Monday, March 7, 2011

meet the finalists...

  Today we're announcing the three finalists for the 13:13 Photography Wedding Package Giveaway.  Yippeeee!!
So all you have to do is take a minute and check out their stories and comment on which couple should win this amazing prize. 

and here they are....
{melinda + matthew}
I am a visualartist-graphicdesigner-jewelrymaker-onlinevendor-writer-singer-gardener-wannabechef with an obsession for being outside. He is a classicalguitarist-teacher-luthier- handiman-entrepreneur-wannabejokester with an addiction to hot sauce.

We have both committed our lives to supporting the arts—to living in ways that are full of meaning and beauty and fun—which has meant pursuing untraditional work opportunities and forging our own paths. For all of the long lists of activities and accomplishments, we find ourselves with very rich lives but very limited financial means.

And now we are committing our lives to each other, and we imagine a simple, casual celebration surrounded by the people we most love. The ideas are still germinating, but we envision friends playing music on a rustic stage, a fire in the fireplace, tables decorated with wheat grass and bamboo plates, and a small selection of delicious food. Instead of do-it-YOURself, we’re gravitating toward do-it-OURselves, choosing options that support our creative friends and local small businesses, such as: renting the historic Gild Hall in the artist community of Arden, Delaware; brainstorming a low-cost, handmade wedding dress with a seamstress friend; providing locally brewed beer from Dock Street Brewery; ordering carrot cake from the West Philly “Carrot Cake Man,” who hawks his amazing $1 cupcakes on street corners; setting up a registry with a potter to add to our collection of unique, handmade dishes; and maybe (maybe!), if the budget allows, hiring a rapidly rising Mexi-Americana folk band that we’ve followed since we first saw them at a friend’s house concert. I want to hand-print each invitation with old metal typeface and string up excessive amounts of garland made from upcycled sheet music. He wants to build unusual wooden planters for the tables and find inexpensive ways to beautify every corner.

When we made our initial list of “must-haves” for our wedding, I immediately said “amazing photography!” envisioning artistic compositions that would create a vivid memory of the day’s details. But the reality of planning a $12,000 wedding means that we have to trim every possible expense and it looks more and more like hiring a top-notch photographer won’t make the cut. So here’s to photography give-aways and the glimmer of hope that all things might be possible.

{katie + ross}
My name is Katie H. and I am marrying the love of my life, Ross B., on September 3, 2011.  We are getting married in our home-state of North Carolina (although we both live in Portland, OR now) at a restored barn in Bermuda Run, NC (just outside of Winston-Salem). 
Our vision for the wedding is to keep it as environmentally friendly as possible, with a lot of personality and pizazz!  Instead of flowers, we are hoping to accent the space with lights and drapery.  We are going to do a major chunk of the decorations ourselves, of course with the help of our crafty friends and family.  The major issue for us is that by planning the wedding from across the country, we are limited to how much we can carry with us from home to wedding site.  My budget is not going to allow for us to ship a lot (if any) so we will be doing a LOT of stuff last minute (as in the week of the wedding).  
To us, the most important aspect of our wedding is the pictures.  My fiance is huge into photography (he is still a beginner but its definitely becoming a passion of his) and we both know that creative pictures that capture our unique and quirky personalities is crucial to our Big Day!  Unfortunately, because our budget is limited, we may not be able to afford a great photographer.  I have reviewed your portfolio and I am floored by your creativity and the way I can feel each person's light in the photographs.  I would be honored to have the two of you as our photographers.
 Thank you for considering us, 
Katie and Ross

Here is where we are getting married: http://winmock.com/home/winmock-home.php 
(The attached picture is us on the day we got engaged... it OF COURSE rained and the proposal Ross had planned was outside.  With wind-blown hair and rain-drenched clothes, the moment wasn't "picture perfect" but I couldn't have asked for a better day!)


