VOWS: The Art of Love

Monday, February 06, 2012

n avid appreciation for the arts — the two met while they were students at the Art Institute of Miami — was the spark that would eventually lead Dierdre Simone Allison Barnett and Richard Thomas Gaddy to exchange vows on January 28, 2011, in a Florida courthouse. A decision was taken to renew their vows on their first anniversary, with an official wedding ceremony for family and friends. The scenic Laughing Waters in Ocho Rios was the venue of choice for the bride, an interior designer and the daughter of entrepreneurs Lloyd Barnett, Jr

and wife Charmaine; and the groom, a graphic designer, son of author Northal Gaddy and wife Iris.

The Decor

The venue featured elegant decor courtesy of Dr Paulette Tai Chin Hossman and her team from Tai Flora Luxe. The altar was draped in white Dendrobium orchids while the aisle was created by the strategic placement of seating provided for the guests — silver chairs with plush white cushions. Mother Nature was in the mix too, enhancing the décor of the venue with a beautiful view of the beach, creating the ideal backdrop for the ceremony with the gentle sound of lapping waves synchronised with the musical styling of Conroy Cooper.

Here Comes The Bride...

Flower girls Ariel and Anala Gaddy, adorable in blue tutus, walked hand in hand up the aisle with circular bouquets of yellow roses. Ring bearer Jaiden Barnett, who appeared a tad overcome by pre-wedding jitters, was assisted up the aisle by dad Korry. The remainder of the bridal party then entered to Marry Me by Train. Bridesmaids — Shara-Kaye Ennevor, Danielle Lee, Sharian Hanson — who wore dark blue dresses by Eliza J and silver Bridget sandals, were picture-perfect as they made their way up the aisle clutching yellow calla lily bouquets. Groomsmen Chris, John and Matt Demons were dapper in black suits by Giorgo Fionelli.

Guests were then asked to sprinkle the aisle with yellow rose petals in preparation for the bride's grand entrance. Deidre stunned in a lace mermaid gown by Alfred Angelo, accessorised with an elaborate pearl necklace and dark blue satin BCBG Max Azria platform pumps. Her bouquet comprised cascading white dedrobium orchids Her make-up was flawlessly applied by Rose Barnett, who also did the bridesmaids. She was escorted up the aisle by the sartorially elegant Lloyd Barnett, Jnr. Her groom stood handsome in a grey suit by Alfani accented with a blue tie and a white orchid boutonniere.

The brief ceremony continued with scripture readings by relatives followed by Andy Williams' Where Do I begin? played on the keyboard. The end of the formidable musical interlude marked the start of the renewal of the couple's wedding vows — which was officiated by Reverend Garfield Campbell. A short remembrance followed, in acknowledgment of relatives who had passed, with a prayer and the release of two white doves. Thirty-two minutes later, the couple were presented to family and friends as husband and wife.

The Reception

The upper-level lawns of the Laughing Waters was now the focal point with a beautifully draped white tent styled by the Tai Flora Luxe team — which featured chandeliers and tables adorned with bouquets of yellow roses, cymbidiums, Oncidiums, calla lilies, tulips and Dendrobium orchids. Cardiff Hotel and Spa's food and beverage supervisor, Raymond Douglas, executive chef Dennis McIntosh and their team, created an authentic Jamaican buffet-styled menu for guests. The exquisite four-tiered wedding cake — created by the bride's grandmother Marjorie Barnett, and decorated by pastry chef Lincoln Peterkin — was unveiled by the mothers of the couple.

After a romantic interlude of cake cutting and sharing slices of the cake, the toasting period of the evening began. Toasts were raised by Alva Anderson, John Demons II, Korry Barnett, Jodi-Ann Barnett, Northal Gaddy and Hannah Gaddy.

First Dance

It was an emotional moment for many as proud dad Lloyd Barnett, Jr escorted his daughter to the dancefloor where they waltzed to Lee Ann Womack's I Hope You Dance. The bride was then handed over to her husband for their first dance to Michael Jackson's Speechless.

The couple will honeymoon after setting up home in Las Vegas.

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VOWS: The Art of Love