Brides to compete for $50,000 wedding

Funds may not be flowing from the government's Cash for Clunkers program, but a group of wedding vendors are planning a bailout for one lucky bride.

NOVA 535, gallery and event space in St. Petersburg, will host its first Bridal Gala on Aug. 9. Brides-to-be have the chance to win a "dream wedding" valued at $50,000.

"It's the perfect marriage," said Michael Novilla, owner of NOVA 535, whose venue was featured in a recent taping of "Bridezilla" for WE television. "This is a brutal year for almost everybody."

So what's the catch? The winner (over age 21) must be willing to star in a documentary, and the wedding ceremony must be held at NOVA 535 on Jan. 31, 2010.

Applicants should complete the application available online in advance and bring it to NOVA. On-camera interviews will take place on site and the winner will be notified by Aug. 31.

"I didn't have a big wedding, so I can empathize. It really is an important day in the bride and groom's life," said Debbie Libert, owner of DD's Blooms Wedding Florist who is co-organizing the event. "This is a great group of people they're going to meet who are in the industry because they love it."

Submissions will be screened by Clearwater film producer Tony Armer who will produce the
documentary on the bridal process. All brides must be present on Aug. 9 to be considered.

"We want to see how a bride, her family and future in-laws react when something like this is offered to them," said Armer, who also is co-founder and executive director for the Sunscreen Film Festival. "I can see where a free wedding could get a couple on the right track to starting their life off together."

When it comes to talking into the camera, be yourself, Armer advises.

"We know when people are acting," he said. "Let your personality shine and we'll see what happens."

The Bridal Gala, from noon to 2 p.m. on Aug. 9, will feature more than 30 local wedding vendors showcasing their wares from catering spreads to floral arrangements.

Attendees should RSVP by emailing Kdem0827@aol.com to be eligible for door prizes.