After a month of votes, the winning couple for Chicago’s eleven eleven Dream Wedding contest has been announced, and we are thrilled to find out the winners are Connie and Jessica!
As the sole same-sex couple in the contest, and armed with their sweet story and love for each other, the brides-to-be were picked as semi-finalists in April. It was then left up to voters to decide who will enter the finals. Picked as one of the final four, sponsors voted via secret ballot to crown a winning couple.
The winners were declared Tuesday night at a cocktail party, at which parents and loved ones were also invited to share in the celebrations. “When Connie and I found out that we were the winning couple we were absolutely shocked. We had so much hope but there were three other couples that were wonderful candidates. When our name was called as the winning couple the response from the crowd and most importantly our friends and family (my mother was with us) was overwhelming,” says Jessica. “Being the first same-sex couple to win this contest is an absolute honor.”
The news came in the aftermath of North Carolina passing Amendment One, banning same-sex marriage, civil unions and domestic partnerships. “We are so proud to live in Illinois where civil unions became legal last summer. It is one thing to have the support of your friends and family, but to know that your state legally recognizes you and has set up provisions to protect you as a couple is so comforting,” exclaims Jessica. “We can’t wait to show our friends and family that we are a committed couple just like everyone else out there and that our love is no different!”
The wedding planning will be led by Heather Vickery from Greatest Expecations, a special event and wedding planninng company in Chicago and in partnership with some of the area’s most coveted wedding vendors. “They have been so amazing throughout this contest process and we are looking forward to planning this wedding with them,” adds Jessica. The big day will take place on Sunday, November 11, 2012.
Congratulations Connie and Jessica!
Watch the revealing here:
Photo: elevenelevenwedding.com
