They say a relationship between friends makes for long-term bliss, and Kristina Chuck — daughter of Speaker of the House of Representatives Delroy Chuck and Patricia Chuck — and James 'JJ' Smith Jr—  son of businessman James Smith and his wife Sonia — are the embodiment of this adage.

Friends for nearly 14 years, the two first met as opponents on rivalling swim teams at the National Stadium swimming pool — Kristina swam for the Tornadoes, JJ for the Speedos.

Their common interest in swimming was the spark that initiated conversation, and as they got to know each other they discovered even more similarities. A strong friendship bloomed into a marvellous romance. They both went off to pursue their studies in Tennessee — JJ went to Tusculum College in Greeneville and Kristina currently attends the University of Tennessee College of Law.

Fast-forward to a cosy morning in Tennessee; it's year seven of the relationship and Kristina finds herself blissfully happy after being treated to breakfast in bed. To her surprise, JJ goes down on one knee and asks for her hand in marriage. A true gentleman, JJ has already called her father to ask for his blessing, and Kristina gladly accepts his proposal. Naturally, they wanted to come home for the nuptials so they carefully made their wedding plans.

After being engaged for a year and three months, the day finally arrived, and although humid and a tad overcast, it was the perfect weather for the couple's August wedding.

On arriving at the University Chapel, it was evident that the inimitable event planner and florist Ann-Marie Wyss of Every Blooming Thing pulled out all the stops to ensure that the couple had a fabulous wedding day.

The chapel was adorned with strategically placed bouquets of red ginger, anthuriums, yellow and gold aranthera, mokera orchids and palm leaves at each corner; the pews were decorated in a similar fashion and the fabulous guests cooled themselves with red fans as they waited inside.

Before long, the sound of music, played by organist Dwight McBean, filled the air as the lovely bridesmaids — Dawn, Mariana, Carolyn and Michelle — walked up the aisle to stand with the handsome groomsmen at the altar. Clutching mini bouquets of red anthuriums on bamboo fans, they wore knee-length wine-red cocktail dresses by Dessy Creations accentuated with stylish jewellery designed by the bride herself. Elegant '50s-inspired hairstyles and understated make-up by Primrose Gourzong, Sandra Phillips and The Face Place's Marie Hall-Smith (who also styled the bride) completed their look. The junior bridesmaid, Shari Smith, wore a chic cheongsam in gold, and maid of honour, Charmaine Dumont followed suit in another Dessy Creations design. Isaac Brooker, the adorable ring bearer was up next, and following him was flower girl Grace Chuck dressed in a gold-embellished cheongsam as she scattered yellow rose petals from a silk-wrapped basket, paving the way for the beautiful bride.

At this point the dashing groom's countenance instantly brightened as he anticipated his bride's entrance, seemingly counting the seconds until he saw her face. Then, a gushing Kristina entered the chapel escorted by her distinguished father -- time seemingly froze for a moment as her eyes met her groom's. She oozed classic elegance as she swanned up the aisle wearing an exquisitely draped Watters creation in white, which clung to her curves before cascading to the floor. She wore a chiffon veil and adorned her hair with a sprig of tiny orchids. She carried a bouquet of red and yellow calla lilies and baby's breath. The bride's mother Patricia joined them halfway up the aisle to accompany her to the altar where she met the smiling groom.

Following a soul-stirring wedding ceremony punctuated with laughter, the couple sealed their union with a kiss and participated in the sand ceremony with Canon Peter Mullings before being pronounced husband and wife. Almost instantly, Mario Evon burst into song, serenading the new Mr & Mrs James Smith with Everytime I Close My Eyes by Baby Face and Stevie Wonder's Ribbon In The Sky as they exited the chapel.

Kristina and James then made their way to the tastefully decorated Mona Visitors' Lodge for the reception, and again the signature touch of Every Blooming Thing was evident -- from the orchids and lucky bamboo on each table to the silken ottomans below. The bride pulled inspiration for the oriental décor from her Chinese ancestry, and the combination of red, gold and beige oozed absolute sophistication. Master of ceremonies Eldon Chuck introduced the bridal party who strutted in to the sounds of the Black Eyed Peas' I've Got A Feeling, which set the tone for the rest of the evening.

The newly-weds waltzed in, hand-in-hand, to thunderous applause from the guests ahead of their first dance as man and wife to Crystal Gayle's Long And Lasting Love. The two then shared Selena Wong's exquisitely designed fruitcake, and joined their guests in celebration as they feasted on sumptuous fare from Michele and Suzanne Rousseau's Ciao Bella. Mr & Mrs Smith then partied the night away, ahead of departing to Panama for their honeymoon -- the first of many more journeys together in their "long and lasting love".

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