Quintessential New York wedding destination plays host to lucky “Today” couple

a search for the perfect wedding venue, NBC has selected the legendary Plaza Hotel (www.ThePlaza.com) as the venue of choice for this summer’s "Today Throws a Wedding." On July 15, 2009, this historical New York landmark will be the wedding reception location for one lucky couple who have competed in a series of challenges live on "Today."

This year, "Today Throws a Wedding" is celebrating 10 years of "I do-s." Four lucky couples are participating 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. 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.

The July 15th wedding event live on "Today" will culminate with the reception broadcast from The Plaza’s Grand Ballroom from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Millions of viewers will watch the winning couple realize their fantasy wedding within the gilded splendor of the landmarked ballroom — where for over a century, celebrities and discerning people alike have celebrated their nuptials, including members of the Kennedy family, Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas, and Donald Trump and Marla Maples. The Plaza has also hosted many of the city’s most memorable parties — Truman Capote’s Black & White Ball and Sarah Jessica Parker’s 40th birthday bash — and scenes from countless classics were filmed in the ballroom including Hitchcock’s North by Northwest and the recent blockbuster Bride Wars.

Located at New York’s most renowned address, at the crossroads of Fifth Avenue and Central Park South, The Plaza Hotel re-opened in March 2008 following a $400 million dollar three-year restoration. The Plaza is the city’s ultimate wedding destination, providing couples and guests myriad wedding offerings within one location.

The Plaza’s 282 guestrooms and suites, featuring the largest overall square footage of any luxury hotel in New York City, offer contemporary conveniences to meet the needs of today’s most discerning travelers; Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa provides wedding parties and guests primping treatments from manicures and pedicures to specialty body treatments; Warren-Tricomi Salon offers color and styling to ensure a picture perfect day; Fitness Center by Radu Physical Culture, is ideal for last minute pre-honeymoon workouts, and The Shops at The Plaza, featuring The Plaza Beauty by Warren-Tricomi offering hand-collected selection of beauty and home essentials and professional makeup applications. In addition, The Shops at The Plaza offer an extensive retail collection for any last-minute needs from couples and guests.

The Plaza also offers a variety of culinary options for a rehearsal dinner, Sunday brunch, or pre-event cocktail. The elegant Champagne Bar offers an incomparable selection of Champagnes; The Rose Club, a stylish new cocktail lounge; and The Oak Room and The Oak Bar, originally opened in 1945, providing a quintessential New York experience for couples and wedding guests.