Air Force couple wins free nuptials at Brecknock Hall
A country-chic wedding is in the works for a Mattituck couple, both active members of the armed services, this year’s winners of Peconic Landing’s third annual Veteran’s Day Wedding Giveback.
Joseph Tandy and Tara Buczak, both serving in the Air Force, are busy planning their November nuptials after being named the winners of a contest rewarding deserving couples that have served or continue to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces by providing a free wedding at historic Brecknock Hall building in Greenport around Veterans Day.
“Before I was deployed my mom and I looked at Brecknock Hall and I fell in love with it,” Ms. Buczak said. “I thought we couldn’t afford it. We are so happy.”
The bride-to-be said she’s already picked out the theme.
“We are very country,” she said, explaining that the couple got engaged while listening to country music and watching the sunset over a field in Mattituck.
“I just knew he was the one,” she said. “I can’t imagine life without him.”
Seven years earlier the couple barely knew each other, despite graduating from Mattituck High School just a year a part.
Sparks began to fly in 2007 when Ms. Buczak, a senior airman, attended St. John’s University and worked at Legends Restaurant in New Suffolk.
“We would talk when he came into the restaurant, but then he left for basic training and I thought that was that,” she said.
In August 2008 Ms. Buczak got the surprise of her life when Mr. Tandy, now a staff sergeant, walked into Legends in his uniform and ask her out on their first date.
“I’ll never forget it,” she said. “He just got home from basic training in Texas wearing his military blues. He was trying to impress me. It worked!”
The couple has been inseparable since. Last year. They were deployed to Afghanistan together, along with Mr. Tandy’s younger brother, Michael. Their service bought them all closer as a family, she said.
“Even on days when I was nervous I knew he was there,” Ms. Buczak said.
In Afghanistan, their mission was to support helicopters flying casualty evacuations. Their efforts saved 85 lives.
They returned to Mattituck in February 2013 and are currently full-time technicians at the 106th Rescue Wing in Westhampton Beach. Ms. Buczak is an aviation resources manager and Mr. Tandy is a jet engine mechanic.
A panel of Peconic Landing resident veterans unanimously chose the couple as this year’s recipients.
“Peconic Landing is proud to be a part of the Veterans Day wedding for a third year,” said facility president and CEO Bob Syron. “The contest is especially meaningful to Peconic Landing because so many of our residents are veterans and the wedding is a great opportunity to give back to those brave individuals who serve our country.”
The wedding will take place Sunday, Nov. 10, the day before Veterans Day. The supporting sponsors encompass a wide array of wedding services, all donated to the bride and groom in appreciation for their service to their country.
