Christmas might be just around the corner, but the organizers behind the Win a Wedding contest already have their sights set to February.
Back in 2016, Liz Tiedeman, owner of Brilliant Events, and Anastasia Chomlack, a local photographer and founder of the Whistler Wedding Collective, decided that instead of doing a styled photo shoot to showcase their work and the work of local vendors, they’d host a contest for a real-life couple to win a fully planned wedding.Open to couples from across Canada, they received over 100 love stories as submissions. “It was amazing,” Tiedeman said. “We’ve been wanting to do it again ever since the first one. It was such a success.”
It was hard to choose just one couple — Chomlack and Tiedeman had to turn it over to a jury to help them decide — but in the end a heartfelt note from a man in Prince George won them over. Although it was meant to be an elopement, “they threw a twist and asked if they could bring 50 family and friends,” Tiedeman said. “Everyone pulled together. It took a few phone calls on my end… but honestly everyone was really excited to be part of this. It was a gift to someone who deserved it.”
The couple knew next to nothing about their big day when they arrived in Whistler. Along with the organizers, local vendors provided everything — save for the bride’s dress, which she had purchased before finding out they had won. The couple and their guests showed up at Rainbow Park to a stunning ceremony on a dock. Then, while taking photos afterwards, they were whisked away via helicopter to continue the shoot on a mountaintop. “They came down and met the wedding party for the reception,” Tiedeman said.
The total value was estimated at $35,000.
Now, they’re doing it all over again. Entries must be received by Jan. 15 with the jury set to make a decision by Jan. 23. The wedding will take place around Valentine’s Day.
“It is a tight turnaround, but that’s what makes it exciting,” Tiedeman said. “Regardless of who the couple is, plans can take place behind the scenes. That’s the reality of eloping too. I have couples who call me and say they want to get married in a week or six weeks. It’s doable. Showcasing Whistler’s finest vendors is easy to do.”
To that end, some of the same vendors are on board for the contest’s second installment, but there are also many new companies as well — all local to the Sea to Sky corridor. “After the first run we had a lot of people contact us and ask if they could be part of the next one,” Tiedeman said. “We’re already compiling a list for the third Win a Wedding.”
This time, they’re also opening up the contest to the U.S. As a result, they anticipate a flood of submissions. On top of a few social media requirements (find them at winawedding.ca/enter), the couple — who should be engaged with both people consenting to the submission — has to enter a written submission with their love story and why they should be chosen. Tiedeman has a few pieces of advice about what judges will be looking for. “Speak from the heart,” she said. “They should give it their all. This is a real contest; we’re giving away a wedding. We’re looking for an amazing love story here from people who deserve a wedding.”
For more information or to apply visit winawedding.ca.
