Tacoma residents Jennifer Perusse and Zach Parsons are the winners of the Museum of Glass $30,000 Wedding Give-away Essay Contest. The couple learned the good news during the Museum’s Wedding Open House on February 12, 2009, which was attended by approximately 250 prospective brides, grooms and family members. Perusse, who wrote the winning essay, flew in from Boston where she is attending school to surprise her fiancé and claim the prize.

The grand prize includes:

• Museum of Glass venue, including waterfront plazas, Grand Hall and galleries
• Gallucci’s Catering’s platinum-level buffet and bar service
• Floral arrangements from J. Robbins Florist
• Photography by Wallflower Photography
• Videography by Stork Studios
• Plant decor from Christian’s Plant and Tree Rentals
• Four-tiered wedding cake from Celebrity Cake Studios
• DJ music by Sounds Unlimited
• Rolls Royce limousine transportation by Thoroughbred Classics
• One night stay in a king junior suite at the Hotel Murano

A total of 106 couples composed essays addressing why the Museum of Glass would be the ideal venue for their wedding. Essays were evaluated based on their connection to art, glass, and specifically the Museum of Glass and Tacoma. In her essay, Perusse spoke of the geographic significance of Tacoma destinations—including the Thea Foss Waterway, Union Station and the Chihuly Glass Bridge—during romantic outings. Her wedding at the Museum of Glass will “provide us with the opportunity to share the beauty of the Museum of Glass, Tacoma, and most importantly our home, with our family and friends.”

The Museum of glass is a popular venue for weddings, anniversary celebrations and corporate parties, scheduling about 70 events annually.