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One Life to Live Star Kassie DePaiva to Renew Vows Alongside Readers at Jamaica Event New York (May 12, 2005) - Ladies' Home Journal, published by Meredith Corporation (NYSE:MDP), today announced that the magazine is partnering with Sandals Resorts to host "The World's Largest Wedding Vow Renewal Celebration," October 20-24, 2005, at Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Beach and Villa Resort in Jamaica. Five hundred readers are expected to participate in the event, which has been registered with Guinness World Records. The wedding vow renewal celebration will be featured in a 30-minute, Ladies' Home Journalbranded TV special produced by Michael Young Media, to be syndicated nationally on network affiliates in early 2006. Additionally, the October 2005 issue of Ladies' Home Journal will profile three couples who have chosen to renew their vows. NutriSystem is the Official Weight Loss Sponsor for the event and is offering participating couples the opportunity to follow the NutriSystem weight loss program for free, including food, for the four months leading up to the renewals ceremony (total value over $1,200 per person). Ponds is the Official Skin Care Sponsor for the event. "Ladies' Home Journal has long been recognized as a leading authority on modern American family women," said Publisher Julie Pinkwater. "For over 50 years, our acclaimed 'Can This Marriage Be Saved?' column has offered expert advice to couples, and our advertisers recognize the value of being involved in programs that celebrate relationships and commitment to family."
Celebrity guest Kassie DePaiva, the Emmy-nominated star of One Life to Live ("Blair Cramer"), and her husband James DePaiva will renew their vows at this reader event. Kassie will be performing songs from her latest country music CD, No Regrets. DePaiva, who recently served as guest host of ABC's The View, said, "The first time around Jimmy and I just ran off to Kentucky and had a court house wedding. No dress, no flowers, and no honeymoon. Needless to say, we are looking forward to renewing our vows in beautiful Jamaica. Our love is strong and continues to grow...and so will the memories." Event Designer to the stars and Sandals Resorts exclusive destination wedding expert Preston Bailey, whose clients include Oprah, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, will inspire the design of the ceremony and seaside reception. According to The Wall Street Journal, wedding vow renewals are on the rise. Celebrities including Madonna, Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, Celine Dion and Robert DeNiro have renewed their vows in recent years. Sandals Resorts have seen a 41% increase in such ceremonies since 2001. "Voted the world's most romantic resorts year after year, Sandals Resorts are the perfect locale for couples in love," stated Maggie Rivera, Director of Public Relations for Sandals Resorts. "Vow renewals are in fact one of our fastest growing trends and we are delighted that Ladies' Home Journal has chosen Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Beach and Villa Resort to host this very special occasion." About Ladies' Home Journal About Sandals Resorts: ### PR CONTACTS:
Founded in December 1883, Ladies' Home Journal magazine has been inspiring, informing and entertaining women for 120 years. Published monthly by Meredith Corporation (www.meredith.com), Ladies' Home Journal has a circulation of 4.1 million and a readership of 13.7 million. The magazine's interactive online companion, www.lhj.com, has 1.8 million unique visitors and 20 million page views each month.
Sandals Resorts is the largest operator of luxury, ultra all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. Sandals has a total of 12 couples-only resorts, including seven in Jamaica, three in St. Lucia, one in Antigua and one in Nassau, Bahamas. Recently unveiled is the newly refurbished Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Beach & Villa Resort and the brand new Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa. Sandals Resorts continues to make couples' Caribbean vacations memorable by offering ultra all- inclusive amenities and programs of superior value and service. New amenities for 2005 include personalized Butler Service for top category suites and the addition of Red Lane Spa's, combining European traditions with a Caribbean flair. The Sandals brand remains the most trusted in making Caribbean dreams come true. For more information on Sandals Resorts, call your local travel agent or 1-800-SANDALS or visit on-line at www.sandals.com.
Ladies' Home Journal- Holly Fussell, (212) 551-7053; holly.fussell@meredith.com
Sandals Resorts- Maggie Rivera, (305) 284-1300 x 4232, maggier@uvi.sandals.com
ABC Daytime- Lauri Hogan, (212) 456-6358, lauri.l.hogan@abc.com