One vision, some volunteers and a whole lot of caring hearts - this describes perfectly how a free wedding was able to take place at Victory Park in Slatington at the hands of the Caring Hearts.

Caring Hearts, located in Slatington, is a nonprofit organization established in 2016 that focuses on helping the homeless, veterans and less-fortunate of the surrounding areas.

On Saturday, Sept. 17, the organization was able to unite two couples in marriage at no cost to them.

Lydia A. Hughes of Two Rings One Love, an ordained minister, thought of the idea and approached Caring Hearts founder and CEO Denise “Neice Eie” Martinez.

“We posted on our page about our idea and said to write essays as to why the applicant feels they deserve a free wedding - we had over 20 applicants,” Martinez said of the process. “My team and I sat around a table and read the submissions silently so we wouldn’t bias each other and still ended up crying at some of the same entries...”

In the end, Martinez and her team landed on the two couples that were chosen: Shay Wilson and Mike House of Slatington, and Joan Campbell and Jason LeBan of Lehighton.

The team had help from the surrounding area to allow the wedding to come into fruition.

The bride’s dresses were donated by Kunkletown Thrift Store, the tuxedos for the grooms by CE Roth in Allentown, and the food in conjunction with Giant of Walnutport, and some other shops. There were also singers who donated their time and talent, as well as the volunteers who helped set everything up.

Megan Reese of Caring Hearts said it was beautiful to watch the progress from beginning to end.

“Watching from the idea, to the submission of essays, and seeing it from the beginning like this was very amazing.”

She said they had two meetings with the couples before the wedding to make sure they were happy with the location and understood the game plan.

Jason LeBan, Joan’s now husband, told Wendy Morrison of Caring Hearts before the reception just how grateful he was and how he didn’t know how to thank them.

Joan LeBan said they were both shocked when they were chosen. Jason and Joan had lost touch for years and reconnected 10 years ago. She was diagnosed with endometrial cancer just three weeks into their rekindling.

“The wedding was spectacular and we even had say in our gowns and tuxes… Jason and I are meant to be and we are now married and can’t be happier.”

LeBan also mentioned how wonderful Lydia, the minister, was to incorporate parts of their love story in the ceremony, making it feel special.

The other bride, Shay Wilson, said she never wins anything and was shocked when she was also chosen for the wedding contest.

She says she follows Caring Hearts on social media and called their family right away to share their excitement when they found out they won.

“The wedding turned out far more beautiful than I could have dreamed.”

In addition to those who were wed enjoying their day, other members of the community thought the entire process was beautiful and well-done.

Mayor Jeralyn Walters-Schoch, long-time friend of Martinez, was able to attend and even said some words at the lunch following the ceremony.

“I love to see people who care about people and do good things, and that is why Neice Eie is a big part of this community. Get involved - get to know each other and just be kind.”

Martinez reported that the company loves to help its community and will be holding many more events in the future, such as their Oct. 16 Halloween Fest and their Oct. 22 Halloween Party.

Event information can be found at either of the Facebook pages run by the organization, “Caring DAM Hearts” and “Caring Hearts Clothing Closet and More.”