Cheapsters covers the 99 Cents Only Store Weddings
By Jackie and Efrain
Who hasn’t thought of getting married at an exotic locale, such as the Great Wall of China, or perhaps inside a turret of a elegant castle? Well, how about walking down an aisle of a 99 Cents Only Store to exchange your sacred wedding vowels?
Last Wednesday, on 9.09.09, nine lucky couples tied the knot at the 99 Cents Only Store on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. Sponsored by the 99 Cents Only Stores to commemorate the date especial, each couple was joined by nine of their closest friends and family members to tie the knot. Couples walked away with a swag bag, hotel accommodations, a fancy dinner on the Westside and plane tickets. You really can’t get more imaginative than that, and for a better bargain!
Cheapsters was there to provide our readers with photo coverage. All photos were taken by Efrain Rojas.
The short ceremonies took place in an aisle that was converted into a tastefully decorated mini-chapel with lace-covered chairs and an elegant floral backdrop.
The attendees enjoyed an after-ceremony reception catered by fresh fruit, veggies, finger sandwiches and beverages. All the decorations and food were items sold at 99 Cents Only stores.
All the decor was designed by Discount Store Diva Kathy Jacobs, who is known for her Chanel-inspired wedding dress made from materials sold at dollar stores.
Jacobs went for an orange and white theme because she says it’s a versatile combination. “You want to go with something that’s abundant and in season, as there was a lot of orange and white sold in their stores. Orange and white is versatile, because you can add black to make it a Halloween theme, or some browns for a fall or Thanksgiving motif.”
Jon Nguyen and Bonnie Cam, of San Gabriel, both 30, wanted to get married on this day partly because of the numerology. ” 9.9.09 is a very lucky day, and only those who are destined to be together get married today,” says Kim Huynh, a family friend.
Llewellyn Roybal and Henry Herrera III had been engaged for over 9 years, but something always seemed to come up that got in the way of getting married. They saw this as a great opportunity to finally tie the knot.
Although each couple’s ceremony only lasted several minutes, time was made for tender moments.
The ceremony was intentionally non-denominational and each couple will get reimbursed the $70 fee for the wedding license.
Emily Wiley and Whillis Hall Jr., both from San Diego, heard about getting married at a 99 Cents Only Store through a local radio station. They also plan on having a reception with all their friends and relations back home in San Diego.
Gwendolyn Whitmore and Corey Aldridge met at a transitional home in South Central where they both worked. Whitmore is 63 and when asked how old Aldridge was, she replied, “Much younger than me. Age has no limitations.”
This affair was not entirely free. It indeed cost 99 cents and the couples had to line up at the register to pay up. The receipt was even itemized and read “wedding” on it. Pay up, guys!
Great photos and story! I didn’t even no this was going on.
Thanks Sandy! Yea it was pretty awesome to witness. Oh, the things you find about when you’re a fan of the 99 Cents store!
Awesome coverage, cheapsters! Gwendolyn looks so happy 😀
Thanks, Franocheap! Gwen was so sweet and said she felt overwhelmed the whole time. 🙂 Someone told me Gwen made her own dress.