Rev. Christopher Tuttle wanted to be in the military since he was a little boy. Because of an eye defect, however, he has had to live vicariously through his various philanthropic efforts, such as donations to the Semper Fi fund, Toys for Tots, United Way and “Adopt-a-Soldier.” And for about eight years now, he has been giving through his own version of charity — free elopement ceremonies for servicemen and women. Calling his service “Military Mondays,” Tuttle performs his ceremonies in areas around San Diego, including La Jolla. On Feb. 7, Tuttle and the couple he was marrying allowed the La Jolla Village News to witness their private ceremony on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean at Coast Boulevard Park. “I always planned on having an elopement,” said bride Amy Raikoglo (now Amy Grant). “It’s more special. It’s just me and him. It’s more personal.” Her now-husband, Scott Grant, agreed: “I don’t want anyone I don’t care for at my wedding. It’s for us, not anyone else.” The couple, who live in Temecula, had another reason to celebrate. Feb. 7, their wedding day, was also Scott’s 23rd birthday. They plan to have a larger reception, but not until Scott, a Petty Officer 3rd Class in the Navy, returns from his deployment to the Arabian Gulf, in seven months. Tuttle enlists the help of wedding vendors for donations of flowers and photography at his ceremonies. Photographer Richard Santini, of RHS Photo, took pictures at the Grants’ ceremony. He said he donates his services because of his own bad elopement experience. “I got screwed by my photographer at my elopement,” he said. “Not one of our photos turned out, so when Christopher approaches me for one of these, I don’t even hesitate.” Florist Katrina O’Donnell, who brought a bouquet for the bride, said she was grateful for the opportunity to give back. “You get to make someone’s day,” she said. “Not everyone has the budget for a huge event, but everyone deserves that dream wedding.” The ceremony, attended by a handful of friends and family, was simple and personal. Tuttle gave the couple a recipe for marriage, with ingredients such as trust, awareness, understanding, friendship and love. Tears flowed liberally from both the audience — which consisted of about five people — and the couple, who exchanged their own personal vows. When they went in for the kiss, bride and groom burst out laughing through their tears as Amy’s veil fell off her head. “Look at my office. It’s quite an alternative to a County Clerk’s Office or a trip to Vegas with Elvis,” Tuttle said, gesturing at the scenery. “If I don’t book a military couple on a Monday, it just means I have a day off. So far, I haven’t had any days off.” For more information on Tuttle’s services, call (619) 66-ELOPE or go to www.freemilitaryelopement.com.
