Six years of courtship culminated in holy matrimony on Saturday, July 2, at the University Chapel, University of the West Indies, Mona (UWI), when attorneys-at-law Shanique Crooks and Colin Alcott exchanged wedding vows witnessed by some 150 guests.

Vows takes you from their first meeting to the happy ever after.

How they met…

Shanique and Colin were at UWI on opposite sides of the revolving door: he was completing his studies, and she had just matriculated. Colin spotted his wife-to-be at a party and asked for a dance. Initially, Shanique feigned indifference, but his handsome looks, persistence and charm won her over. Indeed, telephone numbers were exchanged. Truth be told, Colin, who neither had a phone nor paper and pen, was forced to memorise her number — dialling it as soon as he got home to ensure it was correct.

Several lunch dates and late-night conversations later, they realised that they had much in common; like their mutual love for good food and the importance of family.

The proposal…

The moment he decided to propose, Colin went in search of a ring he knew Shanique could not resist. Ring secured, the next step was the family’s blessing. Both items checked off, it was now time for the proposal.

A call was made to Shanique’s bestie Nyasha Yong, followed by the rally of family members to record a video she would never forget. Plans were kept under tight wraps. A mini vacay was planned for Florida. As far as Shanique was concerned, it was nothing more than a much-needed break. For Colin, however, the trip meant a life-changing decision.

The plan was to tell Shanique that they were going to join friends for dinner at Las Olas Boulevard before heading back to Jamaica. Upon arrival, Colin suggested a gondola ride. Naturally the addition of roses and romantic music made the ride that much more relaxing. Colin took out his tablet and showed Shanique a video in which her family and friends were cheering and holding signs prompting her to ‘say yes’. This was his cue to go down on one knee and pop the question: “Shanique, will you marry me?” What else was there for her to say — save Yes!

Happily ever after… The bride recalls her most memorable moment

“…when both doors to the UWI chapel swung open for my entrance and I walked up the aisle to the strains of Rafiq Williams’ violin interpretation of Christina Perri’s A Thousand Years and my eyes locked with my soon-to-be husband — I was teary-eyed,” shared Shanique. Her eyes glistening with unshed tears as she glided to the altar in a gorgeous Lansing design by Maggie Sottero, from their 2016 bridal catalogue.

Her bridesmaids wore strapless chiffon dresses in blush.

Her bridegroom and his supporting cast wore crisp suits by Carlton Brown. His was a black three-piece suit with matching bow tie, while the groomsmen wore slate grey double-breasted suits with blush ties. Reverend Astor Carlyle was the officiant.

“I get goosebumps every time I watch the video of that moment – it was absolutely breathtaking,” Shanique said as she recalled the ceremony formalities.

The Hope Gardens reception…

Kara-Ann Anderson and the team at Petals & Promises faithfully interpreted Shanique’s vision of the reception, especially the pink and white backdrop that bore the S&C monogram, surrounded by candles and mini birdcages.

Guests enjoyed scrumptious hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour, in-between sips of fresh coconut water from the jelly man on hand.

A photo booth kept guests entertained during cocktail hour, while the bridal party gathered for their formal photos with J Dash Lab.

Both lovers of good food, the newly-weds ensured that their bridal menu would be memorable. It certainly was! Chef Gairy Bowes tantalised the taste buds with barbecue pig’s tail, ackee with corn pork served on plantain chips, lychee stuffed with salmon, and grilled pears with smoked marlin.

Entrées included grilled boneless thigh of chicken with a raspberry ricotta sauce, crispy roast rosemary chicken, pimento roast pork, grilled beef tenderloin with onions and creamy Moscato sauce, surf and turf, grilled sea bass with lemon butter sauce and shrimp alfredo.

The reception formalities ended on a high note after Shanique and Colin’s first dance to You & I (Nobody In The World) by John Legend with a beautiful confetti explosion, which Colin had arranged with Petals & Promises as a surprise gift for his beloved bride.

Colin’s favourite moment…

…the look on Shanique’s face when the confetti exploded during their first dance as husband and wife.