest by The Mitchell House and Gardens in Lexington, S.C. They have selected Saturday, Dec. 5, for their event at the historic home and gardens.

Two couples tied for second place: Elizabeth Stepp and William Cauthen, both of Columbia, will have their wedding in October; and Lauren Parnell of Lexington and Jacob Ragsdale, who serves in the U.S. Army, will marry in December. These couples received a $500 prize for their wedding and reception at The Mitchell House.
“All of us love a good story, especially a wonderful love story,” said Patsy Kiser, vice president of The Mitchell House and Gardens. “During our 18 years in business, we have enjoyed getting to know couples whose love stories  touched our lives and hearts.”

Couples were asked to submit a 350-word essay about their love story and a photograph.
In her contest entry, Roxanna Derrick wrote, “There is no way to tell you every wonderful, unbelievable, incredible thing about the relationship that Rusty and I have .. however, I can tell you that, in only 10 months, I have found my best friend and the love of my life!”

Elizbeth Stepp wrote, “Will and I go out to look for shooting stars at night. He works at a restaurant, and I work at Columbia Children’s Theatre. There isn’t a lot of money to be had, but we have never been unhappy.”
As their love grew, Lauren Parnell and Jacob Ragsdale realized that they would spend a great deal of time apart because of his commitment to serve in the military. “Jake made the ultimate sacrifice and joined the Army for active duty … we knew that it would improve his life significantly. He has always been a giver and wanted to do something to help people. This is his chance.”

The contest, which ran from July through Sept. 3 is the fifth for The Mitchell House, which gave away its first free wedding in December 2008 when the economic downturn led  many couples to postpone their wedding plans. Other contests have resulted in weddings in July and December 2009 and July 2010.
"The first contest was so enjoyable that our staff talked about what we could do next," said Phyllis James, owner of The Mitchell House and Gardens. "We take great pride in making wedding dreams come true for brides and grooms of all ages. The ‘Holiday Dream Wedding Contest’ that began in 2008 is another way for us to celebrate love and to throw a wedding for a deserving couple.”


             The wedding package for Roxanna and Rusty will include an event for up to 75 guests, flowers, a wedding cake, champagne toast, planning sessions with The Mitchell House wedding consultants, wedding candles, and other special services, including those of a wedding director.

TJ McKay of TJ McKay Mobile Entertainment will provide free DJ services for the couple’s reception.
“We love people being in love, and we look forward to helping another couple have the wedding of their dreams,” said Karen Petit, wedding director.

Jessica Lee Dunning of Carolina Photography (www.CarolinaPhotoStudio.com) will provide free engagement portraits and free photography of the couple's ceremony and reception. 


The “Great Holiday Dream Wedding” contest for a free wedding in July 2011 will be announced in December on the business’ Web site: www.themitchellhouseandgardens.com.

Established in 1992 as the Midlands' first full-service wedding business, The Mitchell House is recognized for its weddings, receptions and special events with Southern charm and elegance. Call 803-359-5325 for information on the wedding giveaway or email Mitchellhouseandgardens@gmail.com.