Military Couples Have Chance To Win Free Dream Wedding

GREENPORT, NY — Once again, a lucky military couple who spends their lives giving back to others has the chance to win a free wedding of their dreams.

Brecknock Hall at Peconic Landing in Greenport is currently seeking applicants for its 8th annual Veterans Day Wedding Giveback.

The community project provides one lucky service couple with a fairytale wedding at no cost.

The contest began in 2011 as an opportunity to thank Long Island’s military personnel and recognize them for their service to the nation, organizers said.

Sponsored by Peconic Landing, the giveaway is made possible through sponsorships and contributions from local businesses and organizations who donate the time, talents and services needed to help make the dream day a reality.

The contest is open to current and veteran service members. At least one partner must have served or be serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Applicants can click here to enter. The application deadline is Friday, April 20. Couples who have entered in the past are encouraged to re-enter for a chance to win their magical wedding day.

The winning couple will be chosen by a panel of Peconic Landing’s veteran members who judge the contest based on the number of years served, special military honors, contributions to the community and each couple’s personal love story. Couples must be available for an interview in person, or via Skype to be considered for the giveback.

Last year’s winning couple, U.S. Navy Lt. junior grade John Dunne, originally of Southold, and his wife Katie said the giveback was a dream day they “will cherish for a lifetime.”

“We are so incredibly blessed to have been given this opportunity. It was a beautiful, elegant, and picture perfect wedding. The generosity and compassion of every single vendor and volunteer was unparalleled, and we cannot ever thank them enough,” said John. “The wedding exceeded our wildest dreams and was truly an incredible experience.”

Katie added, “The day meant so many things to me. The start of a family, a celebration of love, and the act of appreciation for my husband's service to our country. It was the perfect beginning to our lives together.”

This year’s winning couple will be provided with a wedding free of change, taking place on Sunday, November 11, 2018, in celebration of Veterans Day, and will accommodate up to 80 guests.

“Announcing the winners of this giveback is a highlight event for our veteran members and for the entire community. Every year we are more and more impressed with the applications we receive from individuals serving our country near and far,” said Robert J. Syron, president and CEO of Peconic Landing. “We want to thank all of our business partners who help make this giveback possible. It is an incredible community project, and many of them donate their services year after year.”

An estimated $60,000 worth of services and in-kind donations are contributed each year. Those wishing to contribute can contact Valerie Tirelli-Hallock, Brecknock Hall Sales & Events Coordinator at info@brecknockhall.com.

Sponsors of the 2018 Veterans Day Wedding Giveback include American Tent Company, Beautiful by Katy & Dina, Blue Duck Bakery, Christopher Michael Catering, Dollface Professional Hair & Makeup Artistry, East End Events Catering, Fire Monkey Hair Design, Greenport Harbor Brewing Co., Ivy League Flowers, Jillybean Custom Designs, Kim Jon Designs, Lisa Nicolosi Photography, Massage Me by Sara Leonard LMT, Moments In Time Floral Design, Moriches Main Street Florist, and North Fork Bridal Shoppe. Times/Review Media Group has signed on as the media sponsor of the event with additional sponsorships still available. Applicants and interested vendors should click here for additional information.

Photo of the 2017 Giveback winners, U.S. Navy Lt. junior grade John Dunne and his wife Katie, celebrating with voting members of the Veterans Committee at Peconic Landing, by Anchor & Lace Photography.