This bride and groom are the perfect matching duo in buttercup from Petals and Promises Limited. The bride is wearing a buttercup dress and the groom a white suit with a co-ordinating vest and tie. (Photos: Karl McLarty)

The days of traditional bridal wear where the bride would be dressed in a virginal white bridal dress and the groom in classic black tuxedo are slowly disappearing. Today, fashions for the modern-day bride and groom are edging towards funkier, vibrant shades and textures like those demonstrated at the annual Jamaica Pegasus Wedding Extravaganza held at the Independence Ballroom last Sunday.

The two-day event climaxed with a showing of wedding attire from Petals and Promises Limited and Elegant Weddings.
"Colours are definitely in, including black and white, claret, coral and light blue," said managing director of Petals & Promises, Marguerite Anderson. She said that Ivory is also in as not all brides look good in white.

Full-figured women can look glamourous in an outfit like this one from Petals and Promises. Strapless is always sexy even at weddings. The groom sports a white suit with a co-ordinating vest and tie, also from Petals and Promises.

"People are becoming more adventurous and willing to go with different shades. The grooms don't want to be left out either, they also want to match their groomsmen," Anderson said.

The fashion show commenced at 6:00 pm with the typical white bridal gowns accompanied by the classic black tuxedos. These gowns were updated versions with plunging low backs that led emcee Weston Haughton to remark, "Ladies, please consult your pastor before you wear this dress," which resulted in lusty laughter. There were several peaks to the show, including a two-piece bridal ensemble consisting of a white tube top and bikini bottom and a breathtaking train.

This male model wears an adventurous number called London Pride from creative director of Petals and Promises Ed Gallimore. Part of Gallimore's EddieGeorge label, the patterned vest, which is short at the front with long tails at the back, is not accompanied by a jacket.

Another, the 'twilight dress' was heavily sequined and gave off a luminous glow. Other gowns included a buttercup dress and the groom here, not be outdone, wore a co-ordinating suit with a buttercup vest, striped tie and white suit.
Full-figured women were not forgotten as the night showcased elegant, sexy and chic ensembles for the curvaceous woman.

Other adventurous numbers included splashes of bright colours, sequined trims, ruffles, chapel trains and a stunning red and white embroidered claret dress.

Another daring number showcased from Petals and Promises, this two-piece ensemble fitted with an elegant train is perfect for a beach wedding.

The two pieces showcased from the Elegant Weddings collection, despite being modelled by supermodel Nadine Willis, did not receive as much enthusiasm from the large crowd as the designs from Petals and Promises.

Just as breathtaking, though, were the hot threads sported by the grooms comprising black and white vests, kente cloth bow ties and cummerbund, army green and khaki suits as well as white and ivory-coloured suits.

Contrasting details: The bride adds black and white lace details and a stole in lieu of a veil to her ballroom gown. The groom adds accents of black and white to his formal tuxedo.

The London Pride line by creative director of Petals and Promises, Ed Gallimore, under the label EddieGeorge was a crowd pleaser. These modern numbers were sleeveless patterned vests with long tail and the ensemble was completed with wide-brimmed hats.

"These are perfect for the Jamaican climate and tropical climate where you are still dressed but do not need to wear a jacket," said Gallimore .

Recent male winner of the Saint International fashion face of the Caribbean competition Robert Taylor was a model as was Miss Jamaica World 2005 Terri-Karelle Griffiths.

The pace for the show was set by the crooning of upcoming artiste Alanna Leslie and ended smoothly with the charming Seymour Green. A dance duet entitled 'Lovers' by Latoya McLeish and Andre Hinds brought the evening to an end.

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