Loudoun Businesses Unite to Provide Free Wedding to Military Couple
Photo Credit: Robert Holley Photography
Guest Blogger Jennifer Sigal
Visit Loudoun
Some businesses in Loudoun’s multi-million-dollar wedding industry are putting their fees aside to give one deserving military couple their dream wine-country wedding in 2019.
Loudoun-based photographer Robert Holley has created the nonprofit Loudoun Is for Lovers and rallied more than 20 local wedding vendors to provide one couple with an unforgettable day.
Everything from the food and wedding planning services to the flowers, transportation and music will be covered.
Holley, who has been a Loudoun business owner for 11 years, received the Best of Loudoun award last year from the local paper. The recognition got him interested in giving back to the community he loves.
Living in a destination rich with military history, veterans and active duty members, Holley decided it was America’s service members who he wanted to thank.
Couples can enter the contest through March 31 by writing an essay on why they deserve a free wedding in Loudoun. To be eligible, at least one person must be active duty or enrolled in a military school.
Over the last decade, Loudoun’s wedding industry has continued to grow as more and more people find that the county’s unique venues and picturesque setting provide the perfect backdrop to say “I Do.”
According to the latest data gathered by the School of Business at The George Washington University, weddings in Loudoun had an overall economic impact of more than $118 million in 2016 and generated $7,063,158 in state and local taxes. This projected impact takes into account hotel stays and wedding services including venue rentals, caterers, florists, musicians and more.
Over the past year, Visit Loudoun worked with more than 300 leads for 2018 weddings, which is just a portion of the weddings that come through the county yearly.
Loudoun is home to more than 70 wedding venues that range from resorts and golf courses to rustic barns, historic homes, breweries and wineries.
According to a 2017 study by The Knot, the national average cost of a wedding is $33,391, excluding the honeymoon. The Loudoun Is for Lovers military wedding giveaway covers all aspects of the wedding for up to 100 guests, including three bridesmaids, three groomsmen, a flower girl and a ring bearer.
The wedding will take place November 17, 2019 at Kalero Vineyard.
Enter Loudoun is for Lovers ContestLove2
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