~ As published in the Spring 2012 issue of Wilmington's "The Perfect Wedding Planner" pg. 16-17 (see photos included in online magazine version too!) ~Operation Marry Me Military
Giving Back To Those Who Give All
As a heartfelt tribute and gift to the men and women serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, five wedding, receptions and honeymoons were won by, and enthusiastically given to, five deserving military couples on Veteran’s Day 2011. The story is of how this came to be, is stirring and impressive.
Operation Marry Me Military began in 2011 as the brainchild of Alecia Davis-Geddings of Oak Island Photography and Weddings. With a donated $15,000 for a single wedding, by summer the outpouring of generosity from other wedding vendors and military supporters was described as “spreading like wildfire.” This elegant and appealing endeavor blossomed into five complete wedding weekends (in Brunswick, New Hanover, Onslow, Wake, and Cabarrus counties), which together valued over $200,000.As a heartfelt tribute and gift to the men and women serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, five wedding, receptions and honeymoons were won by, and enthusiastically given to, five deserving military couples on Veteran’s Day 2011. The story is of how this came to be, is stirring and impressive.
Here are the personal stories from the Brunswick and New Hanover weddings on November 11, 2011:
JESSIE & LUKEJessie united with her Marine, Luke, in the little white chapel at South Harbor Village in Southport, the lovely reception dinner and cake was held in the Oak Island VFW, and hosted by sponsor Oak Island Photography and Weddings. Jessie and Luke were chosen by Operation MMM’s panel of judges who were all military veterans themselves. A part of the magic that drew this young couple together was the instant connection between Luke and Jessie’s special-needs child. Luke fell in love with the child and then the mother; thus, a new family began. It was all made official on November 11, 2011 accompanied by 50 guests. They were also treated to wonderful extras like couple’s massages, restaurant meals, a honeymoon vacation, flowers, music and more.
MANISHA & JACOB
Jacob the Marine wed his bride by the water on the white sandy shores of Ocean Isle Beach with an elaborate reception dinner and dancing at Knot’s Landing and hosted by sponsor Brittany Adams-O’Neil of BAO Events. They were also chosen by the OMMM veteran judges for their touching story of Manisha’s harrowing journey out of India as a little girl, and later the joy of finding her soulmate in Jacob. The couple was honored by 50 guests, a color guard salute, an amusing phone call with favorite relatives was broadcast over the PA system, a paid honeymoon later, and lawn tents with space heaters on the dance floor rounded out this very cool night for this delighted twosome!
AMBER & MIKEY Jacob the Marine wed his bride by the water on the white sandy shores of Ocean Isle Beach with an elaborate reception dinner and dancing at Knot’s Landing and hosted by sponsor Brittany Adams-O’Neil of BAO Events. They were also chosen by the OMMM veteran judges for their touching story of Manisha’s harrowing journey out of India as a little girl, and later the joy of finding her soulmate in Jacob. The couple was honored by 50 guests, a color guard salute, an amusing phone call with favorite relatives was broadcast over the PA system, a paid honeymoon later, and lawn tents with space heaters on the dance floor rounded out this very cool night for this delighted twosome!
Amber gave her hand in marriage to her Army man on the silver-y shores of Carolina Beach under a bamboo arbor, which was followed by a full reception in the Carolina Beach Marriott Ballroom. The hotel also boarded family for accommodations and the wedding party was given salon treatments, jewelry and special gifts for the couple’s bubbly baby daughter. Their sweet story of intense parental devotion won them this enchanting wedding weekend. The petite bride’s gown almost didn’t make it to the ceremony when it arrived two weeks prior and 5 sizes too large! Teamwork, networking and perseverance by the host sponsor Brittany Koontz of Orchid Island Events saved the dress and the day!
