MLB LAUNCHES CONTEST TO FIND COUPLE FOR FIRST-EVER ALL-STAR FANFEST WEDDING


For the first time, as a part of 2011 MLB All-Star Week in Phoenix, Arizona, Major League Baseball will host a wedding at All-Star FanFest. Couples are invited to share their stories at allstargame.com/fanfestwedding for a chance to win the All-Star FanFest Wedding, which will be held Tuesday July 12 at 11:00 a.m. Arizona time at the Phoenix Convention Center, site of MLB All-Star FanFest.

The winning couple will receive a wedding package which includes a ceremony on the Diamond at All-Star FanFest, a catered reception for 50 guests by Aventura Catering, a wedding ring package from Molina Fine Jewelers worth no more than $15,000 that will include either an engagement ring or two wedding bands, a wedding dress by Uptown Bridal, roundtrip airfare and two tickets to the 82nd MLB All-Star Game.

The lucky couple will also receive items from Major League Baseball partners including a $500 MasterCard® prepaid gift card, beverages for the reception provided by Budweiser, hotel stay provided by InterContinental Hotels Group, and a $500 Newlywed Lawn & Garden Kit donated by Scotts featuring a wide array of Scotts Miracle-Gro products.

Host of NBC’s “The Marriage Ref” Tom Papa will join WE tv’s “My Fair Wedding” celebrity wedding planner David Tutera, MLB All-Star Ambassador Luis Gonzalez and Jenni Croft Badolato from ABC’s “The Bachelor” to assist Major League Baseball in selecting the winning couple.

Couples can get more information and enter the contest by going to All-Star FanFest Wedding and submitting a short video explaining why they should win the All-Star FanFest Wedding. Eligible entries will be reviewed and judged by Major League Baseball and the celebrity judging panel based on criteria including the couple’s connection to Major League Baseball and the creativity and quality of their online submission. The online contest entry period for the All-Star FanFest Wedding closes Wednesday, June 1.

Esteemed and highly sought-after Scottsdale wedding planner, Charlee Geisler of Signature Events has been selected by MLB to coordinate the big day. Additional services donated by local Phoenix businesses for the wedding include:

· Angelic Grove – Wedding and event décor



· Eyes 2 See Photography – Wedding photography



· Serendipity Video – Wedding videographer



· Classic Party Rental – Specialized party supplies and rentals



· F/X Entertainment – Ceremony and reception music



· Celebrations in Paper – Invitations and wedding program



· Cheryl Roberts with Steven Paul Salon – Hair and make-up



· Julia Baker Confections – Wedding cake



· Men’s Wearhouse – Tuxedos



Coming to Phoenix for the first time in its history, Major League Baseball All-Star FanFest will serve as the launch for MLB All-Star Week, which will culminate with the 82nd Midsummer Classic on Tuesday, July 12 at Chase Field. The five-day event provides an unrivaled experience for fans of all ages and among its attractions are an exhibit from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, batting cages, clinics from Major League legends, free autograph sessions with former D-backs and MLB legends, memorabilia, and much more.