Fantasy wedding a dream come true for military couple

By: SHANNON WINGARD - For the North County Times | Sunday, June 10, 2007 8:11 PM PDT ∞

FALLBROOK ---- With a horse-drawn carriage ride and the release of white doves, Jessica Russell said the Fallbrook Fantasy Wedding she and her fiance had Sunday at the Grand Tradition was exactly as she imagined it in her childhood dreams.

"I have always wanted to get married here," said Russell, who graduated from Fallbrook High School.

Russell and Marine Sgt. Raymond Skillman were the fifth military couple selected annually by the Fallbrook Wedding Council to receive a $25,000 wedding package of services donated by the community. Ý

ÝÝThe package included a ceremony at the Grand Tradition, a four-hour reception at the Pala Mesa Resort, flowers, cake, invitations, photography and videography.

Michael Cartwright, a nondenominational minister and chairman of the Fallbrook Wedding Council, said the wedding giveaway is a way for the community to show its appreciation for the military.

"It's the community saying 'thank you' to the Marines," he said, adding that it's especially important since "they are literally our neighbors."

Although numerous couples have applied in previous years, Cartwright said it was fitting that Russell and Skillman were the only couple to apply this year, since Russell said she has dreamed of having a wedding at the Grand Tradition since she was 9.

"For her, this was a fantasy wedding that was meant to happen," Cartwright said.

The ceremony, which was performed by nondenominational minister Lauren-Michele Seals, deputy commissioner of civil marriages for the county, took place at the white gazebo near the pond at the Grand Tradition. Rose petals lined both sides of the aisle.

In a white strapless gown, Russell, 25, rode to the site with her mom, Linda, and grandfather in a white, horse-drawn carriage, and then was escorted down the aisle between the pair.

Her attendants were clad in eggplant bridesmaid gowns with champagne sashes. The groomsmen wore black tuxedos with black vests and white ties.

Skillman, 25, waited for his bride-to-be wearing sunglasses, a black tuxedo and white vest.

Before the unity candle was lit, Seals told guests that "from now on (the wedding couple's) thoughts shall be for each other rather than for their individual selves."

"Their plans shall be mutual, their joys and sorrows shall be shared alike," she said.

After the ceremony, the bride and groom each released a white dove before walking down the aisle to be taken away in the carriage.

Skillman said the ceremony was even more special than he imagined.ÝÝÝÝ

"I couldn't have asked for anything more," he said.

He also said he was touched that the fantasy wedding was a way of the community showing its appreciation.

Russell, who teaches 2- and 3-year-olds at Children's Paradise Academy in Vista, agreed.

"It's just a great opportunity to recognize the military," she said.

For information on Fallbrook Fantasy Wedding, go to http://www.fallbrookweddings.com/ffw.2007.htm.