Saturday, October 7, 2017 will be forever etched in the memories of Chelsea Martin, sales manager, Corporate Interiors International, and Sheldon Cohen, Red Stripe (part of the Heineken Group) supply operator. It was on this day that the two were joined in holy matrimony at the Grand Port Royal Hotel Marina & Spa. VOWS r ecounts their journey to the altar.

The initial encounter, as told by Chelsea

Sheldon and I met on October 7, 2005 at Portmore Community College, where I was doing my pre-university programme. One of his friends was trying hard to get my phone number but I wasn’t interested. When Sheldon saw me he asked his friend permission to speak with me. He sat beside me in class, where we shared a book. Sheldon attempted to get closer to me with conversations about football (which he associated my name with), past school stories and dreams and aspirations. We grew closer as the months passed.

Throughout the years we became so inseparable that when I visited family and friends and he wasn’t there it was like my arm was missing.

The proposal

Sheldon proposed to me on Sunday, June 25 2017 at a Daddy Day Cook-Off at our daughter’s school.

He was one of the participating fathers at the event, and he won the overall cooking competition. During the activities of the day he approached Jenny Jenny, who was the host and the owner of the school, stating that he wanted to propose to me. She gathered everyone to a central location and handed Sheldon the microphone. Jason Derulo’s Will You Marry Me was playing in the background when Sheldon professed his love, got down on one knee, and asked me to marry him. I said yes.

The ceremony

The exchange of vows took place on the shores at Grand Port Royal Hotel Marina and Spa, where the theme was a beach setting. Shades of royal blue and peach were used to enhance the area. To the strains of I Was Made For You by Tori Kelly featuring Ed Sheeran, the bridesmaids made their way up the aisle in floral peach Grace Karin dresses with empire bodices. They were escorted by the groomsmen, who wore fitted navy blue u-cut vests and pants with peach shirts.

Emotions were high as Albert Martin escorted his daughter up the aisle to the song This Is Why I Love You by Major. Chelsea was stunning in an ivory Maggie Sottero sweetheart-neckline bodice dress from Bliss Bridal Boutique. She held a hand-tied bouquet of beautiful white lilies. Her bridegroom, dapper in a Spencer’s Tailoring royal blue tuxedo, and peach shirt complemented by a blue and peach polka dot tie, was visibly overcome with emotion at the sight of his love. The ceremony, which included a painting ceremony to symbolise unity, was officiated by Pastor Sylvester Rankine.

The reception

The royal blue and peach beach theme continued on the harbour at Grand Port Royal Hotel Marina and Spa. Each table was named after elements of the sea.

The newly-weds and their bridal party made their entrance to Sugar by Maroon 5, cheered on by friends and family. This was followed by the couple’s first dance as husband and wife to Ed Sheeran’s Perfect. Post-formalities, guests enjoyed a three-course meal and witnessed the cutting of the two-tiered red velvet and chocolate Baileys cake by Stacie Campbell from Pebbles Pastries.

Guests were then asked to gather by the harbour to release sky lanterns. The newly-weds and their guests danced up a storm to the tunes of DJ Jerome Rose. It was truly an occasion to remember.

The honeymoon

The newly-weds commenced their honeymoon at the Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort ahead of moving to Couples Sans Souci.