Valentines Day conjures up images of Cupid shooting his arrows at defenseless lovers-to-be, heart-shaped candy and dime-store cards passed between elementary school classmates. But for Tabaitha and Martin, February 14 will forever be a reminder of much more, because on this date, they received a wedding gift unlike any other.
Their story starts back in 2011, when Tabaitha sent a Christmas card to a deployed serviceman, not knowing who might receive it. Her card was just a simple gesture intended to brighten the day of a soldier far from home during the holidays. Such cards and packages are distributed to American troops, and each recipient is expected to reply to thank the sender. Tabaitha’s card found Martin McCoy, an airman from Beale AFB near Marysville, California, deployed to the Middle East. One can only imagine what a lift it must have been to hear from a pretty girl in Sacramento, not far from where he would be upon his return stateside!
By the time they finally met in person the following May, after months communicating by letters and email, Martin was stuck by how beautiful Tabaitha was and was determined to spend the rest of his life with her. Apparently Cupid’s arrows were on target, because the couple became inseparable, their life together including camping and enjoying the great outdoors, shooting at the gun range, walking their dog and spending time with family.
It was at Christmas time when Martin planned was to propose, after a party for troops and their families not able to be together. “I knew something was up when he was trying to have me look for another gift that wasn’t under the tree. It was amazing and priceless when he got down on one knee.” says Tabaitha.
The story took a turn for the unexpected when the couple began to make plans for their wedding. They found an ad for Operation Valentine in the Winter/Spring 2014 issue of Sacramento Bride & Groom magazine. They had been to a few wedding shows and signed up for the usual drawings, but this was special – a fabulous wedding giveaway at one of the area’s most in-demand wedding venues, the Grand Island Mansion in Walnut Grove, with generous participation from a long list of top Sacramento area wedding professionals. Operation Valentine was the brainchild of Rick Francis, general manager of the Grand Island Mansion, who was looking for a way to express appreciation for American service members and the sacrifices they make. Wedding vendors representing every facet of the industry were quick to get on board, and the value of the resulting giveaway exceeded $25,000.
With such a fantastic prize to be won, of course they entered! Having little expectation of winning, however, their wedding planning continued, until the day that Tabaitha received the call announcing that she had won the drawing. She was in disbelief! “When the call came, I thought it was a scam. When I realized it was for real, I was shocked. I couldn’t wait to tell Martin!” says Tabaitha. They set about canceling the plans that they had already made, and set a new wedding date: Valentines Day, 2015.
As the big day approached, Tabaitha came to realize how special this wedding was going to be: her vendors were ready to go above and beyond to give the couple an absolutely fabulous wedding. She loved each and every vendor that was helping to to make their dream wedding come true. “As I watched everything come together, it was amazing!” she said.
Finally, February 14 arrived. The wedding party, fresh from the makeup and hair appointments, arrived at the mansion in their stretch limo, and everyone made their way inside to get dressed. Then, on to the back patio for photos while things were being set up inside for the ceremony and reception.
As the ceremony began, the bridesmaids, lovely in their chocolate dresses with blush and red belts, entered the ballroom, passing under the U.S. Air Force honor guard’s “sabre arch”, which was executed with impressive precision. Next came Tabaitha, escorted by her proud father, and looking radiant in her David Tutera dress that was a mermaid style with sweetheart neckline, blush with lace overlay and long train. Tabaitha remembers how everything felt 100% real at that moment, standing at the top of the mansion’s grand staircase with her father.
After Tabaitha was presented to her groom, looking so dashing in his Air Force dress uniform, the Honor Guard stepped away and the couple exchanged their vows. Heartfelt words were exchanged and few tears shed as they professed their commitment to one another. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Honor Guard returned. A bit of romance was allowed into the formality of the sabre arch the second time around, when the last two guards refused to raise their swords and let the newlyweds pass until they shared a kiss.
Next, the guests enjoyed some social time while the bridal party was being photographed. When they returned to be announced at the reception, and while everyone was still standing, the honor guard offered a remembrance prayer for American prisoners of war and missing in action.
After a fantastic Grand Island Mansion buffet dinner, the reception continued in the mansion’s opulent ballroom late into the night. Festivities included cake cutting, first dance, garter and bouquet toss and lots of photo booth fun.
They have been inseparable ever since. “Our life together has been amazing. We love to live life and have fun.”
Tabaitha’s advice for other couples planning a wedding, “Just be patient and don’t let things get to you. Enjoy every moment, because it should be fun and not stressful. Make sure you stay on top of your appointments and vendors to ensure things are going without a hitch. Also, be kind to your vendors, because they will go above and beyond for you if you’re patient and understanding. I will be recommending the vendors again that I have had the pleasure of working with.”
“And be sure to enter those contests, ‘cause you never know – you may just win!”
Venue, Catering, Bar: Grand Island Mansion
Photography: The Red Sneaker Studio
DJ: Sound Image Entertainment
Floral: Accents by Sage
Bridesmaids & Veil: Enchanted Bridal Shoppe
Wedding Dress & Shoes: Always Elegant Bridal
Cake: Pretty Sweet
Lounge Furniture: Dogwood Party Rentals
Bride’s Hair: Janae Smith Studio
Bride’s Makeup: I Make Beautiful
Bridesmaids Hair & Makeup: Vanessa Torres
Transportation: About Time Limousine
Photo Booth: Morningstar Entertainment
Wedding Suite: Hampton Inn & Suites
Invitations: Throne Invitations
