Couple's 'Hollywood' Movie Romance Scores Free Wedding

ODESSA, FL — An attempt to get out of pushups during basic training at the Army’s Fort Drum, N.Y., boot camp sparked a romance worthy of a Hollywood movie.

That’s according to the folks at Old McMicky’s Farm in Odessa who recently announced the winners of the third “Mission I Do” $30,000 Dream Wedding Giveaway. The unusual love story of Samantha Dilberian and Sgt. Christopher St. Onge tugged on the heartstrings of those at the farm and thousands of online voters who took part in selecting the Tampa couple to win the free ceremony and reception.

Chris and Samantha were introduced courtesy of her brother Bryan. The first chapter of their epic romance began while Bryan was in basic training. Hoping to wrangle his way out of pushups one day, Bryan showed his sergeant a picture of his sister Samantha. Whether the ploy really worked or not remains a mystery, but the couple told Old McMicky’s it didn’t take Chris long to send Samantha a friends request on Facebook.

With basic training over, Bryan and Chris deployed to Afghanistan in March 2011.

It was only a few months later, on July 1, 2011, their squad was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED) attack. One person died in the attack, SPC Waters, and Bryan was gravely injured. Chris is credited with helping save Bryan’s life. His efforts earned him the bronze star.

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“Samantha’s family was told Bryan had lost both legs and left arm and a lot of blood, but was stable,” a media release announcing the couple’s wedding win said. “Samantha received message after message filled with support, love prayers, shoulders to lean on, but then a familiar name came through her inbox. It was Chris, checking in on Bryan’s progress. How good it was to see his name. Someone that was there with Bryan’ someone who helped save his life.”

Chris and Samantha kept in close contact as Bryan recovered from his injuries. Once her brother was able to do so, he wanted to return to Fort Drum to see his unit. Samantha went with him.

“Chris and Samantha started dating, but could only see each other on weekends due to their work schedules and the long distance,” the release said. “It was a 6-hour drive from Brooklyn to Fort Drum, but they made the trip almost every weekend.”

In December 2012, Chris received new marching orders. He was assigned to Tampa and asked Samantha to accompany him.

She did, and in August 2015, on their three-year anniversary Chris proposed. It wasn’t much later that Chris learned about Old McMicky’s wedding giveaway and decided to enter.

“This wedding gift is in appreciation of the service and sacrifice of those who currently serve or have served in our military,” Ralph Zuckerman, the farm’s owner, said. “It is my firm belief that everyone who serves in our military is helping to keep our families safe, so we thought one way to show our appreciation is to help them to start families of their own.”

Samantha and Chris plan to wed on Feb. 21, 2016. The couple will receive use of the waterfront venue, assistance from a wedding planner, catering, photography, wedding rings, a wedding cake, flowers and a beach honeymoon getaway, according to Old McMicky’s.

As for why Chris and Samantha’s story took first-place honors, the farm’s staff explained, “Chris is a true hero, a bronze star recipient. There is no one more deserving.”

Three runner-up couples will also receive use of the farm and its staff members, along with access to a wedding coordinator, for sharing their stories.

Old McMicky’s is located on the grounds of the historic Camp Keystone, which opened in 1946. The farm offers educational, guided tours to groups and the general public. It’s also available for children’s birthday parties, special events and weddings. The farm teams up with a number of vendors to offer the “Mission I Do” giveaways. To learn more about the partnerships, visit the Mission I Do webpage.

To find out more about the farm and special events, visit Old McMicky’s online.

Photo courtesy of Old McMicky’s