Published: June 16, 2006 02:02 am            

State Games hosts unique wedding

Ken Reinke and Alicia Campbell will exchange wedding vows on Saturday — during the intermission of the State Games of Mississippi’s canoe/kayak event.

The couple met at kayaking events and felt getting married while they were doing something they loved would be the best way to start their lives together.

“We had originally planned for the wedding to be in Pass Christian at the beach. But after Hurricane Katrina, the area is not in shape for a wedding,” Reinke said. “After visiting Meridian for the State Games, we loved the area and knew it was the perfect spot for the wedding, during the kayak races where all of our friends can be present.”

The ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. on Bonita Lake — in kayaks.

“Bonita Lake really has a significance to us, because the area is so beautiful and we like what State Games teaches the youngsters,” Reinke said.

Beverly Henson is commissioner for State Games’ canoe/kayak event. When Reinke called and pitched the idea, Henson did everything possible to accommodate the couple’s wishes. She even provided a minister.

“We are excited about having their wedding during our 15th anniversary of the State Games,” Henson said. “It adds to the festivities of the State Games and we invite the community to come out and watch healthy competition and a unique wedding ceremony.”

The attire for the bride includes black kayaking pants and a white shirt. Her headpiece will be a floral ring. The bridegroom will sport a black kayaking suit. The couple has made leis from shells collected on the Mississippi Gulf Coast to wear during the wedding, and their kayaks will be decorated with flowers.

The couple asks their friends and anyone with a boat to come out in their canoes and kayaks to witness the wedding.

Reinke is a longtime State Games athlete. He is the sports commissioner of the State Games Summer Biathlon held in Long Beach, but due to Hurricane Katrina damage, the event was canceled this year.

“Beverly and her staff have been wonderful with helping us make the wedding a success,” Reinke said. “She has even volunteered her brother, Dr. Ralph Henson of Church of the Way, to officiate the ceremony and provided information for other things we need for the wedding.”

Ten years ago, Reinke was a competitive mountain biker; when he came to Meridian to compete, he asked the commissioner if there was a kayak race. Since there was not, he volunteered to organize one for State Games.

Campbell is from Hinkley, Ohio, and has participated in the women’s 500-meter kayak. She will be teaming with her husband-to-be for the 1-mile, two-person kayak race at State Games. She has won the title of best top female runner and shooter.

The couple will live in Pass Christian. Their home was destroyed during the hurricane, but they have been working together to rebuild it.

“Rebuilding the house, we have been able to make decisions together — rather than one person deciding everything,” Reinke said.

After the hurricane, the couple lived at a military base on the Gulf Coast, then later moved a mobile home to the construction site of their new house.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.