Why did these sponsors do all this expensive and hard work for free? Geddings says, “Being the daughter of a former US Army serviceman, I felt compelled to give back. I knew that nothing I could offer would be grand enough or deserving enough for all that our military does for us. I contemplated day and night on how I could make at least a small difference in the lives of our military. Then it hit me! I am the owner of a thriving photography and wedding business, and I could at least assist a military member in starting their new life as a married couple! I am honored that so many vendors jumped on board to be a part of this vision. Each and every county has brought a sense of excitement, and it is amazing to see our industry come together.”
Adams-O’Neil said she heard about OMMM and the cause struck her as both noble and a true challenge. She then begged Geddings to allow her on board for Brunswick County. From beginning to end the experience was profoundly eye-opening for her, the personal stories have been so amazing, inspiring deeper respect for military families, and literally life changing for her.Koontz reported that she and a friend, “both felt drawn to this event because we felt this was something WE could do to say, ‘thank you.’ There are so many wonderful organizations that contribute to the lives of soldiers and their families but we felt this was a way we could use our time and talents, rather than just writing a check. We wanted to actually participate in the gift and make it as special as they deserved.”
For 2012, the goal for just the Operation Marry Me Military Brunswick is $100,000. Plus, more NC counties have signed on to host more free military weddings in their areas with Operation MMM. The vision is to ultimately have all 100 North Carolina counties participating by the year 2021. Each county will have a website or a blogspot for information and updates. Interested wedding vendors and engaged military couples should to apply online: www.operationmmm.com at the Operation MMM headquarters in Oak Island.
~ by Revs. Margo & David Sears of BeachPeople Weddings www.beachpeopleweddings.com
Local Sponsors of OMMM:~ by Revs. Margo & David Sears of BeachPeople Weddings www.beachpeopleweddings.com
Oak Island Photography & WeddingsBAO Events
Orchid Island Events & Florals
3 Cheers Rental |
Adrianne Lugo, Makeup Artist |
Art Catering |
ATMC |
BBQ House of Oak Island |
BeachPeople Weddings |
Blue Sky Photography |
Brunswick Beacon |
Cake A Licious |
Capellis Salon and Spa |
Carolina Beach Marriott Clint Williams |
Coastal Catering |
Coastal Catering |
Coastal Entertainment David Sears, event Judge |
Deacons Hair Salon |
Earthbound Salon |
Expressions Floral |
Forever Now Videography |
Giving Weddings Photography Gordon Hobbs Jr, event judge |
Hats by Lily Cachet |
Initial Outfitters Gifts |
Island Alterations of Carolina Beach |
Island Cakery |
Island Chic Consignment Boutique |
Jack Mackerel’s Restaurant Kelly Manis, event judge Ken Bealer, event judge |
Knots Landing |
Kopp A Tan |
L&B Monograms |
Law offices of Geddings, Kleva & Campbell |
Margaret Rudd Realty |
Mark Roberts and the Breeze Band |
Massage at the Beach |
Michelle Rose Events |
Middle of the Island Catering |
Mike Boswell Photography |
Mike Hilliard Decorating |
Morgan Babb, Student volunteer |
Muscleworxs Fitness |
News Channel 14 |
Oak Island VFW |
On My Toes Dance Studio |
Palm Air Cottages |
Perry’s Emporium Jewelry |
Printworks |
Rent-a-Tent |
Gina Essey |
Rev. Kenley Mayer |
Rev. Shannon McKay |
Reverend Henthorn |
Salt Aire Bakery |
Scott Shaw Productions |
Seaside Wedding Connections |
Seawitch Café and Tiki Bar |
Shalotte Fire Department |
Shoresound Productions |
South Harbour Village Chapel |
Southport Jr. League |
Sugar Confections |
Susie Linquist Photography |
Sweetwater Bamboo Arbors |
The Butler Did It! |
The Checkered Church |
The Richmond Sisters |
The supportive citizens of Brunswick & New Hanover Counties |
Vacation Equipment Rentals |
Violinist Maura Kropke |
Wendy Hilliard Photography |
Wine and Roses Florist |
