Over the decades, Walters Wedding Estates has had the honor of bringing couples’ love stories to life — and serving as the backdrop to one of the most special days of their lives. Being chosen for the job is a privilege we don’t take lightly. With ample gratitude in our hearts, in 2019, we launched the Weddings For Warriors program to give back to those who’ve honorably served our country. The initiative was created as a nod to founder Sarah Walters’ grandfather, who served in the United States Army during World War II. In addition to being a first lieutenant in the infantry, he was also a devoted husband to his wife for nearly 70 years.

In honor of their love story, every year, Walters Wedding Estates gives away one wedding per reception hall to a military couple. (When you book a Walters Wedding Estates venue, a portion of the proceeds from your wedding is used toward that initiative.) “After reviewing all of the submissions we received and reading all of their heartfelt, touching stories, we selected one couple per venue to have their wedding with us,” Walters Wedding Specialists said. Meet the 2025 recipients, and learn more about their love stories — plus how they’re planning to host their big day with Walters Wedding Estates.

Chapel at Riverwalk, Flower Mound

Natalia Sotomayor-Oyola and Jacob Dayon

Natalia Sotomayor-Oyola met Jacob Dayon when they were studying at the University of Oklahoma, when both were enrolled in the R.O.T.C. program. The connection was instant — the two formed a friendship that turned into romance. “We did everything college has to offer together, from attending football games to spending late nights in the study hall,” Natalia said. Upon graduation, Natalia and Jacob received their commissions as second lieutenants in the United States Army, and shortly after, they were assigned to different duty stations.

Throughout the two-year separation, the couple relied on texting, late-night video and phone calls, and long-weekend trips to bridge the distance. Until, that is, the proposal came. Under the twinkling lights along the Riverwalk in San Antonio, Jacob popped the question in December of 2022. Now, close to two years later — and following Jacob’s nine-month deployment — the duo will finally get their dream wedding at Chapel at Riverwalk. Surrounded by a storybook-like setting and Romanesque architectural details, the couple will tie the knot in July of 2025.

The Milestone Mansion, Denton

Chloe Pruett and Dallas Davis

Childhood friends turned high-school Bible study partners, Chloe Pruett and Dallas Davis lost touch over the years until they reconnected at a New Year’s Eve party. “We rapidly became best friends and took every opportunity to spend time with each other,” Chloe said. Their connection grew stronger with each passing day, and in July of 2023, the two lovebirds-to-be finally went on their first date. Instantly, they both knew — they were destined to marry each other. Eight months later, they were engaged.

A month after the engagement, Dallas deployed to the Middle East where he’s currently serving in the same squadron as his great grandfather, who fought and died in World War II. For over five months, Chloe and Dallas have been planning their wedding while being continents apart. “We feel beyond blessed by Walter Wedding Estates for all they have given us and the ways they are honoring Dallas’ service and all we have sacrificed,” Chloe said. The couple are set to get married in February of 2025 at The Milestone Mansion, Denton — a Southern-style estate (with a coastal twist) that sits on 15 acres of gorgeously landscaped grounds.

Iron Manor, The Milestone Montgomery

Kaylee Kingston and Boyd Reed

Driven by a desire to be part of something bigger than themselves, Kaylee Kingston and Boyd Reed joined the United States Navy, where they first met. Starting as friends, they navigated a long-distance relationship with frequent separations, yet their connection always brought them back together. Six years after dating, they bought a house together in South Texas — just five minutes down the road from the same shipmate who first convinced Boyd to ask Kaylee out on a date.

A wedding was next. After facing several hurdles while wedding planning, the couple began to wonder if eloping might be the best way to finally say “I do.” That is, until, Walters Wedding Estates’ offered them the opportunity to plan their nuptials at Iron Manor, The Milestone Montgomery — a one-of-a-kind, modern-industrial wedding venue that boasts an on-site chapel and a castle-like reception space. “Boyd and I are quite literally still in shock that we have the privilege of winning this incredible Weddings for Warriors giveaway,” Kaylee said. “It is already a dream come true.”

Ashton Gardens, West Houston

Jennifer Escobar and Codie Ballard

Jennifer Escobar and Codie Ballard first met in California, where they were both stationed at Naval Base San Diego. At first, the pair kept their relationship professional. Even after their lives had diverged, the two kept in touch. Two years later, Jennifer received a life-altering diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and was forced to medically retire after 14 years of naval service. But just when she thought she’d lost it all, a message from Codie arrived like a ray of hope. He was graduating from Officer Candidate School — and returning to San Diego.

Now that they were in the same place, Jennifer and Codie’s friendship blossomed into a relationship — and an engagement shortly followed. “We are so excited about our dream wedding and thankful for this great blessing we have received,” Jennifer and Codie said. “Our wedding planners, Hala and Sheilah, have been amazing to work with so far!” The lovebirds are slated to get married next summer at Ashton Gardens, West Houston, where they’ll tie the knot inside a glass-enclosed chapel, followed by an elevated reception at the venue’s elevated, statement-making ballroom.

Ashton Gardens, Atlanta

Haley Hollimon and Eric Walker

Haley Hollimon first met Eric Walker while she was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. The couple’s first date was at an art museum, followed by a barbecue dinner. Before long, they were in love, and for six months, they commuted for weekend visits. But in 2020, the three-hour journey between them turned much longer when Haley began a nine-month deployment to South Korea. But they survived the distance, one letter, one video chat, and one text message at a time.

Throughout their relationship, Haley and Eric endured countless long goodbyes and sweet hellos. Finally, in March of 2024, the time was right for a proposal. While strolling along the San Antonio River Walk, Eric popped the question — and the answer was a resounding “yes.” Next year in July, the couple will exchange their vows at Ashton Gardens’ on-site chapel in Atlanta, against soaring arched windows that invite nature in. The couple will host their reception at the venue’s spacious ballroom, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame lush greenery and crystal chandeliers add a touch of elegance to any celebration.

Remi’s Ridge at Hidden Falls

SSG Annamarie Crixell and Shane Heckenbach

A chance meeting at a mutual friend’s birthday party brought Annamarie Crixell and Shane Heckenbach together in high school. In a heartbeat, the two hit it off — and they were inseparable until graduation when Annamarie joined the National Guard, and Shane went to college in Wisconsin to play football. But fate has a way of bringing people together. The couple reconnected when they both found themselves in the same city again. (Annamarie returned home to care for her father post-surgery, and Shane was on leave from the Marine Corps.)

Dinner and a long walk were all it took for the lovebirds to rekindle a connection. After three and a half years of dating — punctuated by a deployment and several duty station changes — Annamarie and Shane are ready to tie the knot. In the summer of 2025, the duo will exchange their blissful vows at Remi’s Ridge, a nature-inspired wedding venue tucked away in Texas’ dramatic Hill Country landscape. With a ceremony site set against a cascading waterfall and an expansive reception hall complete with a floating staircase, Remi’s Ridge offers a perfect backdrop for a long-awaited celebration.