Southport Magazine

Ashley and Jeremiah Gettler, shortly after their wedding provided by Operation Marry Me Military.

Story and photos by Wendy Hilliard

As co-owner of Seaside Wedding Connection—a local wedding and event planning company specializing in destination weddings in beautiful Southport and Oak-Island—I’ve had the pleasure of helping hundreds of couples experience their dream wedding. This area, with its coastal breezes and antique churches, is simply the perfect place for that special day. When Alecia Davis Geddings of Oak Island Weddings and Photography asked us to help with Operation Marry Me Military (OMMM) three years ago, I immediately knew that we were being asked to be a part of something very special.

“Honored” was the word most used to describe how the local vendors felt about teaming up with Alecia to make a special wedding a reality for one military couple. Beginning each Valentine’s Day, applications from a handful of North Carolina counties are accepted through the end of July. Winners are selected to receive a free wedding on Veterans Day; in 2012, statewide, OMMM helped seven different couples say “I do.”

Sergeant Gettler donning his Marine Corps Dress Blue uniform.

Operation Marry Me Military has turned out to be a successful collaboration of local wedding vendors, whom outsiders would consider competitors, with one main focus: honoring our military. “We are just so grateful to have a vehicle to show all of our service people how much we genuinely appreciate all they do,” Kim Thompson, manager of Three Cheers Rental Company, shares. This sentiment was repeated by every volunteer. It was immediately clear that every vendor would bring their best. The end result is magic every year.

Ashley and Jeremiah Gettler represent everything Operation Marry Me Military is about. Jeremiah is a sergeant in the Marine Corps stationed in Camp Lejeune, NC. Prior to the wedding, he’d been deployed three times during his nine years in the Marine Corps. After reading his application and realizing his devotion and dedication to his fiance, his family and our country, it was clear to Alecia that he and Ashley would be the 2013 OMMM recipient for Brunswick County.

Ashley entering the vintage ‘getaway’ car.

The duo said their vows on November 11th, 2013, within the walls of the South Harbour Village Chapel. Joined by friends and family, they celebrated into the night at the waterfront Southport Community Building. Everything from hair styling and makeup to a honeymoon suite and a  beach house for the family was provided by OMMM.

Ashley summed up their experience during a TV interview: “When I was a little girl, I constantly played wedding with my Barbies,” she expressed. “This wedding has surpassed anything I ever could have imagined.  All of my dreams for my wedding day have come true.”

Mr. and Mrs. Gettler both have difficulty explaining just how overwhelmed and grateful they will always be to OMMM and the town of Southport.  “Everyone is doing so much for us, and they keep telling us thank you… It’s hard to absorb,” Ashley said.

In 2011 Alecia created the OMMM campaign as an ode to her roots. “Being the daughter of a US Army Veteran, I felt compelled to give back,” she declares. “I knew that nothing I could offer would be grand enough or deserving enough for all that our military does for us.”

Ashley and her bridesmaids, dressed in elegant eggplant gowns.

As a local wedding planner, she realized she could at least assist a military member in starting their new life as a married couple. Word spread like wildfire, and within a few days she had a $20,000 wedding donated to the future lucky couple. “Keeping the vendors within your county is tricky, but it has brought together many competitors and formed bonds within our industry,” Alecia reveals. “I am honored that so many jumped on board to be a part of my vision.”

Alecia then issued a challenge to other North Carolina counties to follow suit. Within weeks, several counties came forth to participate. OMMM gave free nuptials to five couples throughout the state in its first year. The total of goods and services exceeded $200,000. To date, 18 couples have been married and over $570,000 in goods and services have been donated.

Operation Marry Me Military will accept applications for a 2014 Veterans Day wedding starting this Valentine’s Day. Information and applications are available at www.operationmmm.com.

The elated bride and groom.

OMMM Participating Vendors (Brunswick County):

Founder, Director, Officiant: Alecia Davis Geddings, Oak Island Weddings
and Photography
Assistant Director, Reception décor/coordination, Ceremony
photography, Photo Booth:
Wendy Hilliard and Nicole Finley, Seaside Wedding Connection
Welcome and thank you: Oak Island Mayor Betty Wallace
Ceremony venue: South Harbour
Village Chapel
Reception Venue:
Southport Community Building
DJ: Shoresound Productions
Bridal Party Flowers:
Wine & Roses Florist
Engagement Photography:
Karen Garvey-Miksch
Reception Photography:
Spring Richardson Photography
Hair Stylist for Bridal Party: Olivia Hood and Misty Vinings, Isaac Allen
Hair Salon
Hair Stylist & Makeup for the Bride: Heather Gore
Vintage Car (Miss Sassy):
Sarah Whitmer
Dove release, videography:
Blake Hobbs
Sailboat tour: Captain Bob Griffith,
The Kelly Allen Sailboat Tours
Reception linens, China, decor, etc.: 3 Cheers Party Rentals
Wedding cake, cupcakes and
appetizers: Bobbie Blackmon,
The Confectionary
Catering for reception:
BBQ House of Oak Island
Honeymoon Suite: Lois Jane’s
Riverview Inn
Beach house for the family of bride and groom: Better Beach Rentals