Real Weddings
Melissa & Ralph
By Kristen Castillo
Bali Hai
July 10, 2008
Jennie Reichert and Chad Thompson found romance at sea. The two met while each was working on the Disney Magic cruise ship. Jennie was a main stage performer and Chad worked as a children's programmer.
“As soon as we met, we were instant friends,” says Jennie, who grew up in Southern California. “A few weeks later, we were up on deck watching a spectacular sunrise, and we realized our feelings had grown.”
When their cruise contracts ended, Jennie and Chad toured the California coast together, and then settled in Canada, Chad's homeland. Nearly six years later, they were back on the high seas celebrating dual 30th birthdays for Chad and Jennie's older sisters.
Like years before, the couple shared a sunrise on the ship's deck. “He got down on one knee,” explains Jennie. “And said, ‘there is something I would like to ask you.’ Then, he said very sweetly, ‘Will you marry me?’ I was too stunned and excited to even answer! But, after catching my breath and remembering that I had to say something, I told him, ‘Of course I'll marry you! Yes, Yes, Yes!’”
Now relocated to Calgary, Alberta, Jennie works for an urban landscape firm and Chad is a flight attendant with West Jet Airlines. They married on July 10, 2008 at the Bali Hai on Shelter Island. Since they live in Canada, a San Diego nuptial was definitely a destination wedding. About fifty-five of the seventy-five guests were from out of town, including many from the East Coast of the United States and Canada, as well as Scotland and Australia.
“Because we met in paradise, we thought it was only fitting to get married there too!” says Jennie. “The Bali Hai is such a beautiful, tropical oasis right in the heart of San Diego; we feel so lucky to have found such a great place!”
The non-denominational ceremony was held outdoors and featured a bright apple green color scheme which Jennie described as “vibrant and perfect for the summer season.”
The bride wore an ivory, mermaid-style Venus gown with detailed embroidery and beaded design that tapered at the knee. The bottom of the gown was edged in chiffon with a satin-trimmed hem. The veil was an ivory waltz length and was also trimmed in satin. But, Jennie's favorite accessory? Her bright, apple green shoes which she refers to as her Sex and the City shoes.
Bridesmaids wore the same green heels, knee-length black sleeveless jersey dresses featuring a bright apple green sash.
Chad's attire included a black Calvin Klein tux, an ivory tie and an ivory vest. His groomsmen also wore black Calvin Klein tuxes, but changed their look with black vests and custom ties with apple green, black and white stripes.
The green color scheme remained prominent with all the wedding details. The invitations, which the couple designed on their own, had a background of apple green with black silhouettes of tropical palm fronds. “We had so much fun coming up with the design. It is unique and personal to us and our event,” says Jennie.
The couple honeymooned in Costa Rica at The Occidental Grand Papagayo -- another great tropical experience.
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