GREENPORT, N.Y., November 13, 2023 – The eleventh annual Veterans Day Wedding Giveback took place on Sunday, November 12 at Brecknock Hall, celebrating the marriage of Lieutenants Edward (Eddie) Joseph Wright IV, 28, of Orient, New York and Sarah Ritchie, 28, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The annual contest, sponsored by Peconic Landing, provides a free wedding each year for current or former military personnel in recognition of their service to our country.
The giveaway is made possible through contributions from local businesses and organizations who donate their time, talents, and services to create an all-expenses-paid wedding for one lucky couple.
“Our Veterans Day Wedding Giveback reflects Peconic Landing’s commitment to celebrating and supporting those who have served our country,” said Robert J. Syron, Peconic Landing’s President and CEO. “Eddie and Sarah could not be more deserving of this special day, and it is an honor to play a small part in their journey towards a lifetime of happiness.”
The winning couple was chosen by a panel of Peconic Landing members with military ties, who judged the contest based on the number of years served, special military honors, and each couple’s personal love story. The couple was notified during a surprise announcement at Peconic Landing on May 18, with family members, Peconic Landing members, and Peconic Landing team members present.
Wright was commissioned as an officer in 2017 and is currently on his third tour of duty serving as an Assistant Chief of Marine Investigations in the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Sector Miami. In his role, he investigates marine casualties involving commercial vessels and generates safety recommendations that drive changes in law or regulation for commercial vessels. He has earned the Secretary of Homeland Security Meritorious Service Silver Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medal, and Coast Guard Achievement Medal, among others.
Ritchie was also commissioned as an officer in 2017 and is on her third tour of duty with the USCG. She recently received her designation as an Aviator on April 28 and now serves as an MH-65E pilot at USCG Air Station Miami. She has earned the Department of Homeland Security Outstanding Unit Award, Coast Guard Commendation Medal, and Coast Guard Achievement Medal, among others.
The couple met at the Coast Guard Academy in 2013 and were friends for four years before dating in 2017. They were both stationed in Louisiana during their second tours, until Ritchie left New Orleans to live her dream and attend flight school in Pensacola, Florida. The couple traveled 200 miles to see each other while in rigorous training billets. In 2022, Wright proposed to Ritchie in New Orleans.
“Yesterday was an absolute dream,” said the couple. “We are grateful beyond words for the amazing community of vendors that made our wedding day flawless for our guests and ourselves. We had the opportunity to meet with most of the people who donated to the Wedding Giveback this year, and we were so awed by their generosity, kindness, and the passion that they put into their work. Thank you to the panel of judges at Peconic Landing that chose us, to Valerie for all her orchestration, to all the helping hands that contributed, and to our guests for traveling from far and wide to make our day so special.”
Vendors and volunteers who contributed to the 11th Annual Veterans Day Wedding Giveback were Arni Paperie, Beauty by Devon, Blooms by Design, Boho Bay Stay, By Hand Catering, East End Events Catering, Fresh Face Photobooths, Greenport Harbor Brewing Company, Greenport Wines & Spirits, J. Merullo Imports, Jack Franzino Films, Janelle Brooke Photography, Jerri’s Cakes, KP Designs, LI Nights Entertainment, Libby Koch, Lieb Cellars, MadFashionLove (Linda Shapiro, Social Stylist at Chico’s), Major William Grigonis, McBurnie Tent, North Fork Bridal Shoppe, North Fork Picture Cars, Riverhead Flower Shop, Sassy Sue’s Sweet Treats, Southold Fish Market, Stacey Peterson, Makeup Artist, Sterlington Deli, Sugar Magnolias Flowers, and True Elizabeth Designs. Times Review Media Group was the media sponsor of the event.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of the local businesses who have made this celebration possible,” said Syron. “Their generosity is a testament to the incredible community we have here on the East End of Long Island.” For more information about planning a wedding at Brecknock Hall, please visit www.brecknockhall.com or contact Valerie Tirelli-Hallock, Brecknock Hall Sales & Events Coordinator at events@brecknockhall.com. Applications for the 2024 Wedding Giveback will be posted in January.