Van Etten lost his legs from an improvised explosive device blast during a 2012 deployment to Afghanistan.
Now the couple, who have overcome hardships, will celebrate their nupitals for free, as recipients of the Vows for Vets program.
The program, which is in it;s seventh year, was started by retired Marine Col. Al Ransom and his wife Cathie, owners of Los Willows Wedding Estate in Fallbrook and Paradise Falls in Oceanside. Each year, the Ransom's gift the recipients couple an all-expenses-paid wedding and enlist the donated help from local wedding vendors who provide their goods and services free of charge.
"With the help of our terrific vendors, we provide Paradise Falls Venue, outstanding catering allowing the couple to choose their selections, the DJ, floral designer, photographer, clergy, videographer, photo booth, hosted beer and wine bar, hair and make up services, and tons of assistance from volunteers for set up, clean up, security, banquet stuff and much more," says Kelly Suan of marketing director of Los Willows, explaining they're also working on getting an exotic honeymoon donated for the couple.
Van Etten, a writer and model, has a goal of opening a gym that includes adaptive training for people with physical obstacles and providing specialized trainers to help those individuals to feel their best.
