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Seaside Love
Amy Campbell and Chad Sonnenburg, January 28, 2009, Varadero, Cuba.
By Alyssa Buckley
About the Couple
Bride: Amy Campbell
Groom: Chad Sonnenburg
Occupations: Amy is a financial analyst and Chad is self-employed.
How they met: Amy and Chad knew each other in high school and had actually gone on a double date to prom together, though not with each other. Eight years later they were reintroduced at a party—Chad didn’t even recognize Amy. After attending Amy’s little sister’s birthday party and going on a few dates, Chad asked Amy if she would like to go on a vacation together to the Dominican Republic. The rest is history.
Favourite date: “For Chad’s groom’s gift I had made arrangements for a boudoir photo shoot to take place at a boutique hotel in Toronto while Chad spent the day with my sister. Later that evening we re-met for dinner, and I surprised him with dinner and the hotel suite. He was absolutely stunned that I had planned a romantic evening out.”
What attracted her to him: His love of dancing.
What attracted him to her: Her smile.
Engagement story: “Every November we attend a convention in Montreal,” Amy explains. “One day, after an afternoon of shopping, we headed up to our hotel room to drop off our purchases, and pick up our gloves and scarves for the trek to the pub. When we got there, Chad was secretly fumbling about, struggling to open a bottle of special wine we had been saving since our fifth date. Chad was absolutely silent as he stood before me, saying nothing. I asked if he was OK and did not receive a response. Without saying a word he pulled my ring from his pocket. It was then my turn to hyperventilate. I cried as mascara ran down my face.”
Words they live by: To the world you may only be one person. But to me, you are my world.
The Wedding Day
Wedding date: January 28, 2009
Guests: 84
Her best moment: “After the ceremony, Chad’s nephew called me ‘Auntie Amy’”.
His best moment: Receiving my groom’s gift from Amy, a custom boudoir photo book in a custom-made case.
What they would have done differently: Nothing.
Advice you would give to other couples getting married: For a destination wedding, find a great travel agent. With Weddings By Ocean’s the entire process, and the day of events, ran as smooth as silk.
Wedding song: “Come Fly With Me” by Michael Bublé. “We chose this song as we really wanted to ballroom dance at our wedding,” Amy reveals. “Michael Bublé is one of my favourite artists, and I introduced Chad to his music. We practised dancing in our living room for months before the wedding.”
The day in three words: Fantastic. Memorable. Perfect.
Favourite wedding gift: A Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker from Chad’s brother and his girlfriend.
Most unexpected moment: Later on during the reception the staff of the Barceló Marina Palace joined our party: they definitely have some great dance moves!
Best surprise of the day: “Our emcee put together a hilarious montage of caricatures. He definitely entertained all of our guests.”
Honeymoon: Cuba.
Favourite wedding detail: Having the aisle lined with palm leaves, and fresh hibiscus and ribbons on each chair.
What made her day: “Wearing my Nonna’s locket. She received it on her wedding day. Pictured inside are photos of my Nonna’s parents. All of the women on my mother’s side of the family wore it on their wedding day. Everyone that has worn it has had a long, successful marriage.”
What made his day: Seeing Amy come down the aisle. “My favourite part of the whole wedding was actually the next day at our trash-the-dress session. Getting dressed again and taking those pictures was a lot of fun and we were so relaxed. Those pictures are my favourite ones of all.”
