Military Wedding Giveaway

“Prior to winning the Castle Farms Military Wedding Giveaway, I didn’t think that the average person (like myself) could possibly win something like this. Every vendor that donated their service has asked nothing in return, except to help us experience total bliss on our special day. We have moved into the planning stage and as you can expect, there are many decisions to be made. With Ryan and I living in two separate states and in different time-zones, everyone has been so helpful and supportive, working around the distance and our chaotic schedules with ease. In the past week Ryan and I have been showered with support from Castle Farms staff, especially Sarah and Rebekah, and the various other Vendors. We are truly blessed to be able to work with such an amazing group of people. It still hasn’t sunk in fully, but my excitement is growing with each passing day. Thank you to everyone who has read our story, to those of you who voted and shared, and to those of you still following us. We will keep you updated during this journey. My father would like to extend his gratitude to everyone, as well. He is floored by the response we received and cannot wait to walk me down the aisle!”

Taylor’s submission: We are a dual Active Duty Navy couple planning for June 2017 or sooner! Ryan and I met in 2015 while we were stationed at the Naval Hospital in Pensacola, Florida. Ryan was an energetic, thrilling and extremely handsome guy that everyone loved to be around. I had my eye on him since day one! I have always been someone who isn’t afraid to go after what I wanted, but any time he looked my way I could feel all of the blood in my body, rush to my cheeks. I finally mustered up the courage to talk to him and asked him to brunch where we immediately hit it off. I was addicted to his smile and contagious laughter. We had both recently ended our long term relationships and wanted to take it slow, but that was far from the case. I fell madly in-love with Ry. I have never thought I would marry someone or have children, but I found myself fantasizing about both these ideas on a regular basis. I knew he was the one for me. Our souls complimented each other and longed for each other’s companionship whenever we were away. Christmas eve 2016, he proposed to me and I am thrilled to be his partner in crime for our lifetimes. 19 months ago, at age 47 my father was diagnosed with Adenocarcinoma, a type of (evil) esophageal cancer. Fortunately, my parents live close to U of M, and in December 15 he underwent a successful 13 hour esophagectomy that held promising results. In March 16, while on a business trip to Orlando, just one week away from the “Cancer Free” celebration day, he underwent a routine CT scan after having a headache for a few weeks. Not only had the cancer metastasized, but to the worst of all places; his brain. It revealed roughly 13 tumors and my family was heartbroken. Ry, being the amazing supporter he is, and I drove to Orlando so I could be with my dad through this challenging time. This was the first time Ry and my dad met. It was awkward and emotional, but they both made the best of it. In November, the oncologist gave us the gut-wrenching diagnosis of terminal illness. In December we cruised to Mexico for an “End of Life” celebration, where Ry and dad developed a special bond and he gave Ry his blessing to marry me. It is so important to me to give my father a beautiful wedding where he can walk me down the aisle and give me away to the man I never thought I would find. The financial stress of sustaining two separate households (Ry is stationed in North Carolina) and visits home to Michigan when possible are making it nearly impossible to save. Winning this contest would relieve unreal amounts of stress and help make my dreams come true. This wedding is definitely for Ry and I, but I can’t wait to dance to “Butterfly Kisses” with my dad.

Wedding Date: June 18, 2017
Venue: Castle Farms
Catering: A Matter of Taste
DJ Entertainment: Ryan Rousseau Enterprises
Floral: A Touch of Spring and Other Things
Hairstylist: Last Tangle Salon and Tanning
Hotel: Weathervane Terrace Inn and Suites
Officiant: Northern Michigan Ministers
Photography: Paxton Photography
Photo Booth: Shutterbooth
Videography: 97 Films

Jonathan’s submission: I am currently serving as a United States Marine, and I am deployed in Kuwait for the next seven months. My bride to-be is from Indiana and we met at my Marine buddy’s wedding; it was love at first sight. She is a tiny little thing that has the sweetest smile, the kindest heart, but is a spit fire too! I wish to give her the beautiful fairy tale wedding she has dreamed of but that I cannot afford on a military salary.  I don’t have a lot to offer my fiancée except a man with a good heart, a kind soul, a sense of duty to his country, strong hands to work a hard day’s work, arms that will never stop hugging her and loving her, my family who loves me to the moon and back and who will welcome her into our family and love her to pieces.  If I could write it on the moon for her I would; she completes me like no one ever has.  I would love to celebrate our wedding at Castle Farms but also to have our families there to marvel in the beauty also.  My mom was just diagnosed with Breast Cancer and underwent a mastectomy two weeks ago while I was overseas.  I couldn’t be there for her and she had to endure the operation and pain without me. She is the strongest person I know, stronger than any Marine. This wedding would be wonderful for my mom to attend all dressed up like the wonderful woman who raised me.  I would have two beautiful ladies on my arm that night.

Wedding date: June 3, 2016
Rooms: Queen’s Courtyard and Queen’s Tavern
Accommodations: Charlevoix Inn and Suites
Cake: Kingsley Cakes
Catering: Grey Gables Restaurant and Catering
Clergy: Glad Remaly
Hairstylist: Last Tangle Salon and Tanning
Photo Booth: Shutterbooth
Transportation: Mackinaw Shuttle

Crystal’s submission: Isaiah and I have been together for 10 years.  We met while I was in high school.  Isaiah was sent to Iraq during his first year in college.  He was deployed for 19 months. Isaiah  was also deployed to Louisiana to help during hurricane Katrina.  Isaiah and I have two wonderful little boys who would love nothing more to see us get married.  Unfortunately, almost every time we have tried to plan the wedding something has come up.  I am currently working full time and attending college full time.  With two little boys on top of everything else, planning a wedding almost seems impossible but we’ve decided to make it happen this summer.  I’ve always wanted to get married at Castle Farms, it’s our dream wedding spot.  Winning this wedding package would truly be a dream come true.

Wedding date: July 10, 2015
Rooms: Queen’s Courtyard and King’s Great Hall (paid upgrade)
Accommodations: AmericInn Lodge & Suites
Cake: TasT Creations
Catering: A Matter of Taste
Clergy: Judy Grimes
Entertainment: A+ Event Entertainment
Florist: A Touch of Spring and Other Things
Hairstylist: Chello’s Salon
Photography: Paxton Photography
Photo Booth: Shutterbooth
Live Musician: Sylvia Norris
Transportation: Mackinaw Shuttle

Andi’s submission: When Dwayne proposed, in 2011, we said that we would get married when he came home. We both agreed that we wanted a summer wedding so it was decided that we would do summer of 2013. Then I was accepted into the nursing program at Kirtland Community College and was either at school or working 12 hour days. There was no hope of planning a wedding. Then someone at the Veteran Affairs office told us about this contest. My mom nominated us. We both said that it would never happen.  We never would have dreamed that we had enough friends that would support us in this. Recently, we had even discussed just going to the courthouse so we could say we were married, and have an official ceremony later. Winning this wedding gives us the opportunity to complete the dream that we have both had since 2011. Neither of us ever thought that we would have the opportunity to get married at such a beautiful venue. We cannot thank Castle Farms enough for giving us that opportunity!

Wedding date: August 22, 2014
Rooms: Queen’s Courtyard and Queen’s Tavern
Accommodations: Charlevoix Inn and Suites
Cake: TasT Creations
Catering: Grey Gables Restaurant and Catering
Clergy: Jonathan Mays
Entertainment: Rousseau Events
Florist: Thyme Hill Designs
Hairstylist: Last Tangle Salon and Tanning
Photography: Paul Retherford Photography
Photo Booth: Shutterbooth
Live Musician: Sylvia Norris
Transportation: Mackinaw Shuttle