Chicago

Couple Who Raised Nearly $200K for Charity at Wedding Get Surprise Honeymoon

The surprise gift was announced onstage during the gala Saturday

A couple from suburban Chicago who spent their wedding night raising thousands of dollars for charity received an incredible honeymoon surprise over the weekend.

The newlyweds were stunned during their wedding-turned-gala with a gift from the groom’s favorite golfer Sergio Garcia. The pair were gifted with a four-night PGA Tour Honeymoon package that began Tuesday and includes a tee time with Garcia.

Caleb Remington, who suffers from cystic fibrosis, a rare genetic disorder that impacts the lungs, had met Garcia once before as part of a Make-a-Wish surprise.

The couple learned of the gift while onstage during the gala Saturday, as the duo spent their night showcasing five charities their fundraiser would benefit.

Remington, who stood in awe next to his new wife, Tiffany Au, burst into tears as Au dropped to the ground.

“The Players Championship is something I’ve dreamt of as a little boy,” Remington said. “It’s such an honor to be able to not only be invited by one of my icons but to experience it all up close and in person.”

“We are so grateful that the PGA Tour flew us out on a surprise honeymoon to watch The Players Championship,” Au said. “Having access to the Player Club is beyond amazing.”

The PGA Tour also donated an exclusive golf package to be auctioned live at the wedding event, including resort stays and more.

Dubbed the “Greatest Wedding Ever Donated,” Au and Remington managed to raise nearly $200,000 for charity as they said “I do” in a star-studded gala and benefit concert.

Among those who joined in the event were “The Bachelor” stars Ben Higgins, Dean Unglert, Vanessa Grimaldi, and Lesley Murphy as well as former NFL player Colton Underwood. The benefit concert also featured live performances by DJ Brandi Cyrus and music artists Priscilla Renea and Knyght Ryder.

All money raised benefitted five organizations, each serving a cause close to the couple’s hearts: mental health, rare disease, research, education and low-income families.

“The cause areas reflect who we are,” Remington said. “Each cause carries a stigma. Tiffany and I want to spark conversations about these issues and help raise awareness and funds to support those affected by homelessness, poverty, mental health issues and rare genetic disorders.”

The bride was once living in low-income housing and was sexually abused as a child, prompting her to turn to school, volunteer work and her community for support, she said. Remington, who is battling cystic fibrosis, has a life expectancy of just 37. 

“[Tiffany and Caleb are] creating an entire platform to be of service for others through GWED,” said Ahmed Musiol, co-founder of the Wayfarer Foundation, one of the organizations benefitted by the event. “It’s an incredible way to lay the foundation for a marriage that will stand the test of time, God willing, because it isn’t about being self-serving. What they’ve created is in fact the macro version of marriage.”

Beyond raising money for charity, Remington and Au said they hope their unconventional way of saying "I do" can serve as inspiration. 

“We believe that the strength of a marriage is harbored in the challenges that each individual endures,” Remington said in a statement. “With The G.W.E.D., we want to show others that it’s OK to be vulnerable. We’re all flawed in some way. We’re all dealing with some kind of trauma. But there’s not a challenge we can’t overcome together.”

“Imagine if we had compassion for ourselves; the way we treat others would be better,” Au said.

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