{christy + michael}
Our idea of the perfect wedding is one where everyone is involved and the fun never ends.
Our bridal party consists of our closest friends including my close friend Lindsey who is making all of our hairpieces and boutonnieres. To take some of the nervousness out of the ceremony, they will be surprising us by coming down the aisle with fun dance moves, high fives and anything else they can come up with. The flower girl will be carrying a "here comes the bride" bunting flag and when the ceremony is over she will flip it to the back side where it will read " and they lived happily ever after". I will be walking down the isle to a bluegrass band with strong banjo tunes. (our favorite) The ceremony will be held at a local tree farm under their events pavilion and We will be exchanging our vows under a huppa that is being made by my father and my future hubby. Our flower accents will be hydrangeas,wheat, herbs, and baby's breath. 

Our reception will be held at our local National Guard Armory. We will have a dj, a photo booth and will be serving heavy hor d'oeuvres. We will be introduced, do our dance and then my dad and I will do our surprise father daugther dance, think chicken :) For our reception decor, we will be having a centerpiece party inviting all creative family members and friends to make a fun yet rustic centerpiece for each table. My future sister-in-law is great at coming up with decoration ideas, so she will be helping tons with decorating. We will be using flowers from my parent's and friend's hydrangea plants, mason jars from everyones personal canning collection and anything else that goes along with our theme. For our card box, we will be using my grandmothers old suitcase which will also hold pictures of our late family members and my brother is drawing a fingerprint wedding tree for signing in. In sum, our entire ceremony and reception will be made from the creative minds and hands of all that are near and dearest to us. We will be able to look back and know that every little detail has a story that will last a lifetime.

voting will end March 9th at 5pm est.
~voting has ended~ 

1,963 comments :

  1. Wish all couples (not just these 3!) could win such a fabulous package for their wedding. But if I must choose, my vote goes to Melinda & Matthew. Their commitment to supporting the arts is something I avidly believe in, too!

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  2. I agree with Lissa.... it would be lovely if they could all win, however I do particularly love the sound of Melinda & Matthew's wedding, how it incorporates so many small local businesses and artists.

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  3. My vote goes to Melinda and Matthew. I love the vision they've come up with for their special day!

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  4. I was immediately drawn to Melinda and Matthew - as a photographer, I'd pick them if it was me shooting the wedding! As a person - I'd pick theirs if I was going, so its a win-win in my book. I tried to do the same thing with my own wedding, picking local vendors over big box retailers. Just warms my heart strings!

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  5. my vote goes to Melinda & Matthew

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  6. My vote also goes to Melinda and Matthew. All 3 couples have amazing ideas. But out of the 3, I'm most curious to see how M&M's day comes to life. Good luck y'all!

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  7. Melinda and matthew!

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  8. All 3 weddings sound awesome. I would pick Melinda and Matthew because of their creativity and commitment to local businesses and involving their community in making their wedding special

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  9. Melinda and Matthew, without a doubt.

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  10. i have to vote for katie and ross!!

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  11. Katie & Ross! What a relief (expense and sanity wise) it would be to have photography taken care of when you are planning a wedding from across the country!

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  12. All are great, but if I had to choose Melinda & Matthew.

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  13. Katie and Ross have such a beautiful story.

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  14. All three couples and their concepts are wonderful! All three are truly deserving of the prize! If I had to vote for just one, however, I would have to vote for Melinda and Matthew.

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  15. I vote for Katie and Ross.... they are a precious couple.

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  16. What a beautiful photo of Katie and Ross, where is the picture taken? They get my vote!

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  17. Katie and Ross. Go environmentally friendly!

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  18. Matthew & Melinda, please!

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  19. Melinda and Matthew - So important to support local vendors!

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  20. My vote is for Christy and Michael!

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  21. My vote goes to Christy & Michael

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  22. Katie and Ross... planning a long distance wedding is tough! They deserve all the help they can get....

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  23. Hands down its Christy and Michael....

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  24. My vote is for Katie and Ross!

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  25. Melinda and Matthew. Anyone who is willing to be a little silly in a public contest (Matthew) is worthy of my vote.

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  26. Melinda and Matthew!!!! They get my vote!

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  27. Melinda and Matthew should win. What an artistic sound wedding!!!! The photography will be amazing!

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  28. Blessings to Melinda and Matthew. They deserve the win!

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  29. Melinda and Matt! Have a FABULOUS day!

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  30. Katie and Ross definitely should get this wonderful prize. All seem great but it sounds like their wedding needs you.

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  31. I think Christy and Michael make a cute couple!

