Couples Compete to Snag the 'Ultimate Georgetown Wedding'

Seventy-five engaged couples will compete in the second annual “Get Hitched in Georgetown” competition on Thursday, Oct. 18, but only one couple will win the $10,000 wedding package sponsored by 15 Georgetown businesses. 

The competition will be held on the Grace Church lawn at 1041 Wisconsin Ave., NW, on Thursday, Oct. 18, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free.

“Grace Church is always delighted to open its lawn and building to the community,” said Grace Church Pastor John Graham. “Given that we are in the wedding business…this is a particularly delightfully way to do that.”

Georgetown Business Improvement District (BID) has planned “Get Hitched in Georgetown” to showcase local businesses. The BID invites the public to watch the participating couples compete in wedding-themed games to win a wedding package sponsored by Georgetown businesses.

“Georgetown is one of the premier places in D.C. to host a wedding,” said Brittany Garrison, spokesperson for the event, who noted Georgetown’s high-end retail district.

Last year’s competition was held in conjunction with Fashion’s Night Out, but this year’s event was moved to a separate date because it was so well-received last year.

Georgetown Cupcake is giving 100 individually boxes cupcakes to the winners. Dandelion Patch is giving away a $500 gift certificate for “Save the Date” cards, and Barre 3 is offering a bridal party fitness class to work off those cupcakes.

Participants will compete before a panel of judges who are leaders in Washington’s wedding scene.

Last year’s competition included a bouquet toss, a cupcake eating contest and a Project-Runway-style toilet paper wedding dress competition.

“It was a ton of fun,” said Julia Kepniss, co-owner of Hitched Salon, a Georgetown bridal boutique that has a special connection with the event.

“We sort of helped to dream up the event,” Kepniss said of herself and Hitched Salon co-owner Carin Levine, who presented the idea that BID host a competition for a wedding package sponsored by Georgetown businesses last year. Kepniss and Levine have worked in event planning.

Winners will receive a wedding package with 15 give-aways from Georgetown businesses. Hitched Salon is providing a custom-ordered wedding gown.

The winning bride will be able to pick a dress that is priced up to $4,500. Most dresses at the boutique are within the range of $3,000-$6,000.

Other sponsoring Georgetown Buisnesses: Haute Papier, Sequoia, Hugh & Crye, Sprinkles Cupcakes, Ritz-Carlton, Bacchus Wine Cellar, Morton’s the Steakhouse, duo, Urban Chic and Ella Rue.

Participating couples must be engaged to be married, 21 years or older and reside in the District of Columbia, Virginia or Maryland. Couples registration is closed.