For the last few weeks, we have been scouring central Arkansas for brides who were looking to get in shape for their big day in our first-ever Arkansas Bride Bridal Boot Camp.
And, what we got was an overwhelming response!
Many applied, but only a fraction were selected for the three-month fitness competition that will last from Feb. 4 to May 10.
Just 10 brides will go through dietary changes and extensive physical training with Coach Ben Faires of D1 Sports Training and Therapy and each will document their progress throughout the journey.
See who made the cut and how they were selected!
Selection process
Arkansas Bride received more than 80 applications, so you can imagine how tough the selection process was.
A panel of judges looked at current dietary and exercise habits, as well as dedication level and whether the candidate had a realistic goal for the program. A diverse group of girls who varied in size and current dietary and exercise regimens were chosen in addition to who, overall, will benefit tremendously from the three-month rigorous wedding workout, said Allyson Pittman, Arkansas Bride marketing manager and judge.
“We think that we picked 10 brides who will make amazing transformations,” Pittman said.
Starting out, the beginning weight of all the girls is 1,836 pounds. The brides will compete from Feb. 4 – May 10. In May, we’ll see how much that number has changed!
Keep tabs throughout the months-long process on each bride’s progress on the Arkansas Bride blog and by watching KTHV every Tuesday for a weekly update.
Arkansas Bride Editor Lindsay Irvin and D1 Coach Ben were on Today’s THV this morning (Jan. 30) to talk about the lucky brides who were selected for the boot camp. We also get to see one of the grueling exercises the brides will be doing during the competition! Watch here.
Don’t forget to check back next week (Feb. 5) for before-photos and first-week weigh-ins!
Winning prize
One bride who makes the ultimate wedding tranformation by the end of the program will win an $8,000 prize-package that includes all the resources a bride could ever want:
- Dr. DJ Dailey – Zoom Teeth Whitening ($600 Value)
- Glo Limited – Special Event Makeup, Eyelash Extensions, Airbrush Tanning and a $200 Gift Certificate ($525 Value)
- Whitney Bower Imaging – Photo Session ($1,200 Value)
- The Salon at Glo Limited – Special Event Hairstyling ($75 Value)
- Lasercare Skin Clinic – Oxylight Facial Treatment ($600 Value)
- Proposals Boutique – $250 Clothing and Accessories Gift Certificate ($250 Value)
- Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa of Lake Ouachita – Romantic Getaway ($1,000 Value)
- D1 Sports Training and Therapy – Additional 6-Month Free Membership
The winning bride will be chosen by a panel of judges based on four criteria – dedication (50%), video/food journals (20%), fan support (20%) and overall weight loss/progress (10%).
For the fan support, readers will have the opportunity to help choose the winner by participating in fan voting the last week of the competition. Follow along in the progress and hopefully your favorite bride can win!
The winner will be announced at a finale party on Tuesday, May 14.