"Jorge-town"

On Thursday, we were close to becoming $10,000 richer, but sadly we didn't. We participated in the "Get Hitched in Georgetown" competition, "where 75 engaged couples compete to take home a wedding package sponsored by 15 businesses in Georgetown".

Matt described it as "Say Yes to the Dress meets American Gladiators".

The prizes: Bridal gown (Hitched), wedding suite (Four Seasons), invitations (Haute Papier), post-wedding brunch (Sequoia), attire for the groom (Hugh & Crye), 'save the date' cards (Dandelion Patch), bridal party fitness class (Barre 3), day at the spa (Ritz Carlton), bridal shower cupcakes (Sprinkles Cupcakes), welcome gifts for guests (Georgetown Cupcakes), bachelor party (Morton's), bridesmaid jewelry (Duo), private bridal shopping party (Urban Chic), wine tasting (Bacchus Wine Cellar) and honeymoon wardrobe (Ella Rue).

Can you imagine?! We had no idea what the competition entailed, so I called the Marketing Specialist who invited us, to get some more information. Unfortunately, she was "not allowed to disclose" much, all she mentioned was that last year, there was a cupcake eating contest, wedding trivia (ex: Who designed Carrie Bradshaw's wedding gown in the Sex and the City movie?) and brides had to make a wedding gown out of toilet paper. She also mentioned that we should dress comfortably and bring two friends or we would be at a disadvantage.

Laura and Kate kindly agreed to be part of our foursome and off to Grace Church lawn we went. The place looked beautiful and while a bit overwhelming, it was quite exciting too. Matt and I had to wear bride and groom stickers, as well as a number (25). There were a couple of stands, giving out Vitamin Water, mini-cupcakes, frozen yogurt, macaroons and we got a goody bag full of coupons and blue sunglasses, that say wedding wire on them...

At 7pm, it was time to compete. Based on the layout of the chairs, we concluded that musical chairs was going to be part of the challenges and indeed it was.

• Round 1 (brides): Musical Chairs - totally nerve wrecking. Strategy: take shoes off, keep hand close to chairs at all time, aim for the one in my line of sight, avoid the chairless corners. WON.

• Round 2 (grooms): Tug-o-war - teams of eight and after one glance at the competition, I was a bit worried. They all looked like they were in the military, a lot of bulging arms, but Matt put up a fight! LOST. OUT OF THE GAME UNTIL THE "REDEMPTION ROUND".

• Round 3 (couples): "Nearly-wed Game", sample questions: Who said I love you first? Who is messier? Who is in charge of the TV remote? OUT OF THE GAME (however, got all of the questions right, while playing from the sidelines). 

• Redemption round (grooms): Boutonniere Toss - catch the one that says "winner" on it. LOST AGAIN :(

• Round 4 (entire team): Make a bridal gown out of tinfoil, bubble wrap and plastic wrap, in five minutes. OUT OF THE GAME.

Despite not leaving any richer, the whole thing was very amusing. The emcee was a Fox 5 news anchor and quite entertaining. As a consolation prize, we took our teammates to Tackle Box, "Washington, DC's first and only lobster shack".

While already in wedding mode, we knocked a few more things off our to-do list this weekend: bought Matt's wedding band, started our wedding registry (ahem, where Matt hogged the scan gun the entire time!) and met with a fiber artist about a chuppah rental.

Now, almost time for bed, just made sweet potato fries for the first time (still unsure how I feel about them), Patriots won in overtime and Adele gave birth to her baby boy!