Wedding Day

Holy Face Church

Wedding Mass

Elks Lodge 2092 - St. Mary's County

Reception

Our Wedding

Darren's POV:During my deployment to Okinawa, Japan, I had the opportunity to work alongside some fellas who would become my closest pals. It was a humid November day, as Japan tends to remain warm until mid-December, and I had been assigned by Sergeant of Marines Rutledge to diagnose and repair a USMC Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR). While troubleshooting this task, I received a notification that a former classmate, a gal I had met in middle school but had lost touch with, had responded to a message I had sent her.&nbsp; In my message, I had inquired about The University of Alabama, as I was actively looking for colleges to attend after my military service, and she frequently posted about attending events at UA. However, my intentions were more so to initiate a conversation with her. My approach proved effective; over the following weeks, my direct and candid flirting successfully captured her interest. After earning the approval of Mr. and Mrs. Allen, I began dating Rebecca Allen.&nbsp; As the weeks turned into months, I became increasingly captivated by the incredible person she is. After several ten-hour drives from Camp Lejeune, NC, to Tuscaloosa, AL, to see her, it became clear to me that it was only a matter of time before I ask her to marry me!

Rebecca's POV: As I was concluding my fall semester of my senior year, I received a direct message on Instagram from Darren Rogers inquiring about the University of Alabama. At that time, I was serving as a Student Alumni Ambassador, responsible for guiding prospective students on tours of the university and discussing the various opportunities it offers. I was eager and prepared to answer all of his questions! (In typical Rebecca fashion, I was oblivious to the underlying flirts.) Initially, I attempted to connect him with other LHS alumni who were currently studying at the university and might have had majors related to his interests, but he continued to reach out to me. Eventually, I recognized some of the flirtation in his messages, I was feeling all kinds of things: shock...excitement!, especially considering that this was THEE Darren Rogers from LHS reaching out to me.&nbsp; On the night he asked for my phone number, I happened to be attending adoration at St. Francis of Assisi. During that time, I prayed for guidance, contemplating whether keep things in the friendzone or to continue the conversation and explore where it might lead. Upon leaving adoration, I felt inspired to keep communicating with him. Ultimately, this proved to be one of my best decisions I have ever made! Fast forward almost a year later...I get to marry my best friend! : )Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Our Story

Photos

Darren Rogers

Rebecca Allen

Oliver Rogers

Regan Coombs

Daniel Rutledge

Kari Mininch

Kyle Tobel

Kaitlyn Sokoloff

Noah Mansfield

Reagan Waggoner

Will Evans

Reagan Powers

Cade Weise

Hope Waggoner

Zachary Buendia

Honey Muñoz

Wedding Party

Q + A

Call and make a reservation under the Allen-Rogers Wedding by April 23rd for a discounted rate! Located halfway between Darren and Rebecca's childhood homes, this hotel is only a 10 minute drive to Holy Face Church and a 5 minute drive from the reception hall!

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lexington Park-California, an IHG Hotel

12 minutes from the church &amp; 10 minutes from the reception hall.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Lexington Park (Patuxent River Naval Air Station), MD

Located one minute from the reception, and 13 minutes from the church!

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lexington Park - Patuxent

This hotel is located in Downtown Leonardtown. It is a 3 minute stroll from Social Coffeehouse, a 12 minute drive to Holy Face Church, and approximately 20 minutes from the reception hall!

The Inn at Leonardtown, Ascend Hotel Collection

Rebecca's favorite airport to fly into. Best views of DC when landing! Only 1hr and 20 minutes from St. Mary's County, MD

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Another option! Only an 1hr 30 minutes from St. Mary's County, MD. A good choice if you want to dodge DC traffic and the beltway.

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

Travel

Historic St. Mary’s City has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark since 1969 and is one of Southern Maryland’s leading tourism attractions.&nbsp;The outdoor living history museum commemorates the fourth permanent English settlement in North America, Maryland’s first city and for sixty-one years, its colonial capital. You can also see one of the first Catholic Churches in America!

Historic St. Mary's City

Immerse yourself in the thrilling world of&nbsp;Devils Den&nbsp;Escape. Unleash your inner detective and conquer challenging puzzles in their captivating escape rooms!

Devil's Den Escape Rooms

At the Calvert Marine Museum pre-history, natural history, and maritime heritage come together to tell a unique story of the Chesapeake Bay. This is a family-friendly museum that offers live animals, fossils, interactive exhibits, daily activities, and a furnished cottage-style lighthouse - something for every age.

Calvert Marine Museum

The Patuxent River Naval Air Museum is a member supported, privately funded museum preserving the history and heritage of Naval Aviation and associated technology.Admission:General $10Active Duty $7Senior (over 55) $7Children (under 12) $4Toddlers (under 4) FREE

Patuxent River Naval Air Museum

Take a stroll down the hill from Leonardtown Square along Washington Street will lead you to&nbsp;Leonardtown Wharf, a picturesque waterfront&nbsp;&nbsp;with a spectacular view. And a playground for kiddos!

Leonardtown Wharf Park

Hey seafood lovers! How about some bacon-wrapped scallops? The Lighthouse Dock and Bar has a fantastic waterfront dining experience waiting for you, complete with delicious food and drinks!

The Lighthouse Restaurant and Dockbar

Leonardtown Maryland’s neighborhood coffeehouse and cocktail bar!Darren's go to: The Maryland BagelRebecca's go to: The Social Classic! (Old Bay Aioli is the best!)

Social on Fenwick

In 1981, Bruce Nicol started one of the only family run restaurants in the Southern Maryland area with a passion for bringing quality pizza to the area. For forty&nbsp;years running, the Nicollettis Pizza, thanks to the efforts of son and now owner Ryan, has grown into a hometown staple.

Nicolletti's Pizza

One of the BEST places for Mexican food. Highly recommend! Just 2 minutes from Downtown Leonardtown!

Salsa's Mexican Café

May weather in Maryland can be a bit unpredictable! If we're in the middle of a heat wave, why not treat yourself to something sweet to cool down?

The Salted Scoop

A popular place for locals! The Olde Town Pub offers an upscale dining and drinking experience in the heart of downtown Leonardtown, Maryland! 14 beers on tap, as well as award winning chicken wings, need I say more?

Olde Town Pub

How about escaping to a tropical oasis without the hassle of airports, passports, and security? Right in the heart of Solomons Island, you'll find the perfect spot - the tiki bar! Get ready for some delicious tropical drinks, live music, and tasty food that’s just waiting for you!

Tiki Bar

Only 1.5hr from Southern Maryland! Largest Roman Catholic Church in North America!

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

1hr North of St. Mary's County is the capital of MD...Annapolis! Stroll down Dock Street and visit the Naval Academy!

Darren & Rebecca

Darren & Rebecca

Q + A

Where do we stay?

Nearest Airports?

If the nuptial mass starts at 2, what time should I get to the church?

Never been to a Roman Catholic mass before, and curious what to expect?