Before Patrick Rogers and Jessica Peters of Manorville entered the room, they were told they were walking into Peconic Landing president Robert Syron’s office. The couple had just finished what they thought was a second-round interview for the retirement community’s annual wedding giveaway, and were ready to plead their case for why they thought they were the best choice for the all-expenses-paid wedding package.
What they didn’t know was that everyone at Peconic Landing already agreed.
“There were five applicants, but it was a unanimous decision,” said Dr. Jan Harting-McChesney, a resident and member of the five-person committee that chose Rogers and Peters. “They really do exemplify the values that the residents here at Peconic Landing want to reflect and honor.”
Inside the room — actually the community’s auditorium — about two dozen residents, committee members and administrators with red, white and blue balloons stood waiting. As soon as the couple entered, they erupted in shouts of “Surprise!” It didn’t take long for the two to figure out what had happened.
“I just started shaking,” Peters said.
“Oh, really?” Rogers teased her. “I couldn’t feel it.”
“We didn’t expect this at all. It’s beyond belief that this is happening,” Peters said. “Patrick is a hard worker. He’s dedicated his life to his job and it’s something that he takes a lot of pride in. I can’t believe all of his hard work paid off, and is paying for a wedding!”
The wedding giveaway is designed to give back to the local military community by giving an all-expenses-paid wedding to a couple with at least one partner who has served or is serving in the United States Armed Forces.
“We got into this many years ago when we realized how many of our members here had served their country,” Syron explained. “We wanted to do something that we thought recognized service members. We thank you for your service.”
“We’re very grateful, I can’t say that enough,” Rogers said. “This is an amazing experience.”
The couple has been together for five years and got engaged in March.
Rogers is a 13-year member of the U.S. Coast Guard, and was recognized for his involvement in the rescue and recovery efforts in the 2009 Hudson River plane crash. Most recently he was recognized as the USCG Key Largo Sailor of the Quarter in March 2016.
He is currently serving in Beverly, Massachusetts.
“Now that I am stationed in Gloucester on the Coast Guard Cutter Key Largo, planning a Long Island wedding has proven to be a bit difficult between traveling to explore venues and meet with and choose other vendors,” Rogers wrote in his application for the giveaway.
“I can’t believe I found such an amazing woman who is willing to uproot her life and follow me through my career in order to be by my side through it all,” Rogers wrote.
This struck a chord with Harting-McChesney, who grew up in a military family.
“ I know how difficult it can be to be a military spouse,” Harting-McChesney said. “She’s going in with eyes wide open. This couple just seems like they can make it, and in today’s day and age, that is a real concern.”
Peters and Rogers will be married on November 13 — Veterans Day weekend.
“It’s sooner than we were planning, but not by much,” Rogers said. “We were thinking of March.”
“With the help of everybody here, I think… I’m not too worried about November at all,” Peters said, laughing. “I’m excited to get started.”
The wedding will be held at Brecknock Hall, a historic building on Peconic Landing’s property.
The giveaway is made possible through sponsorship and contributions from local businesses and organizations who donate the time, talents and services needed to help make the lucky couple’s dream day a reality. An estimated $60,000 worth of services and in-kind donations are contributed each year. Vendors who have committed to the 6th Annual Veteran’s Wedding Giveback so far include: American Tent, A Flippin’ Good Time, Allison G. Pressler Professional Skin Care, Christopher Michael Catering, Beautiful by Katy & Dina, East End Events Catering, East End Expressions, Fire Monkey Hair Design, Kim Jon Designs, Macari Vineyards, Southold Fish Market, Spina Brides will be donating the bridal gown.
“Everything is all in place,” Valerie Tirelli, sales and events coordinator for Brecknock Hall said. “Once we have our couple, we hit the ground running.”
Up next for the betrothed is personalizing their wedding choices. They will meet with the vendors and pick out foods, flowers and even Peters’ wedding dress.
“We wish them a lifetime of adventure together, which they’ve already started,” Harting-McChesney said. “We hope you find joy and continual support in one another.”
