Rindge’s Cathedral of the Pines is giving back to the men and women who have serving the nation by offering New Hampshire military members the chance to win a free wedding.
The “Happily Ever After for Heroes” wedding giveaway will honor one New Hampshire military member and their future spouse with a free wedding day on May 27, 2017, a package that could be worth over $10,000 by the time everything is said and done.
“I wish we could give them all a free wedding because they certainly deserve it,” said Laurie Kandoll, executive director at the Cathedral. “I think this is going to become an emotional community event.”
Inspiration for the event came in the spring of last year, when a friend of marketing manager and wedding coordinator Angela Wiltz suggested a wedding giveaway. The Cathedral fully endorsed the idea, hoping to use it as an opportunity for spread awareness of the true mission of the venue.
“When we ask people what the Cathedral of the Pines is, we get a lot of different answers,” said Wiltz. “Many recognize it for its beauty and serenity, but it is actually a nationally recognized war memorial.”
While the Cathedral is donating its space for the wedding, many other community members are coming together to donate to the cause.
Confirmed partners for the event include: Country Bridal and Formal Wear of Jaffrey, Coll’s Garden Center and Florist of Jaffrey, Rev. Bonnie McCarthy of Ceremonies from the Heart of Richmond, DJ Ray Ray of Troy, and Bob Johnson, an organist and pianist from Rindge.
“All together we are at approximately $4,000 [in commitments from confirmed partners] but we are still waiting on the reception hall, food, cake, hair salon and possibly limo service,” said Wiltz. “We wanted to make this a community event.”
The chance to win is open to all New Hampshire residents who are members of the United States military. Individuals should visit www.Cathedralofthepines.org/heroeswedding, where they can submit an essay of up to 500 words and a photo explaining why they should be chosen. Videos are also acceptable.
Nominations may be submitted until 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 20.
Three finalists will be chosen and profiled on the website and related social media pages. The winner will be notified on Feb. 14 and announced to the public online. The ceremony will take place at the Altar of the Nation at the Cathedral.
All couples not selected as a winner are eligible for a 10 percent discount. The discount will also be offered to all active duty, reserve, and veterans of the United States armed forces.
For more information contact Wiltz at 899-3300, 562-4889, or angela@cathedralofthepines.org.
Nicholas Handy can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 235 or nhandy@ledgertranscript.com. He is also on Twitter @nhandyMLT.