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  32. Christy and Michael

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  33. I vote for Christy and Michael! I hope you have a wonderful day!

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  34. Have a wonderful wedding Christy and Michael!

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  35. I love Melinda & Matthew's ideas!

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  36. Here's to Melinda and Matthew!!!!!

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  37. You have to love Christy and Michaels idea!

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  38. Christy and Michael

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  39. Katie and Ross would be soooo appreciative. They have my vote!!

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  40. melinda and michael

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  41. Melinda & Matthew all the way!

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  42. I hope Katie and Ross win!

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  43. Katie and Ross need a great pic!

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  44. Ross and Katie have my vote!

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  45. Katie and Ross! YAY for eco friendly!!!!

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  46. Katie and Ross seem like a great couple!!

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  47. Melinda and Matthew sounds so creative, I'm sure their wedding will be visually and musically stunning. My vote is for them!

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  48. I vote for Melinda and Matthew!!

    they are FANTASTIC and I can't wait to see what their big day becomes!

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  49. I would like to vote for Katie and Ross please!

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  50. definitely melinda & matthew!!

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  51. Christy and Michael for sure!

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  52. Definitely Christy and Michael!

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  53. Christy and Michael please.

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  54. Melinda and Matthew. I like the organic nature of the wedding!

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  55. I vote katie and ross!!!

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  56. Katie and Ross. They look adorable and they seem to be on the tightest budget. I think they would benefit the most from it.Good Luck to all.

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  57. Melinda and Matthew - such creative, locally fresh ideas. And beautiful photography seems like it would just wrap it all up wonderfully!

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  58. Melinda and Matthew. Melinda was there for my wedding and has always been an incredibly generous, thoughtful, giving person. She was known for leaving handmade encouraging notes in people's mailboxes back in undergrad...something that always made my day. Here's hoping that this makes her wedding that much more special to her.

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  59. Melinda and Matthew!

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  60. Melinda and Matthew

    She's my cousin!

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  61. Melinda and Matthew
    My cousin, too!

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  62. Melinda and Matthew have a bunch of great ideas, a commitment to reusing/recycling materials and excellent artistic/aesthetic flair. My vote goes to them!

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  63. support local vendors! go, matthew & melinda!

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  64. Melinda and matthew

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  65. Melinda & Matthew all the way....

    Good luck you two!

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  66. Christy and Michael

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  67. My vote goes for Christy and Michael!

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  68. Melinda and Matthew!!

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  69. My vote goes to Melinda & Matthew! Cheers!

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  70. Excelent choices. I vote for Melinda and Matthew!

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  71. My vote goes to Katie and Ross. They are trying to have a beautiful wedding on a shoe string budget and would appreciate winning so much.

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  72. This young couple deserve beautiful photography to capture the meaningful wedding they are planning. Their creative spirit and attention to artistic and ecological detail are an example for all of us, especially because they are keeping to a limited budget. Melinda and Matthew have my vote.

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  73. Ross and Katie would get my vote, they are a very special couple.

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  74. Katie and Ross seem much more genuine and deserving. Katie and Ross!

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  75. I vote for "Melinda and Matthew" and a better voting system.

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  76. Ross and Katie are so excited about their special day. Winning this would make their day even more special.

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  77. My vote goes to Katie and Ross

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  78. All great choices, and all deserving, but I really like Melinda and Matthew's ideas. It really sounds like they're committed to supporting the arts and their community. A friend to make the dress, a potter to fulfill their registry, local beer, and the carrot cake man (google him, he sells cake on the street!)! And a folk band instead of a DJ! What more could you ask for?

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  79. I'm going with my buddies Matt and Melinda

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  80. Christy and Michael!

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  81. My vote goes to Katie and Ross

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  82. Carrot cake wedding cake? Awesome! I hope Melinda and Matt are able to have great photographers capture all of their great ideas!

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  83. Melinda and Matthew, ABSOLUTELY!!

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  84. melinda and mat for sure!

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  85. Matt and Melinda get my vote.

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  86. Katie and Ross get my vote!

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  87. Katie and Ross PLEASE!

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  88. Katie & Ross all the way! Planning a wedding across the country definitely deserves all the help they can get!

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  89. Katie and Ross get my vote!

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  90. I say Christy and Michael.

