On May 23, Department of Homeland Security customs and border protection officer David Lafond wed his belle of nine years Edonine Castor, Department of Education programme manager, at the picturesque Bellefield Great House & Gardens in Montego Bay. Vows is pleased to introduce Mr and Mrs David Lafond.

David and Edonine met at York College affiliate City University of New York while studying a course in African-American Studies. A conversation between Edonine and a classmate afforded him the ‘in’… one thing led to the next, including an offer to share his notes and help her study for mid-terms in exchange for lessons in Haitian Creole.

Nine years later at a family dinner party, David and Edonine decided to make it official.

Here’s how he proposed…

The dinner over, David gave Edonine’s niece, Nastassja, a lovely bouquet of flowers to take to her aunt. The card, which she read out loud, said: “As each day passes, I realise I cannot spend another minute without you. Will you marry me? …Love, David.” David was by this time on his knees awaiting a response. Of course, she said yes.

The big day…

Edonine, who’s of Haitian descent, had a lifelong dream of getting married in Jamaica, the country where her parents had wed over 35 years ago in the Salvation Army Montego Bay Temple Corps.

The Helen G Events team was hired to deliver a tropical paradise ceremony on the lawns of the Bellefield Great House & Gardens in Montego Bay. Over 80 guests from the United States, Haiti and, of course, Jamaica gathered to witness the mid-afternoon ceremony conducted by Lt Colonel Devon Haughton.

Vangelis: Chariots of Fire (1981) by the Salvation Army band ushered the bridal party into the well-appointed tent. Satin edges on a notch lapel enhanced the groomsmen’s solid grey suits by Joseph Abboud, which featured a satin stripe down the leg on the flat-front trousers. The women wore gorgeous purple gowns, each with its own unique detailing. Flower girl Nastassja Bernadel made her way up the aisle leaving in her trail fuchsia rose petals, signalling Edonine’s imminent arrival. The Prayer by Donnie McClurkin and Yolanda Adams played as the bride made her way to her bridegroom. She was stunning in a mermaid gown from Allure Wedding Dresses Spring 2014 collection that featured contour straps and gorgeous Swarovski crystal beading at the neckline, complemented a 42″ Symphony Bridal veil. In her hands she clutched an arrangement of birds of paradise, white and fuchsia roses, anthuriums, alstroemerias, and calla lilies. Lt Colonel Devon Haughton officiated as the couple exchanged vows, said their “I do’s”, and signed the marriage certificates. Thaelia Miller-McZenna entertained the congregation with a liturgical dance performance.

The reception…

followed in a tented reception area located on the back lawns of the great house where guests were met by the sounds of the Blow Wow band. Champagne flutes in hand, members of the wedding party headed to the Freeze Frame photo booth for quirky photo ops, while others enjoyed a tour of the property.

The bridal party, dancing to a mash-up of David Guetta & Kelly Rowland’s When Love Takes Over and Rihanna and Calvin Harris’s We Found Love, headed straight to the dance floor. The newly-weds on cue arrived to Beyoncé & Jay-Z’s Crazy In Love and immediately segued into Miguel’s Adorn.

Edonine’s father Onal Castor offered prayers ahead of a sumptuous fusion of Haitian and Jamaican fare courtesy of Bellefield Great House & Gardens.

Master of ceremonies Major Luxene Claircius handled the formalities which included the cutting of their red velvet wedding cake created by Cakes by Noida. Maid of honour Tanisha Castor, and groomsmen Irvens Lafond and Lordson Lafond led a round of toasts laced with fond memories. The groom’s response followed the tossing of the bouquet and the garter toss.

Guests joined by the newly-weds partied into the wee hours.

David and Edonine split their two-week honeymoon between capital cities London and Paris.