GREENPORT, NY — A military couple was honored for their service with the dream wedding of a lifetime on the North Fork.
The 14th Annual Veterans Day Wedding Giveback took place on Sunday, November 8, at Brecknock Hall, celebrating the marriage of U.S. Army Reserve Captain Jacob N. Feibusch and Emily Mae Siegel of Cutchogue.
The annual contest, sponsored by Peconic Landing and Brecknock Hall, provides a complimentary wedding package each year to current or former military personnel in recognition of their service to our country.
The giveaway is made possible through the generosity of local businesses and organizations that donate their time, talents, and services to create a memorable wedding celebration for the winning couple. The donated package is valued at about $65,000, Peconic Landing said.
"Jacob and Emily's story reflects so much of what this tradition is about: service, commitment and community," said Robert J. Syron, president and CEO of Peconic Landing. "Their deep connection to the North Fork makes it especially meaningful to celebrate their marriage here at Brecknock Hall. We are honored to recognize Jacob's service to our country and to share this special day with them."
Captain Feibusch currently serves in the U.S. Army Reserve as a Brigade HR Officer with the 2nd Brigade Headquarters, 78th Training Division in Newport, Rhode Island, Peconic Landing said.
In this role, he oversees critical human resources operations and coordination efforts, following prior assignments in network operations and movement control units. His service has been recognized with multiple honors, including two Army Achievement Medals: one for outstanding achievement as Weapons Range Officer in Command and one for excellence during Operation Freedom Shield in South Korea, as well as commendations for leadership and contributions across several units, event organizers said.
Beyond his military service, Feibusch is actively engaged in the local community, serving as a board member of the Long Island Farm Bureau and treasurer of the Long Island Oyster Growers Association. He is also the owner of Davy Jones Shellfish Company, a 20-acre oyster farm in Peconic Bay, and credits Siegel for her support in growing the business, Peconic Landing representatives said.
Feibusch and Siegel share a connection that dates back to kindergarten in Kings Park, event organizers said.
After growing closer over the years, they began their relationship in 2020 after reconnecting during college. Siegel teaches seventh-grade English in the Eastport-South Manor Central School District and comes from a family with military ties, with both her father and grandfather having served in the U.S. Army, Peconic Landing said.
"We would like to express our profound gratitude, in absolute abundance to Peconic Landing, Brecknock Hall, the committee, and all of the vendors and staff that played a role in delivering such a beautiful and memorable day to us and our families," the couple said. "We are truly humbled and appreciative of the whole experience and to live here on the North Fork. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you very much!"
The couple was selected earlier in the year by a panel of Peconic Landing members with military ties. Winners are chosen based on years of service, military honors, and each couple's personal love story. Feibusch and Siegel learned they had been selected during a surprise reveal at Peconic Landing on May 14, with family members joining in person and via Zoom.
The Veterans Day Wedding Giveback began in 2011 as an opportunity to thank Long Island's military personnel and recognize them for their service, Peconic Landing said.
The contest is open to current and veteran service members, with at least one partner having served or currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Vendors and volunteers who contributed to the 14th Annual Veterans Day Wedding Giveback included Amanda Lee Seely Photography, Arni Paperie, Beauty By Devonn, Blooms by Design, Brecknock Hall, Bridge Lane Wines, By Hand Catering, East End Events Catering, Fresh Face Photobooths, Greenport Harbor Brewing Company, Greenport Wines & Spirits, Leanne's Specialty Cakes, Libby Koch, McBurnie Tent, Make Some Noise DJs, Nic's Knack, North Fork Bridal Shoppe, North Fork Face, North Fork NJROTC, Riverhead Flower Shop, Sassy Sue's Tasty Treats, Southold Fish Market, Sterlington Deli, Times Review Media Group, Valerie Defio: Independent Consultant for Touchstone Crystal, and Vineyard Vans.
"Fourteen years into this tradition, the generosity of our local businesses, volunteers, and supporters continues to make the Veterans Day Wedding Giveback possible," Syron added. "We are incredibly grateful to everyone who comes together to help us honor military service in such a meaningful way."
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