This is in the Dallas Morning News (at least money is going to a good cause)...
Couples to wed at 99˘ Only Store
10:23 PM CDT on Friday, June 29, 2007
By STELLA M. CHÁVEZ / The Dallas Morning News
schavez@dallasnews.com
At the 99˘ Only Store in Lewisville, less than a dollar will get you dishware, a beach ball or toothpaste.
If you're Annie Bosworth and John Vanek, it'll also buy you a wedding.
Sound too good to be true? The Oklahoma City couple thought so too at first. But on Saturday, they're getting hitched right next to the displays for Hawaiian Punch Plus, Cheetos and Jane Fonda's Workout videos.
"We both love dollar stores, so we just thought it was awesome," said Ms. Bosworth, who learned about the discount nuptials online.
The low-frills wedding was conceived by bargain shopping guru Sue Goldstein, who has published more than 70 books on finding great deals and has appeared on TV shows including Oprah and The Today Show .
"The whole idea is to draw attention to the ludicrousness of the extravagance of weddings," said Ms. Goldstein, who lives in Flower Mound.
The only requirement: Couples must bring a marriage license and "be dressed to thrill," according to Geneva Wood, promotion coordinator for the event.
The wacky wedding is certainly getting the spotlight. TV's Jay Leno joked about it on his nightly show, and it's been the buzz on numerous blogs.
Wrote one person: "It's for those who could not afford to get married in a Wal-Mart."
Adding to today's spectacle is the ordained minister who's officiating. Melanie Hart was once an assistant to Tammy Faye Bakker, former wife of televangelist and convicted felon Jim Bakker.
Mr. Vanek, a systems administrator for the state of Oklahoma, said he thought the ceremony was a joke at first. But after inquiring about it, he and Ms. Bosworth, 36, were sold on the idea.
"We talked about running away [to get married] before, so it just seemed like a good opportunity," said Mr. Vanek, 39.
Ms. Goldstein said everyone is welcome to the big event – married couples who want to renew their vows, gay and lesbian couples who want a commitment ceremony, and pets.
Pets?
"A lot of people these days like to bring their pets as their best man or bridesmaid," Ms. Wood said.
"Free fluffs and perfume" is how Ms. Goldstein described the special treatment for pooches and felines attending the ceremony.
The publisher of the monthly Underground Shopper and co-host of the show with the same name isn't passing up the opportunity to broadcast live from the store. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. for those who want to tune in.
Calls have been coming in from curious couples, organizers say. At least one other couple has committed. But others could show up. Or back out.
But Ms. Goldstein said there is more to the event than what meets the thrift-shopping eye. Proceeds – most of them from participating vendors – will go to Operation Kindness, a no-kill animal shelter in Carrollton.
Vendors will also be doing demonstrations, and goodie bags will be handed out to participants. One couple will receive wedding rings, a designer flower girl dress, a wedding veil and bow tie, limo ride and other treats. After the ceremony, all participating couples will be treated to a reception and lunch at Catina Laredo.
Even the newlyweds' first dance has been taken care of. A local couple has written a special song just for the lovebirds.
There may not be a church alter or an oceanfront view at the wedding, but couples need not worry. Some of the store's products – like the Shasta Cola cans and doughnut sticks – will be covered by a white drape, said assistant manager Robert Martinez .
Ms. Bosworth and Mr. Vanek say they are perfectly happy with the setup.
"It wasn't like I was worried about someone picking up beef jerky or anything like that," he said.
Said Ms. Bosworth: "This is the guy I love, and I don't care who's going to be there."
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