Vows shares with you today the nuptials of Yolande Payne and Shaun Whyte that took place at the Church of the Open Bible on Saturday, November 29, 2009, followed by a reception at the Knutsford Court Hotel.

The bride, who is the daughter of Georgine and Kipling Payne and the groom, son of Lodrick and Winnifred Whyte, met in 2004, while they were both studying at the University of Technology.

“We met”, shared Yolande, “in 2004, at UTech. I was pursuing Pharmaceutical studies and Shaun Human Resource Management.” The bride admitted to having a secret crush: “I had been admiring Shaun for months and my classmate, who was a close friend of his, realised and introduced us.” The pair exchanged numbers and developed a friendship that blossomed into love, eventually leading to their beautiful wedding day.

Birthday Proposal

Shaun’s romantic proposal took place on Yolande’s birthday — December 12, 2008.

“After trying to call Shaun all day so that I could spend some time with him before my birthday dinner, I could not locate him and got the feeling he was trying to avoid me, so I became very upset”, Yolande told Vows. She continued, “I went to his house to confront him and to my surprise, I was immediately blown away! The sweet melody of It’s Your Love by Tim McGraw (which later became the song for our first dance) echoed throughout the room and sitting on his bed was the largest cake I’d ever seen with the words ‘Will You Marry Me?’ written on it.” Yolande admitted that she became very emotional. She continued, “As tears began to well up and I became overwhelmed with emotion, Shaun stepped out into the room ring in hand, got down on bended knee and asked me to be his wife. Of course, the answer was a resounding yes.”

Intimate Love

The couple wanted a relaxed, intimate affair that was successfully created by decorator Lorraine Ross-Cluney of Elegant Weddings. The bride wore a strapless mermaid train from the 2010 Melody Collection, chosen because of its modern look and feel. Her hair — pulled into a high chignon and fastened with a fitting tiara — elegant necklace and chandelier earrings were all classy chic. A hand-tied bouquet of yellow roses completed her styling.

Maid of honour Anakaye Matheson, bridesmaids Kadi-Ann Fenton, Dainery Morgan-Pagon and Jenee Stephens wore custom-made dresses that they designed themselves and carried hand-tied mini-bouquets of yellow roses accented with purple orchids. Their counterparts including the groom, best man Shaun Barnes and groomsmen Kieron Cadogan, Roland O’Gillvie and Ricardo Whyte wore dark suits by Spencer’s Tailoring. Flower girl and cousin of the groom Rachel Newman completed the bridal party.

Officiate for the ceremony was Reverend Alston Henry. After the ceremony, guests headed to the reception held at the Knutsford Court Hotel where the casual theme continued. Guests enjoyed delicious fare prepared by the capable staff at the Knutsford Court Hotel.

Honeymooners

The newly-weds spent their honeymoon at Breezes Runaway Bay Resort and Golf Club.

Photographer: Andre Pottinger

Captions:

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The beautiful bride looked stunning on her wedding day in a strapless mermaid train from the 2010 Melody Collection.

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The bride shares the spotlight with members of her bridal party who wore custom-made strapless dresses that they designed themselves.

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The groom (centre) strikes a pose with his dapper groomsmen.

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Here’s looking at you!

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The couple share their first dance as man and wife to It’s Your Love by Tim McGraw.

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The newly-weds share a tender kiss.

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It’s almost time! Shaun (right) and best man Shaun Barnes check their watches before the start of the ceremony.

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The bride is supported by her father, Kipling Payne.

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Yolande looks on as Shaun signs the register making their union complete.

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Mr and Mrs Shaun Whyte.