Sergeant wins wedding

[thedrifter]

Sergeant wins wedding
Submitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story Identification Number: 2004219181752
Story by Cpl. Robert E. Jones Sr.



MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.(February 19, 2004) -- A "dream wedding" costs a fortune ? so why not take a chance at a contest that offers one on the house.

That's what Camp Pendleton Marine Sgt. John Plager, 23, of San Diego, and Patricia Villarreal, 25, of Riverside reasoned as they contemplated their wedding.

Now, they've got a $30,000 wedding free, courtesy of the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce and local businesses. The couple topped eight other contestant couples in the second annual Fallbrook Fantasy Wedding Giveaway awarded Friday.

"We thought we would take a chance. This way we won't start off our marriage in debt," Villarreal said.

Four military couples met at the Grand Tradition Special Event Facility in Fallbrook Feb. 6 to participate in the contest.

The winning couple met two years ago after being introduced by their common best friend, and have been together ever since. Plager proposed in Hawaii on July 5, 2003, shortly after returning from duty in Iraq.

The $30,000 in services, merchandise and cash includes a rehearsal dinner, a bridal shower, wedding facilities and food for up to 100, said Capt. Carrie Craig, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton's protocol officer.

Also part of the package are three bridesmaid dresses, $500 toward a bridal dress, hair styling, horse-and-carriage ride and a free honeymoon package."

"The contest comes from the strong relationship we share with our military neighbors," said Rev. Michael Cartwright, chairman for the Fantasy Wedding Committee. "The community comes together to give a dream wedding to a military couple that might not normally be able to afford it."

To qualify for the contest, at least one member must be on active duty. The couple must be engaged and both at least age 21. It must be their first marriage. To enter, the couple submits a 300-word-or-fewer essay with photograph by Jan. 15.

Nine couples took part, more than twice the number that participated in last year's event. A Marine panel then narrowed the field to four couples.

Those four couples met at the Grand Tradition on Friday to conduct a final interview with a panel from the Fallbrook Fantasy Wedding Committee. Interview questions included "Do you think your spouse should be your best friend?" and "Do you mind giving up the planning of your wedding to outsiders?"

The winning couple's wedding is set for June 13 at the Grand Tradition. They'll honeymoon in Tahiti.



http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2...BF?opendocument


Sempers,

Roger