When Bridgette Townsend and Andrew Graham commenced their law studies in 2009 at the University of the West Indies, Mona, their single focus was doing well and graduating as lawyers. Seems Cupid, however, had other ideas… Vows shares their journey to the altar.

That first encounter, as related by Bridgette…

Andrew and I met in our first year studying law at the University of the West Indies in 2009. We had mutual friends at school and this allowed us to share the same space on numerous occasions, whether it was social events at school or otherwise. Andrew got my cell number from a mutual friend and we began spending hours talking on the phone and getting to know each other. Emotions were stirred, and we soon realised that though we shared a wonderful friendship we both wanted more. Our friendship morphed into love and we decided to take our relationship to the next level.

The proposal…

Andrew proposed to me on September 3, 2016 at Chukka Caribbean Adventures- Chukka Cove, in Saint Ann. I had often expressed a desire to participate in the activities at Chukka Cove, and on this particular day Andrew randomly suggested that we should do their ATV safari tour. I was hesitant at first because it wasn’t planned, but soon I became excited at the idea. The tour was fun but I had no idea what was coming next.

Towards the end of the tour, the guide took us and the other participants to a beautiful cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea where he demonstrated his cliff- diving prowess. The tour guide asked if anyone was willing to take a dive. Initially, there were no takers, but after a few seconds and a bit of prodding by the tour guide, Andrew accepted his challenge to dive from the cliff. To make matters worse, he suggested that I jump with him! I asked him if he was crazy and questioned him several times whether he was serious about diving. Andrew successfully convinced me that he was prepared to, and after realising that he was serious I mustered all my courage and approached the edge of the cliff with him with every intention of diving.

But there would be no dive! Andrew went down on one knee with a ring box in his hand and proposed. It took a moment for it to sink in! He had convinced me to dive from a cliff! Clearly this was the man I would spend the rest of my life with! I said ‘Yes’ with tear-filled eyes and a huge smile across my face. The pop of Champagne followed with shouts of congratulations.

There was more. Unbeknownst to me, Andrew, along with my mom, sister and friends, had planned yet another surprise in the form of an engagement dinner and had invited close friends and relatives.

Here comes the bride…

Supported by 150 guests seated in a semi-circle on white garden chairs at the Laughing Waters Villa in Mammee Bay, Saint Ann, on Saturday, June 24, 2017, Andrew, dapper in a bespoke blue tuxedo, stood with best man Andrew Harris under the canopy on the lower lawns overlooking the ocean, awaiting his bride. The décor, handled by Kara Ann Anderson of Petals and Promises, comprised grey, yellow and azure blue with yellow, white and light blue hydrangeas, the flora of choice.

The bridal party, pretty in light blue strapless gowns from Azazie, included the bride’s sister Krystina Townsend, who handled maid of honour duties, supported by bridesmaids Ashley O’Sullivan (the bride’s cousin), Alaina Alexander, Yendi Salmon and Shanice Trowers. The groomsmen, smart in Kenneth Cole grey suits complete with French-cuffed shirts, were brother of the groom Gairy Graham, brother-in-law Mashario Bisasor, Romain Tulloch and Pharouke Williams.

Bridgette was a vision of loveliness as she commenced her walk to Ruelle’s I g et t o l ove y ou, escorted up the aisle by parents Peter and Fern Townsend in an ivory Sophia Tolli gown with an illusion neckline and beading on the back. Her bridal bouquet comprised yellow roses, white hydrangeas and rhinestones. The Reverend Dr Peter Garth officiated the memorable service.

Happily Ever After…

Guests repaired, post-nuptials, to the upper lawn of the Laughing Waters Villa where they enjoyed cocktails ahead of the arrival of the newly-weds who had everyone on their feet moving and cheering lustily to Wife by Joseph Stepper.

A sumptious supper (guests are still raving about the grilled sea bass and the orange and cranberry pork tenderloin), prepared by Chef Gairy Bowes of Top Chef Catering was perfectly complemented by the musical styling of Gem Myers. The dessert station by Ingrid Bowes of Cupcaketeria was just as memorable.

The formalities followed and were elegantly handled by Georgia Crawford Williams. Mr & Mrs Andrew Graham shared their first duty as husband and wife as they cut their three-tiered wedding cake made by close family friend Sandra Brady. Their second ‘first’ came as they opened the dance floor with This i s w hy I l ove y ou by Major. DJ Baby Thug immediately took over, and guests needed no further prompting to continue celebrating with Bridgette and Andrew.

A date is to be finalised for their honeymoon.