UpStyled Setting has recruited other local vendors to join them in giving away a free wedding on Veteran's Day to Marine Zach Johnson and his bride to be Ashly Smith. OPERATION MARRY ME MILITARY
Press Release
Summary: In 2011 Alecia Geddings of Oak Island Photography & Weddings, in Brunswick County created
a campaign. Her goal was to offer a contest to allow a lucky military person to be married
for free on
Veteran's Day. Within weeks, several
counties came forth to participate. Operation MMM married five couples throughout the state on
11-11-11 totalling over $200,000 in free goods and services. Alecia's personal mission is by 2021 to
have all 100 counties in NC participating by offering a free wedding every Veteran's Day. Release: On February 1, 2012, Operation MMM will be seeking applications for counties to host a free
military wedding on Veteran's Day, Sunday November 11, 2012. Additionally, they will be seeking
applicants to marry! All counties wishing to host a free wedding under Operation MMM must adhere to the guidelines set forth
in www.operationmmm.com. They must provide free lodging, venues, photographers, caterers, officiant,
flowers, director, and more. All vendors and services must come from the county in which they are
hosting. This is a good opportunity for competitors to come together and unify for this wonderful cause. All contestant applications will be sent to Operation MMM's headquarters in Oak Island, NC. A panel of
former military judges will review contestant applications and make a determination of who is most
deserving of the free weddings. Additional Information from creator Alecia Geddings: Being the daughter of a a former US Army
serviceman, I felt compelled to give back. I knew that nothing I could offer would be grand enough or
deserving enough for all that our military does for us. I contemplated day and night on how I could
make at least a small difference in the lives of our military. I was the owner of a thriving
photography and wedding business, and I could at least assist a military member in starting their new
life as a married couple. I felt I had no choice, I had to do it. Quickly, word spread like wildfire, and
within a few days I had a $20,000 wedding donated to the unknown couple. Vendors from other counties
started calling me, and within weeks, there were five weddings planned throughout the state of North
Carolina. Keeping the vendors within your county is tricky, but it has brought together many
competitors and formed bonds within our industry. I am honored that so many jumped on board to be
apart of my vision. Each and every county has brought a sense of excitement, and it is amazing to see
our industry come together. Brittany Adams Oniel of BAO events, summed it up best when she called me
on the phone and simply said, I want to "give back to those who give all". It was at this moment, her
very words became our official slogan. I know it is only a small part that I am doing, but I hope that I
can make a special memory for those deserving much more than a wedding. "Giving back, to those who give all"
For more information contact:
Alecia Geddings, Oak Island Photography & Weddings
910.538.6589
