Family and friends came together at the Eden Gardens Wellness Resort & Spa on Saturday, August 29, to witness the moment Dr Jodi-Kay Smith, a medical doctor at the St Catherine Health Department, wed events manager Ibrahim Konteh. Vows walks you up the aisle.

THE BACK STORY…

Ibrahim and Jodi-Kay were introduced by a mutual friend in 2008. Their friendship soon blossomed into a romantic relationship. After four years of dating, Ibrahim proposed. “The way it happened was so out of the blue,” shared Jodi-Kay. “I’d been expecting a fancy, romantic dinner-type proposal. He planned the whole thing with my friend and colleague Dawn Clayton. One morning while on duty at the Spanish Town Hospital, my colleagues were popping up left, right and centre handing me flowers as I walked along the corridors. Of course, I was confused, only to turn around and see Ibrahim walking towards me with a smile on his face. I started crying when he went down on one knee and popped the question. It was pretty much a blur after that — but I’m positive I said yes!”

WE FOUND LOVE…

Over 60 guests, comprising family and friends, witnessed the nuptials officiated by Reverend I W Silvera in an elegant space created by Alayne Richards. The theme was classic romance, created with monochromatic white and grey shades, and hints of gold and blush at the bride’s request. From shepherd’s hooks holding crystal pomander balls which lined the aisle, to the pillars at the altar anchored by bouquets of blush roses, white anthuriums, and baby’s breath arrangements.

Ifidel Williams and his troupe recited Alicia Keys’Unthinkable, as Ibrahim, dapper in a Milton Lecky of Brand Marc’-O suit, made his way to the altar. The groomsmen’s outfits, patent vests and slacks, were also made by Lecky. The bridesmaids made their appearance in gold one-shoulder sheaths and carried bouquets of white carnations, blush roses and white baby’s breath. Maid of honour Rachelle McDonald’s dress was a boat neck shift with intricate beading.

Jodi-Kay looked absolutely radiant in a custom Hassan Mazeh Couture mermaid gown with a sweetheart neckline, crystal and lace appliqués, tulle skirting, a stunning open-back with matching lace and crystal-beaded veil. It was an emotional bride-to-be who, escorted by her proud father Adur Smith, made her walk to her groom-to-be to BeBe Winans’I Found Love (Cindy’s Song). Her bouquet of white hydrangeas and blush roses with glitter was held tighly in her hand. An exchange of vows and wedding rings declared the union official. The couple left the altar to an arrangement of In Your Hands sung by Williams.

THE RECEPTION…

Following the ceremony and cocktail hour, the affair moved to the rooftop deck at Eden Gardens for the reception where Gabrielle Curling handled emcee duties brilliantly using her wit and charm to keep guests engaged. Additional support came frome DJ Franco of Bloodline Sound.

The newly-weds made their dramatic entrance to 2Face Idibia’s African Queen. Both looked regal in traditional Sierra Leonean garb made by US-based African designer Sheku Jabbie. Jodi-Kay’s dress and red headdress were a gift from her mother-in-law RoseMarie Broadbell. Ibrahim complemented her perfectly in his red brocade tunic with matching pants.

The Eden Gardens staff catered a scrumptious three-course dinner. Bartenders kept glasses filled with Ibrahim and Jodi-Kay’s signature SKYY Vodka cocktail the ‘Jo-B’ along with several wines and spirits. Myrna Davis created the traditional four-tiered Jamaican fruitcake decorated with ivory fondant, handmade sugar roses in blush and ivory, and Swarovski crystal brooches belted in satin ribbon, topped with a crystal ‘K’. Ifidel Williams and his troupe performed a rendition of Ed Sheeran’s

Thinking Out Loud for the couple’s first dance. Formalities out of the way, guests partied to the musical stylings of DJ Franco into the wee hours of the morning. The newly-weds are all set for their five-day Western Caribbean cruise from Miami to Key West, Mexico, and Belize in August 2016.