BATAVIA — With the help of more than 20 Batavia businesses, vendors, and artists, two lucky couples will have the chance to win a unique, exclusive wedding opportunity, courtesy of Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.
The contest — Batavia’s Wedding Giveaway— invites couples, regardless of gender or sexuality, to send a video expressing why they deserve to win, as well as, fill out an application form.
Forms can be found at goart.org/wedding. Contestants must be at least 21 years old to submit.
“We had a wedding that was booked and canceled last year, but were so excited at the idea of using our space that way that we wanted to figure out how to have someone in,” said Allison Hamilton, who handles marketing and public relations for GO ART! “We thought it would be a great way to give back to the community, and so much of what our last year or two of remodeling our space has been about has been about bringing in nontraditional arts … A wedding is an artistic venture and we thought we could invite artisans into our historical building, so we could all show off what we could do for deserving people.”
Stories will be shared on social media for the public to vote starting Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day. Contestants and the community are encouraged to follow GO ART! on social media at https://www.facebook.com/GeneseeOrleansARTS/ to stay up-to-date.
The weddings will be at GO ART!, 201 East Main St., Batavia. The venue welcomes up to 35 guests per wedding, plus a wedding party of six to enjoy the ceremony and reception, including a cash bar with bartender provided, dance floor, and both bridal and groomsmen’s suites for the wedding party.
“The businesses were so thrilled to participate,” Hamilton said. “We did not have a single one say ‘no.’ I think this is really because we tried to keep it in the community.
“These businesses are Batavia-based and there’s a real community spirit,” she said. “I think also we’ve all been so down about COVID that being able to bring Batavia together for something like this really felt special to everyone,” said Hamilton.
The prize package includes cetering, a hotel stay, photography, invitations, rings, a pianist, flowers, wedding cake, a disc jockey, champagne, favors, centerpiece, txudeo rentals and styling.
Other prize options include dance lessons, couples’ tattoos or massages.
Participating business include Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel, Eli Fish, Main Street Pizza, Iburi Photography, Applied Business Systems, Valle Jewelers, Beverly’s Flowers & Gifts, KMC Custom Cakes, DigiTill Media Arts, YNGODESS, Oliver’s Candies, Sterling Tents, Trunks Up Company, Charles Men’s Shop, Wisteria, My Cut Barbershop, Glam Spa Studios, Artemis, The Dancing Place Dance Academy, Synapse Artistry.
Winners will be selected based off the votes received on social media. Winners will be notified by phone or email within one week of the final tally/decision. Winners will have five days to respond back and move forward with planning their wedding.
“We hope all couples 21 and over will consider participating! We’re a space for everyone, we want non-traditional couples to know that we are a diverse LGBTQ+ welcoming space, as well as one that is happy to work with a couple of any religious background. We especially hope that couples who have had difficulty finding a space or affording a wedding will apply,” said Hamilton.
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