Say 'I Do' to a Wedding in Greater Miami and the Beaches

MIAMI, April 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Love is in the air, as Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) President & CEO William D. Talbert, III, CDME announces a partnership with The Knot and the city's first ever "Miami Romance Month." The year-long initiative with The Knot—the No. 1 wedding brand, reaching eight out of ten U.S. brides—seeks to celebrate and promote Greater Miami and the Beaches as the ideal destination for destination weddings, commitment ceremonies, wedding shopping trips, bachelor/ette parties, proposals and honey/babymoons.

"Greater Miami's many assets are like a wedding bouquet—vibrant, colorful and with a little bit of something for everyone," says Talbert. "A-list nightlife, culture and the arts, outdoor adventure, unbeatable shopping, award-winning dining...or simply our gorgeous, tropical weather, take your pick to create a Miami wedding that is nothing short of perfect."

The Miami Romance Program kicks off in May with the launch of Miami.Weddings.com, an editorial-driven site hosted by The Knot where visitors can find an interactive community, shopping resources, and editorial features focused on why "tying the knot" in Miami is ideal.

June will be "Miami Romance Month," as the GMCVB and The Knot embark on a month of special activities celebrating Miami and its wealth of wedding vendors, romantic restaurants and ceremony/reception venues—topping off with a "Marry Me in Miami" contest as the icing on the cake. Details include:

• The GMCVB Web site will include a MiamiRomanceMonth.com section featuring Miami wedding vendor profiles, articles and special offers
• On June 19, the GMCVB hosts the Miami Romance & Wedding Showcase at The Westin Colonnade, a consumer event supporting and showcasing the Greater Miami vendor community, and Miami Romance Special Offers Program
• The "Marry Me in Miami" Dream Wedding Contest and Miracle Mile Wedding Challenge

"This is an ideal partnership looking at the hot trends in Romance right now," adds Carley Roney, co-founder of wedding planning site TheKnot.com.  "And it provides the rich editorial content, resources and special offers that Knot readers expect."

Starting May 10th, contestants will be able to enter by logging on to Miami.Weddings.com and clicking for information about the Marry Me in Miami contest. In June, five finalist couples will be randomly selected to come to Miami on June 22, 2011 to compete for the grand prize in a "Wedding Day Challenge" obstacle course that will take place on Miracle Mile in Coral Gables—a wedding shopper's paradise. The winner of that challenge will receive a Miami wedding or commitment ceremony valued at nearly $150,000, which will take place at the luxurious Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. The Biltmore offers a variety of extravagant ballrooms—complete with stunning views from terraces and balconies—and is a full-service resort with a wealth of unique activities for the wedding party and guests.  

"The Biltmore's combination of historic charm and Mediterranean architecture guarantees a wedding that is elegant and breathtaking," says Gene Prescott, President of The Biltmore Hotel. "Here at the Biltmore, we set the standard for romance and are thrilled to host the winning couple at our resort for their special day."

"As one of the leading retail areas for weddings in Miami, Downtown Coral Gables can hardly wait to host this contest," says Mari Gallet, executive director of the Coral Gables Business Improvement District, which boasts over two dozen bridal shops, two major hotels, 160 retailers and over 70 restaurants. 

For more information about Miami Romance Month, please visit Miami.Weddings.com and www.MiamiRomanceMonth.com both launching on May 10th.

About The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is an accredited not-for-profit sales and marketing organization whose mission is to attract visitors to Greater Miami and the Beaches for leisure, business and conventions. For a vacation guide visit our website at www.MiamiAndBeaches.com or call 1-888-76-Miami (US/Canada only) or 305-447-7777. To reach the GMCVB offices dial 305-539-3000.  Meeting planners may call 1-800-933-8448 (US/Canada only) or 305-539-3071 or visit www.MiamiMeetings.com.

SOURCE Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau