America Chooses Platinum for the 2010 TODAY Show Couple

WHO:

Melissa McMillin and Jeremy Gebhardt, this year's couple chosen for TODAY's Modern Love Wedding

WHAT:

This year's lucky couple will say 'I do' with platinum wedding bands on TODAY's annual 'Modern Love' Wedding.  Over 150,000 TODAY viewers voted via TODAYshow.com, Facebook and text message to select the winning Neil Lane platinum bands from four carefully chosen sets of wedding bands. The alternate designers included Brilliant Earth, Diamonds for a Cure, and Asprey.  

Lane's platinum engagement rings and wedding bands are worn by celebrities including Nicole Richie, Jennifer Hudson, and Emily Blunt.

Melissa's platinum band is set on three sides with 116 brilliant-cut diamonds, while Jeremy's platinum band is a simple, classic look.  

"Platinum wedding bands are the most suitable for Melissa and Jeremy since platinum is the most durable of any precious metal," stated Heather Zachary Rogoff, Manager of Public Relations for Platinum Guild International USA. "Given Jeremy's active lifestyle in the U.S. Air Force, America chose the best and highest quality rings for this couple. And because of platinum's durability and natural white color, Melissa and Jeremy can rest assured their rings will never fade or tarnish and will look as beautiful as they do now, on their 50th anniversary."  

As one of the only lasting elements of the wedding, the wedding bands were the first to be voted upon by America.  

"Start picking out wedding bands straightaway," stated Avril Graham, Executive Fashion and Beauty Editor at Harper's Bazaar, and the woman who presented the ring options to THE TODAY SHOW'S viewers on Wednesday, August 25.  "They're something you're going to be wearing forever, so you have to get it right."

It appears America did "get it right" by choosing Neil Lane's platinum bands because when asked about her new wedding band, McMillin stated, "It's beautiful. It's the one that I was hoping for."

WHEN:

McMillin and Gebhardt will be married September 30, 2010

WHERE:

Rockefeller Plaza, New York City