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  91. Who wouldnt love Christy and Michael!

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  92. I vote for the creative thinking of Christy and Michael

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  93. M&M all the way! Especially if they have M&M's at their wedding. Mmmm. . .

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  94. Melinda & Matthew have my vote!!! They sound like two wonderful and genuine people!! what a wonderful way to celebrate life and their life together! Sounds like a dream wedding to me, art friendly, creative (great sound and food, totally yummy and utilizing local talent!!) Wow! They need and deserve excellent photography to document this special day!

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  95. Melinda and Matthew

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  96. From South of France, my vote goes to Melinda and Matthew!!! The best of luck to them in winning this contest! :)

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  97. Matthew and Melinda! Support your local vendors!

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  98. my vote goes to Melinda & Matthew

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  99. Matthew and Melinda

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  100. Hooray for supporting the arts! Hooray for Matthew and Melinda!

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  101. Katie and Ross!! for sure !!!

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  102. No question about it - my vote is for Christy & Michael!

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  103. Melinda & Matthew!!!

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  104. Melinda and Matthew all the way!

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  105. Katie and Ross! Katie and Ross!

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  106. Katie and Ross. I love the idea of an environmentally friendly wedding!

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  107. Christy & Michael....duh!

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  108. Melinda and Matthew, for sure!

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  109. Katie and Ross! I can't imagine planning a wedding from across the country! AND making it eco-friendly. YESSS!

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  110. Support local...Melinda & Matthew.

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  111. Melinda and Matthew! Their love of the arts and helping out local businesses is just wonderful. They not only love each other very much, but also the community they live in!

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  112. Way to go, Melinda & Matthew! I hope you win!

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  113. i think Michael and Christy

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  114. Michael and Christy

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  115. Woo hoo for Melinda and Matthew. Sounds wonderful! Blessings to you.

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  116. Michael and Christy.. theirs sounds really cool!!

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  117. Michael and Christy i hope you guys when

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  118. for Michael and Christy

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  119. i gotta go with Michael and Christy

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  120. im all in for Michael and Christy

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  121. I think Christy and Michael!

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  122. michael & christy i hope you win and lots of love 2 all

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  123. I say Christy and Michael! I love their idea!

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  124. Who wouldnt love blue grass!!! Im in for Christy and Michael!

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  125. to christy and michael i hope you get it

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  126. My vote is for christy and Michael!

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  127. Michael and Christy

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  128. Count me in for Christy and Michael!

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  129. Michael and Christy

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  130. Michael and Christy

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  131. christy and michael

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  132. christy and michael

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  133. christy and michael

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  134. christy and michael

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  135. I am all for Christy and Michael...

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  136. christy & michael

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  137. I like the ideas of Christy and Michael

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  138. christy and michael

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  139. I think the dancing idea is great! My vote is for Christy and Michael.

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  140. Christy and Michaels wedding will be awesome!

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  141. christy and michael

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  142. Im all in for Christy and Michael!

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  143. Christy and Michael are so cute together.

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  144. I love the original ideas of Christy and Michael

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  145. Melinda and Matthew is my vote!!!!

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  146. Ross and Katie! I love the do-it-yourself attitude!

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  147. I want to vote for Katie and Ross!

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  148. GO KATIE & ROSS!

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  149. katie and ross, what a cute couple!

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  150. Katie and Ross all the way

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  151. Christy and Michael

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  152. Katie and Ross totally

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  153. Michael and Christy!

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  154. 100% Christy and Michael!!!

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  155. Katie and Ross, I better get invited!!

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  156. I pick the best couple in the world! Christy and Michael!

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  157. Christy and Michael, They mean the world to me!

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  158. Katie and Ross 200%

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  159. Katie and Ross, best in the world

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  160. katie and ross, best wishes you two!

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  161. Katie and Ross, Woop Woop

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  162. Katie and rossers!!!

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  163. I'm curious who Matt & Melinda's "Mexi-Americana" band is. Sounds awesome!

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  164. Christy and Michael are my vote!

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  165. Sweet Katie and Ross the man

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  166. michael and christy

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  167. The one and only Christy and Michael!

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  168. One and only Katie Ann and Ross!

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  169. Katie & Ross without question

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  170. KT Ann and Ross!

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