Reannon and Michael met in October of 1998, while serving together as crewmembers on a Boeing 737. Their assignment ended in Chicago where they spent the day walking around the city sightseeing, and having lunch. In that one afternoon, a friendship was born. Her smile gave him pause. She liked how he made her laugh.
A couple of months later, after a few lunch dates, Reannon agreed to accompany Mike to a Christmas dinner held for the employees of his company. That was the tentative beginning of a tender romance that would eventually blossom into a love neither could ignore, nor fully accept.
After nearly three years of living on opposite sides of the country, (he in Arizona and she in Connecticut) and having little contact, Reannon returned to the west. A telephone call, and a conversation lasting late into the night rekindled a romance rivaling Bogie & Bacall. Reannon and Michael have been nearly inseparable since that day.
As their love has grown, so has their friendship. And now, they begin their journey joined as husband and wife along the road less traveled. Confident in one another, content in their love and friendship, and looking forward to the joys and challenges that lie ahead. The ceremony will take place aboard the cruise ship Carnival Splendor, in Long Beach Harbor, on March 27, 2009.
Longtime friends Michael and Linda Donewald will serve as Best Man and Maid of Honor for the couple.
Reannon’s brother Robert Dooley will escort the bride.
Michael’s son John, and his bride-to-be Michelle, along with daughter Sarah will be in attendance before the ship sails. Michael’s eldest daughter Dawn and her husband Joe will be unable to attend due to the distance to travel, but will be in our hearts.
The bride will wear an ivory gown, and the groom a classic tuxedo for the very first time in his life.
Spendor will sail at 4:00 p.m. on her maiden voyage to Cabo San Lucas Mexico, and spend five days in the sun and provide non-stop Rock & Roll headlined by John Mayer. This will be the second "Mayercraft Carrier" experience for the couple.
No reception, in the classic sense of the term is planned.
Instead, the couple will host a barbeque and cocktail party for friends and family in the late spring or early summer, before the heat in Phoenix becomes too hot.
Venue and dates have not yet been decided, but when finalized, invitations will be sent. Please join us for an evening of good food, good wine, and good friends.
The wedding party will travel to Long Beach by car on the 26th of March.
After careful measurements, it has been determiined that the Donewald's car is the vehicle of choice due to trunk space. The bride has already determined that this trip will require a minimum of ten pairs of shoes, so the years of corporate flying, and the Michaels' experience of packing too many passenger bags into too little space....will be tested.
Barring a trunk explosion enroute, the party will arrive in Long Beach on the afternoon of the 26th, and spend the night aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach Harbor. A very historic vessel in keeping with our nautical theme.
We have waited a long time to find one another.
We are stronger together than either is separately. We are more resolute together than either is separately. Our friendship is the foundation of our love, and it too grows stronger each day.
Together we are looking through the windshield of life, instead of staring into the rear view mirror. As we join our hearts, we are committed to one another, confident in our trust and friendship, and anticipating the days ahead.
