Operation “I Do” How to Win a Dream Wedding at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City

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Operation “I Do”

How to Win a Dream Wedding at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City

A Salute to Military Appreciation Month

Arlington, VA (May 6, 2019) – Dreams do come true. Operation “I Do” was created to accomplish that mission. One lucky military couple will win their dream wedding at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City, in appreciation of their patriotic service as a member of the United States Armed Forces, and to kick off Military Appreciation Month. The wedding will take place on Sunday, November 10, 2019, on Veterans Day weekend.

The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City, ABC7/WJLA-TV, the USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore, and The Robert Irvine Foundation join the generous wedding specialists, retail partners and entertainment vendors that have offered this complimentary wedding to express their sincere gratitude for their sacrifice and service to our country.

“At The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City we are skilled at crafting stunning wedding events with personalized touches to make your day extra special” says general manager Manuel Martinez. “We appreciate our military personnel and our Director of Catering Carole Sala, and our generous and dynamic team of partners will turn the winning couple’s dream of a luxury wedding into a beautiful reality.”

Operation “I Do” is open to local active members of the Armed Services, on an active duty status of E-6 and below and must be stationed in Virginia, Maryland or Washington, D.C. Only one partner is required to be active duty military.

To enter the contest, candidates must write an essay of up to 800 words explaining why they should win a wedding at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City. The narrative may include the story of how the couple met, or the story of the proposal. Challenges the couple has experienced will be instrumental in selecting the winner. Some of the hardships endured may include the time they spent apart and the impact it had on their family.

The winning couple receives a wedding reception at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City, which may include the wedding ceremony. It also includes:

  • Evening cocktail reception and seated dinner for up to 80 guests

  • A three-course dinner created by celebrity Chef Robert Irvine & Executive Chef Sriram Hariharan

  • Wedding Cake by The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City Pastry Chef Anabella Pru

  • Select wedding invitation by Creative Parties

  • Floral arrangements by EDGE floral events designer

  • Event Décor to include linen, specialty chairs and limited table design by Party Rentals, Ltd.

  • Two (2) custom designed wedding bands by Belmont Jewelers

  • Photography of ceremony and reception by Jack Hartzman Photography

  • Videography of ceremony and reception by Suburban Video

  • Music by Bialek’s Music

  • Make-up (including a trial session and day of make-up application) by Nordstrom

  • Spa treatment for wedding couple, courtesy of Georgetown Allure

  • Complimentary wedding gifts from The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City retailers, a Simon Mall

There is no cost to register or enter the contest. Everyone who enters the contest must complete the entry form online, by mail or drop off to hotel in person to Carole Sala starting May 6, 2019 through May 24, 2019 by 5pm. The winner will be announced on June 5, 2019.

All entries become the property of sponsor and will not be returned. Both partner candidates must agree to allow the property to secure photos of the couple and of the wedding. Employees of the contest sponsors are not eligible to enter the contest. All prizes are in-kind, there is no cash reward or cash redemption.

For more information visit https://www.operation-i-do.com/home

The Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City

Set against a backdrop rich in history and tradition, The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City offers a modernly elegant hotel experience near the nation’s capital. Luxury accommodations and amenities, including a globally influenced restaurant and event space, are complemented by attentive service and an Arlington, VA location that is moments from historic landmarks, museums and shopping.

About Robert Irvine Foundation

Irvine established the eponymously named non-profit organization, The Robert Irvine Foundation, as a primary focus on giving-back and supporting our military personnel (active, retired, and veterans) and first responders through morale and welfare programs, in addition to financial support of properly vetted Veterans’ Organizations and directly to individuals and families in need. For more about the Robert Irvine Foundation, visit www.RobertIrvineFoundation.org.

About USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore

Dedicated to “serving those who serve, and their families” in Washington D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia, USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore (USO-Metro) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization chartered by Congress and trusted by the community since 1941. USO-Metro consistently earns the highest rating on Charity Navigator for outperforming most charities in its cause and exceeding industry standards. As a non-government-funded organization, it is only through the generous financial, in-kind and volunteer support of individuals and corporate partners that USO-Metro is able to succeed in its mission: to strengthen America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation.

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LRA