Jodi and Todd Thompson, who will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary in August, were the stars of the show at The Not So Real Castle Wedding on May 9th. The Thompsons renewed their vows before family and friends, plus Castle guests, at the event. Jodi and Todd were thrilled at being selected for the Not So Real Castle Wedding. “We felt as if it really was real, and we were Prince & Princess Thompson.”
Special moments during the ceremony? Todd’s father, who had married the couple 25 years earlier, was again present to witness and assist with their vows. Jodi and Todd’s daughters, Carly and Rachel, were there too, and stood up with their parents. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour, then dinner and dancing in the Knight’s Castle.
The Not So Real Castle Wedding was planned as a way to showcase Northern Michigan wedding vendors and Castle Farms to bridal couples seeking inspiration for their own wedding day. Couples attending were able to experience firsthand how professionals handled each aspect of a wedding. A host of vendors participated in the event. The vow renewal ceremony was held at Castle Farms in the Queen’s Courtyard, with the Rev. Glad Remaly officiating as clergy, assisted by Todd’s father.
Johanna Alexander, Castle Farms Wedding Planner, planned and coordinated the event, which began at 5 pm as the bride arrived to the courtyard in a Cinderella coach carriage courtesy of Abraham’s Carriage Service. Flower arrangements were done by Monarch Garden and Floral Design; The A+ Event Entertainment Trio provided the ceremony and reception music; and Paxton Photography was on hand to capture the special moments on film.
The Knight’s Castle was decorated with linens and table service courtesy of Taylor Rental of Petoskey, plus décor from both Monarch Garden and Floral Design, and Simply Sweet by Jessica, who also provided the wedding cake, cupcakes and desserts. Dinner was prepared and served by Grey Gables Inn Restaurant & Catering. Transportation for guests to/from Charlevoix hotels was courtesy of Midnight Madness.
The Not So Real Castle Wedding 
was a stunning success. Guests left with a better knowledge of how wedding vendors operate, and everyone had a great time, especially Jodi and Todd. “Thank you for choosing us for this event, and dream come true,” the couple wrote. “You gave us such a gift for our 25th Wedding Anniversary, one we will cherish forever.”