A host of senior government officials and members of the legal fraternity stepped out for the nuptials of Member of Parliament for Western St Mary Jolyan Silvera and his long-time sweetheart, Managing Director at Moda Petroleum Company Limited Melissa Walter, on Saturday, December 12 at the St Andrew Parish Church in Kingston.

Former Prime Minister, the Hon PJ Patterson was amongst those in the church, anticipating the bride’s entrance. Sharing the role of ring bearer, the couple’s adorable two-year-old twins Adam and Aden were the first to make their way up the aisle. Their cherubic twin cousins, flower girls Morgan and Madison Hayles followed close behind, leaving a carpet of petals for the bridesmaids, who were elegantly adorned in gold sequinned dresses.

Wearing an ivory off-the-shoulder-gown with an A-line silhouette, and bearing a bouquet of white roses, calla lilies, and dendrobium orchids assembled by Tai Flora Luxe, Melissa looked positively radiant, as she made her way to the altar escorted by her mother Leslene Davis. Her cathedral train — embellished with delicate strips of lace — flowed behind her. Her smile widened as she approached her husband-to-be, gazing into his eyes as he took her hand; he, dapper in a black tux, was equally transfixed.

Awe-inspiring musical selections by the Kingston College chapel choir with brass ensemble, as well as saxophonist Leroy Nowell, added to the amorous atmosphere as the pair exchanged vows in a ceremony officiated by Rev Canon Major Sirrano Kitson.

The intimacy of the ceremony continued at the garden reception — held at a well-appointed residence in Innswood Heights, Stony Hill — where guests enjoyed dinner prepared by gourmet chef Suzanne Couch against the backdrop of twinkling city lights and at tablescapes of bejewelled candelabras, decorated by Maureen Capleton. Wedding planner Melanie Miller ensured that things went smoothly.

The toasts evoked emotions as the bridal party regaled the guests with tales of their earliest encounters with the couple. The cutting of the ornate four-tier purple and gold Selena Wong cake followed ahead of the couple’s first dance as husband and wife to Rod Stewart’s

The Way You Look Tonight was the signal for DJ Smoke to start the party. Not much prompting was needed as guests danced the night away.