The Beckford family embrace new family member Chrystal Marie Ridgeway (from left): Mavis, Chrystal, Gavin, Gurney Beckford and Andrea Beckford Wray.

Marketer and one of Kingston's most eligible bachelors, Gavin Brian Beckford - son of advertising guru Gurney and entrepreneur Mavis Beckford - wed American Chrystal Marie Ridgeway Saturday last at the Sandals Grande Ocho Rios.

Nuptials were exchanged in a Preston Bailey garden setting dominated by the bride's favourite bloom, the orchid.

Newlyweds Gavin Brian Beckford and Chrystal Marie Ridgeway at Sandals Grande, Ocho Rios Saturday, July 15. (Photos: Joseph Wellington)

Music played an important role and soon became evident as guests, many of whom had travelled from all over the United States to share in the occasion, sat anxiously under the ample tent and awaited the arrival of the bride. Songs such as Norah Jones' Come Away With Me and India.Arie's I Am Ready For Love added intimacy and warmth. The seating of the parents of the groom was done to the music of Perhaps Love by John Denver and Placido Domingo. The haunting strains of Maxwell's Whenever, Wherever, Whatever heralded the arrival of the wedding party whilst Beautiful by India.Arie aptly described the arrival of the bride, a study in sophistication in a shirred ivory gown with sprinkles of diamonds in the folds. A subtle veil, white diamond and gold cross and pendant and an orchid pompom completed the look. After celebrant, Brother Gregory Scruggs declared the couple officially man and wife, guests repaired to yet another of the property's formidable locations, the Pavillion. There, after tasty hors d'oeuvres and an elegant supper, the entrée scored big with the beef tenderloin laced with tropical fruits, crispy-fried onions served with a Merlot reduction sauce literally melting in the mouth.

Toasts were in abundance proving at times humorous, insightful and perhaps in the case of the toast to the groom too tightly edited. TVJ's general manager Kay Osbourne gave much clarity on the groom's parents while Stephanie Beggs, who toasted the bride, gave smart and sound advice to her best friend without forgetting the challenge men often face when blurred signals are sent (the groom happens to be her cousin).

Mother of the bride, Mrs Linda L Ridgeway

With cake-cutting, bouquet and garter-throwing out of the way, it was time to party and this guests did till the wee hours of Sunday morning. The couple will honeymoon in Belize after chilling out further at Sandals Grande. The bride, an entrepreneur, plans to open in the not too distant future a pilates studio in Kingston.

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