BY TRACEY DUGUAY
The term ?media circus? is usually used to describe the frenzy surrounding a famous Hollywood wedding, not the upcoming nuptials of an average couple from Sudbury.
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Faith Moulton, 25, and Sergio Salmaso, 29, also known as the ?Q-lywed? couple, are experiencing their 15-minutes of fame and all the attention that comes with it. |
But, thanks to Q92?s Big Fat Sudbury Wedding contest, winners Faith Moulton, 25, and Sergio Salmaso, 29, also known as the ?Q-lywed? couple, are experiencing their 15-minutes of fame and all the attention that comes with it.
?It feels kinda cool to be sort of a celebrity,? says Salmaso.
The fun started when the radio station announced details earlier this year about its latest contest, based on the runaway movie hit My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
To enter the contest, potential brides and grooms were invited to fill out a questionnaire about why they thought they should win.
After a bit of hesitation on the groom?s side, the young couple decided to throw their hat in the ring and completed their application in February, just before Valentine?s Day.
?I thought it was silly at first and didn?t think we would win,? says Salmaso.
Luck was on their side, however, and on March 28, they, along with six other finalist couples and anyone else tuned into Q92, listened to the morning show to find out who won.
Moulton says the waiting wasn?t made any easier because of a prank played on her by her brother, who she calls ?evil.?
On the fateful morning, as they anxiously waited, her brother called their house using a fake ?radio voice? pretending to be calling from the station.
Then the phone rang again, only this time it was the real deal, and Moulton and Salmaso received the news they were waiting to hear.
As the wedding contest winners, the lucky couple receives a total prize package worth over $13,000, all sponsored by local businesses.
The package includes certificates from a bridal boutique, tux shop, jewelry store, flower shop, hairstylist, wine maker, spa, printer, photographer, car rental agency, and two nights accommodation in the world?s honeymoon capital of Niagara Falls. As well, a reception for 92 of their closest friends, is included.
Due to the logistics involved, the couple couldn?t set their own wedding date since some of the services and the reception hall needed to be booked in advance by the radio station. The big day is set for September 13 and the couple couldn?t be happier.
?We would probably have done it in the fall anyway,? says Moulton.
Although they have been engaged for two years and were planning to get married, the couple was going to opt for a private ceremony on a tropical island somewhere, with a reception when they returned home.
?We just bought a house and couldn?t afford a big wedding,? the groom explains.
Their families are both excited for the couple, especially since their win means they?ll be able to celebrate with their loved ones in the city, and as Moulton says with a smile, they won?t be ?living in sin? anymore.
However, the ceremony won?t be as private or traditional as many weddings since the radio station will be following their progress up to the big day as they finalize all arrangements.
As well, with about five months to go, the couple will not only tie the knot in front of their families and friends, but with thousands of others in the Sudbury community who happen to be listening to Q92 as it broadcasts live from the event.
While straying from the conventions of normalcy for their wedding, Moulton and Salmaso are still traditionalists when it comes to the institution of marriage and both have great role models to follow.
?His parents have been married around 30 years, and mine 36,? says Moulton.
Although they?re getting married in an unusual and very public manner, it?s just the ?final nail in the coffin,? laughs the bride to an otherwise normal courtship and romance.
?I love her?we?re a team to the end,? says the groom.
