“Change is a continuous process. You cannot assess it with the static yardstick of a limited time frame. When a seed is sown into the ground, you cannot immediately see the plant. You have to be patient. With time, it grows into a large tree. And then the flowers bloom, and only then can the fruits be plucked. Today we are reaping that fruit that was planted over seven years ago.”

— excerpt from the groom’s speech.

After a year of courtship and a seven-year-long relationship, Michelle Campbell, consultant ob/gyn and lecturer at the UWI, Mona, and her beloved fiancé Shaunjaye Mitchell, sergeant police officer and journalist/communications officer at the Office of the Commissioner of Police, tied the knot on June 18th inside the Valencia at the Spanish Court Hotel witnessed by close to one hundred family members and friends. Vows congratulates newly-weds Shaunjaye and Michelle Mitchell.

How They Met (as told by Shaunjaye)…

”Let me give you the story of how Michelle and I met. Eight years ago, as a young police officer, fresh out of the Police Academy, and about a year into active service. I was assigned to the Protective Services Division where I worked at King’s House, providing security for the Governor General. I ended up reporting sick one day and as such, I needed to get sick leave from a doctor, which led me to Michelle’s medical office. After registering with the nurse, I waited for a few minutes, and then I was called in to see the doctor. When I walked in and I laid my eyes on her, I thought to myself “Isn’t she too young to be doctor?” but as my mind wandered off into a steady gaze at her radiant beauty, I almost forgot what I had gone there for. She greeted me quite pleasantly and asked “What can I do today for Mr Mitchell?” and all I could think was “You’re going to be Mrs Mitchell one day.” Here we are today! Michelle, who used to be my general practitioner, is now my private doctor and nurse.

She said ‘Yes’……on Christmas Day last year. The ring was buried in a box he presented as Michelle’s Christmas gift. When she opened it and realised it was an engagement ring, he went down on one knee and asked her to marry him.

The Ceremony…

Over 100 guests, near and dear to their hearts were invited to the chic purple-and-white-themed wedding inside the Valencia at the Spanish Court Hotel. Shaunjaye wore a razor-sharp sleet grey three-piece Twilight Tuxedo with a purple tie and pocket square. Best man Keneil Henry and groomsman Randy Grant wore crisp blue tailored suits with chequered ties and brown shoes. Michelle proceded up the aisle to the sounds of The Piano Guys’ cover of Christina Perri’s A Thousand Years. She was a vision of regal elegance in a chantilly lace overlay sweetheart neckline sheer net gown designed by Narin Moda, accessorised with a blusher veil, and a fresh bouquet of calla lilies and purple strap leaf vandas. Maid of honour Suzanna Earle wore a purple halter column from David’s Bridal. Wedding singer Christopher Smith was on hand to serenade the couple during ceremonial formalities. Reverend Dr Peter Garth officiated the ceremony, announced Mr and Mrs Shaunjaye Mitchell, and the two left the altar to applause and the backing track of Best Day Of My Life by American Authors.

The Reception…

Purple orchids and lilies enhanced the sublime decor elements created by the team at D’Mar Event Planners and Decorators. Inspired by wedding movies, the mother-daughter duo of Kara-Ann and Marguerite Anderson, and the Petals and Promises team executed the theme beautifully, leaving décor duties to the trusty band of event transformers at D’Mar Event Planners and Decorators. Immediately after the ceremony, Michelle and Shaunjaye endured a photo session with Visual Embrace photog Levar Gordon and his team. Saxophonist Andre Gillespie played several musical selections while guests enjoyed the three-course dinner provided by Karlene Smith and the K and S Catering staff. Immediately following dinner, and on DJ Billy’s command, Michelle and Shaunjaye cut the three-tiered fruitcake by K and S Catering. Master of Ceremonies Garth Williams handled the formalities with aplomb, injecting his wit and charm as the night went on. The Newlyweds’ game and the couple’s first dance – to a mash-up of Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud and Patoranking featuring Wayne Coal by My Woman, My Everything — together as husband and wife brought the festivities to a close -— they also happened to be the most memorable events of the day for the newly-weds.

The Honeymoon…

We spent four nights at Meliá Braco Village in Trelawny.