The winning couple of our Dream Wedding Giveaway with Vue at Ripley Point has been announced and we have to congratulate John Holman and Tammy Walker! We left the voting up to the Lowcountry-thank goodness- because I never could have voted for just one couple. They ALL deserve a dream wedding if you ask me!

Each couple had a unique story of why they deserved the dream wedding. For John and Tammy it was a unexpected stroke that changed everything for John, and Tammy stepped up to the plate, sacrificing the wedding of her dreams to help pay for medical costs and more-what a gal! For Ira and Jay --I tip my hat to Jay, for fighting for our country in Iraq & to Ira, for taking care of so many people every day in a local hospital ICU-- they experienced a family tragedy and were left with little money for a wedding but knew their love could get them through it all. For Lathaniel and Salita, you could see the magical love between them when you were with them. Lathaniel is on a personal mission to help others throughout our entire community and works daily to make our world a better place, he's just started his own ministry in the north area, but trust me, he will be a dynamic force in our community for years to come and by his side, Salita-- a young woman who could see the beauty inside and be a shining example that it is the inner beauty that truly matters. Many of you didn't get the chance to get to know each of these couples like we did at Lowcountry Live and some of you know them even better than we do, but know that we are so happy that each one of them got to tell their story and hopefully inspire others out there to go for it, try something new and sacrifice.

And now the planning begins...John and Tammy will hit the ground running with wedding planning. Since their wedding must take place this year at Vue at Ripley Point, they are looking at dates in November, which is only nine months away! And as a former bridezilla, it might be time for Tammy to start investing in the Tums...ha! Tammy will be updating me with the latest in her wedding planning so stay tuned to the LCL blog to stay in the loop.

Some of the perks Tammy & John will get to enjoy is massages, laser hair removal, facials and more from the Island Medical Spa Institute on Daniel Island..if John is anything like my husband, Darren, he's probably never had any of these services but will secretly love them! I can't wait to see what dress Tammy decides upon, since it's a winter wedding -- or in the Lowcountry-- a wedding with temps in the sixties, her dress may have to have a little bit more fabric than the summer strapless- I'm sure the ladies at the Bridal House of Charleston will take care of her. And John will have NOTHING to worry about when it comes to the tuxedos, which will be donated by Jean's of Mount Pleasant. When I was searching for my wedding dress, I stumbled into Jean's one day after work. I had pretty much given up finding that perfect dress, but the ladies at Jean's surprised me and made me try on some dresses which were a little different than what I planned on and believe it or not, but I found my perfect dress there, so I am certain that John will find that stunning look for himself and all of his groomsmen. So John, listen to the ladies at Jean's, they know what they're talking about.

Now to the flowers...if men don't know this yet or not, women love flowers..and yes, everyone tells you that no one remembers your flowers at your wedding...but I know someone that does remember the flowers from my wedding..ME! (and since it's your special day: Tammy live it up!) Karen Powell at OK Florist in Summerville has graciously donated the flowers for the Dream Wedding Giveaway and she will take you step by step through choosing everything you need for your wedding - and think out of the box - if you want a beach theme, throw some sand in there or if you want a country theme, throw some moss in there- she has some great ideas and by the time you're finished, she will be part of the family!

I could go on and on about all the wonderful wedding aspects but I will wait until Tammy updates us, then I'll add my two cents (what's new, right?) . Thanks to everyone who watched Lowcountry Live & voted and to all the retailers who made the Dream Wedding Giveaway an absolute hit! And a special thanks to Jay and Ira, Lathaniel and Salita, and John and Tammy.