Graphic designer Bjourn Smith and registered dental assistant Rodaina Llewellyn are still celebrating after tying the knot on Thursday, July 14, 2018, at the Borghinvilla in Discovery Bay, St Ann. Vows presents Mr and Mrs Bjourn Smith.

The Early Days…

Bjourn and Rodaina met in 2004 while enrolled at Ocho Rios High School. The extent of those early interactions however, were the occasional “hello” upon bumping into each other in the corridors.

After becoming reacquainted in 2011 and exchanging BBM pin numbers, they had their first date — a beach day in Ocho Rios.

Subsequent dates would deepen the connection, appreciation of each other and love of the beach.

In 2013 Rodaina emigrated to the United States but the couple decided to hold on to their “something special” and enter into a long-distance relationship. “It wasn’t easy,” Bjourn admitted to Vows. “It wasn’t easy but we held on strong.”

A Special Proposal…

Rodaina recounts: “My mom was on vacation in Jamaica in 2016. When she came back to the States, she brought back a gift he had sent me. I videocalled Bjourn while I opened the gift. When I opened the package, rose petals fell out and I noticed a pair of earrings and a keychain. I love keychains! Then I felt a box… a ring box. He saw my reaction and then he asked me the question. I said yes!

Here Comes The Bride

The bridal party wore blush pink dresses from Blue Angels Boutique, while the groom and his groomsmen donned mauve and white ensembles from Spencer’s Tailoring. Then Rodaina appeared on the arm of her father Devon Llewellyn, a vision in her wedding dress, which was a mermaid-inspired sweetheart neckline gown from David’s Bridal. The emotions of the 100 guests swelled when Johnny Gill’s You For Me played as she joined her waiting groom.

Following the “I do’s”, the couple, guided by Reverend Sheldon Anderson, signed the marriage licence, as the bridal party exited the ceremony to Finesse by Bruno Mars and Cardi B.

The Reception

Following the 90-minute ceremony, guests moved to the Plush Touch-designed outdoor reception area.

The newly-weds entered the venue to a radio-friendly version of Aidoni’s T he Way You Love. After toasts to the newly-weds and their parents, the couple shared their first dance as husband and wife to John Legend’s You & I.

Formalities continued with the cutting of the white three-tiered fruitcake adorned with white and gold dragees (sugar pearls), a pair of starfish (representing the couple), and seashells. The three-course dinner was catered by Sheila’s Homemade Pastries, James Avenue, Ocho Rios.

Following the traditional tossing of the bouquet and garter, the newly-weds and their guests brought the evening to a close by jamming to a mix of lover’s rock classics, modern dancehall and hip-hop tunes.

The Honeymoon

For the honeymoon, the newly-weds are intent on exploring The Rock! They will cross off a few bucket list travel items by visiting Blue Hole, Frenchman Cove and Dirt Aventure in Boscobel.