‘TODAY’ THROWS A WEDDING: 10 YEARS OF I DOs

NEW YORK – April 15, 2009 – Once upon a time, on September 6, 2000, NBC’s “Today” interviewed actor Greg Kinnear for his new movie, “Nurse Betty,“ and reported on a family who found a 12,000-year elephant fossil in their backyard. But also on that special day, “Today” broadcasted the first-ever live morning television wedding, and millions watched while Peter and Melanie tied the knot. Since then, “Today” has searched the country each year for happy couples, while “Today” viewers have transformed into wedding planners selecting from countless wedding gowns, rings, cakes and more to throw nine spectacular weddings.

This year, “Today Throws a Wedding” is celebrating 10 years of “I do-s.“ “Today” is looking for four deserving couples to compete for a dream wedding on Rockefeller Plaza. Once chosen, the lucky couples will participate in weekly challenges for the chance to win the hearts of viewers across the country and walk down the aisle on America’s favorite morning show. The winning couple’s nuptials will then be planned by viewers for a July 15th wedding event live on “Today.“

Couples are encouraged visit TODAYshow.com for details on how to mail in a photo, an application, and a one-minute video telling “Today” why they are the perfect couple. Four standout couples will be picked by show staffers, and the winning couple will be chosen by America. Following tradition, “Today” viewers will plan the wedding by voting on the couple’s rings, the wedding gown, the tux, the attendants’ attire, the cake, and the honeymoon. Last year, hundreds of thousands of viewers logged on to plan LaDonna and Darnell’s dream wedding.

All interested couples should log on to TODAYshow.com for entry information and requirements. Entries must be postmarked by May 15th for consideration. During the series, viewers will be able to vote for their favorite couples and wedding details by going to TODAYshow.com.

“Today” is proud to announce Nestlé USA as the broadcast sponsor of the 2009 “Today Throws a Wedding” series.

During the series, photos will be made available on http://www.nbcmv.com.

Jim Bell is the executive producer of “Today” (Monday-Friday, 7-11 a.m.). Cecilia Fang is the producer responsible for “Today Throws a Wedding.“