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Press Release
Borne in the USA! Tassie Fairytale for US Couple
14 June 2008
Friday the 13th might be considered unlucky for some, but not Fargo, North Dakota USA couple Jessica Ihry and Matthew Linback who got married yesterday.
The Minister for Economic Development and Tourism, Paula Wriedt said the story of the couple, who sacrificed their honeymoon and consolidated their student loans to pay for Tasmanian musician Cameron Tapp to fly to the United States and play at their wedding, has captivated the media and the public both at home and in the United States.
“The couple fell in love with a song produced by Cameron’s band, Borne. The single, ‘The Guide’ hit number 13 on the US digital Billboard charts, and they emailed the band’s website requesting sheet music because recordings were not allowed to be played in the wedding chapel,” Ms Wriedt said.
“The email was answered by the lead singer himself – who indicated that there was no sheet music but jokingly suggested he’d be happy to perform the song himself – an offer the soon-to-be-weds took seriously!”
But that’s not where the good luck ends.
“In the case of Jessica and Matthew, they followed their hearts, took a leap of faith and found themselves sacrificing their honeymoon in order for a young Tasmanian to complete their special day,” Ms Wriedt said.
“Tourism Tasmania recognised Jessica and Matthew’s commitment to their perfect day, and offered the couple the opportunity to complete their fairytale.
“As Jessica Ihry and Matthew Linback said ‘I do’ yesterday, Cameron Tapp presented them with the ultimate wedding gift – a romantic honeymoon package to Tasmania.
“Tasmania already has a reputation as the perfect destination for that ultimate romantic getaway. This fairytale has captured the hearts of Americans and the frenzied attention of the United States and Australian media.
“The US is a key international market for Tourism Tasmania. In 2007, more than 18,000 Americans visited our State, staying an average of more than two weeks.
“This romantic gesture from Tourism Tasmania and its industry partners will strike right at the hearts of this core international market.
“There has been significant media interest in the story to date and the destination of Tasmania is being talked on a range of US networks.
“It’s quite simply another example of Tourism Tasmania’s creativity in telling the world about just how romantic, clever and kind Tasmania can be.”
For information on holidays and honeymoons in Tasmania, visit www.discovertasmania.com