Cupid’s arrow was quivering when Tank-Weld Metals Limited Senior Inventory Supervisor Ainsley Smickle and J Wray & Nephew Academy Specialist Sharon Findlay met in October 2016 at Devon House. Both were in a snaking line to purchase ice cream. It would have been inconceivable to imagine, back then, that three years later they’d be joined in holy matrimony at the Bethel Baptist Church. Vows meets them at the altar.

The proposal was…

… as unexpected as their chance encounter. Both were out on a date in May 2018 when Ainsley blurted out the date Saturday, February 16, 2019. “I was at a loss as to the significance of that date,” shared Sharon, “so I asked him. Imagine my shock when he responded almost nonchalantly that it would be our wedding day!

“I was in my final year at Mico University College, finishing up my master’s in Education. So, I believe he had the date planned long ago but was waiting until I finished with school for him to propose… shock aside, my response was a definitive ‘Yes!’”

Here comes the bride

The exchange of vows took place at the Bethel Baptist Church in Kingston.

The décor was handled by Stacy Ann James of SAJ Events who used Mason jars and baby’s breath on either sides of the pew. Purple, ocean blue and silver were the dominant hues.

Trumpet Voluntary by Henry Purcell signalled the start of the ceremony as the bridesmaids made their way up the aisle in ocean blue halter-neckline, peek-a-boo keyhole dresses from Azazie. The maid of honour wore purple. The bride’s attendants were escorted by smart looking groomsmen in grey suits nicely accented with blue ties.

As the strains of Triumphal March from Aida by Giuseppe Verdi reverberated through the church, the bride — in an ivory Maggie Sottero gown from Labelle Bridal Jamaica with jewelled waistband, embroidered appliqués, three-dimensional floral embellishments, voluminous skirt and ruched organza layers — made her way to her bridegroom. She clutched a bouquet of white roses purple and white orchids, white chrysanthemums and baby’s breath from Tai Flora.

The proceedings were officiated by Reverend Dr Burchell Taylor and included a candle-lighting ceremony.

The reception

The purple, ocean blue and silver theme continued inside the Grand Caribbean Suite of the Knutsford Court Hotel. The newly-weds and their bridal party entered to Y ou Stop My Heart by Melanie Fiona, cheered on by friends and family. This was followed by the couple’s first dance as husband and wife to For You by Harold Davis.

Dinner was followed by the cutting of the three-tiered caramel, coffee and chocolate-filled wedding cake by Fay Cameron.

Formalities over, guests danced the night away to selections from DJ Omar Chin.

The honeymoon

The newly-weds enjoyed a mini-moon in Runaway Bay where they visited Dunn’s River Falls and other tourist attractions. Their honeymoon, which is a gift, will be celebrated at a later date.