The moment Reginald Johnson met Alecia Stephenson, he knew she was the one. What he didn’t know, however, was that on June 27 they would exchange vows at the Couples Sans Souci Resort in Tower Isle, St Ann. Vows was on location.

How They Met (Reggie shares his story)…

“I met Ally at the Plantation Medical Office in Plantation, Florida in August 2009. The first thing I saw was a beautiful pair of legs and long hair. She was staring at the marquee searching for a name, which was the perfect opportunity for me to assist this damsel in distress.

As I approached her, she turned and smiled at me. I later helped her find the office she was looking for. I do remember thinking, “Wow, there’s something special about her.” We exchanged business cards, and here we are five years later.

The Proposal (Alecia’s take)…

It has been one big amazing ride, sharing adventures and experiences together. We were dating for three years before Reggie proposed. A year pre-proposal, we sailed the Norwegian Sky to the Bahamas for a weekend.

While shopping, I fell in love with a beautiful wedding band with the biggest emerald stone I’ve ever seen; since then, he’s been secretly planning our wedding. Thereafter, he asked my father for my hand in marriage. A part of the plan was a surprise Memorial Weekend cruise with just the two of us. It was Saturday, May 24.

Reggie and I retired to our cabin after a lovely evening of dining, dancing, and enjoying each other’s company. I knew there was a bottle of champagne in our room; what I didn’t know, however, was that an engagement was in the offing. Before I knew it, he was down on one knee slipping the very ring I fell in love with on my finger. What more could a girl ask for? I said yes immediately!

The Ceremony…

Toes in the sand mere minutes before dusk, guests were seated and anxiously awaiting the beachfront ceremony to witness Reggie and Alecia’s nuptials. Reverend Andre John conducted the ceremony, and started by leading the promenade to the altar. Reggie wore a white long-sleeved Guayabera Cuban shirt with complementing linen pants.

The bridal party, coordinated in grey and white, saw the groomsmen in grey pants and white Guayabera Cuban shirts, while the bridesmaids wore grey sleeveless V-neck dresses. Flower girl Shealin Stephenson sprinkled off-white rose petals on her way to the altar, ahead of Alecia’s arrival.

Alecia advanced to the altar in step with Christina Perry’s A Thousand Years. She wore a sensational floor-grazing Elie Saab A-line chiffon dress that had side slits and sophisticated lace overlay with rhinestones, sequins and pearls along the bodice. She held a bouquet of cream roses, white calla lilies, and green hypericum berries.

Her hair was pulled back into a curly bun, and secured by an orchid headband. With resounding yeses from Alecia and Reggie, Reverend Andre John declared the two husband and wife. They then left the altar to Natalie Cole’s This Will Be (An Everlasting Love). Guests enjoyed conversation, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres ahead of their shuttle to The Village Hotel in Ocho Rios for the reception.

The Reception…

Godfrey Guy and his team at GG Décor orchestrated the opulent reception. The festivities started as soon as emcee Mitzi Russel took over and introduced the bridal party, which entered on cue to Pharell’s Happy.

Enrique Iglesias’ Bailando featuring Descemer Bueno and Gente De Zona, was the selection for the newly-weds’ entrance, ahead of their first dance as husband and wife. The six-foot-long tables were anchored by crystal vases with curly willows, white anthuriums, cream orchids and ferns.

After a sumptuous dinner from the Village Hotel’s kitchen, guests segued over to the candy bar for sweets. Rhythmic drumming escalated and the Boscobel Dance Group streamed onto the dance floor and entertained guests with an Afrocentric dance performance.

Alecia’s grandmother Daisy Rose, and Reggie’s mom Jeannette Johnson later unveiled the vanilla and chocolateflavoured fruitcake created by Sheila’s Homemade Pastries.

After toasts to the bride and groom, and Reggie’s vote of thanks, it was back to DJ Paul, who got the guests up on their feet for the last hurrah. Reggie and Alecia’s five-day honeymoon was in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.