It was love at first chord for songwriter and producer Jermaine Blake and fashion designer/make-up artist Davene Jonas. Okay, well almost! Cupid’s arrow was definitely hovering during that first encounter backstage at the Vera Moody Auditorium of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. An Instagram message to style Blake for a shoot was the trigger that ended with an exchange of wedding vows on Saturday, August 18, 2018, at Craighton Estate, Irish Town, St Andrew.

Vows welcomes Mr and Mrs Jermaine Blake to its bridal registry.

The proposal came on November 12 after Jermaine asked Davene’s parents for her hand in marriage. Their nod of approval allowed the planning of the engagement to proceed. A surprise birthday gathering was planned with invites dispatched to immediate family members and friends. “I got the cake, the ring and everybody else made their contribution,” he recalled. “She walked into the room and boom, ‘Surprise’. She jumped, overwhelmed. Dinner, a few speeches segued into the presentation of her favourite cake, chocolate; the singing of Happy Birthday and a birthday wish, prior to blowing out the candles. With her eyes now fully opened she saw the engagement ring and literally fainted. Thankfully, she quickly revived as Jermaine went down on one knee and requested her hand in marriage. Her response was an empahatic Yes! To God be the glory! she added. “When I closed my eyes to make a wish it was a prayer that we would get married. God answered,” she said.

The ceremony

They were married on the lawns of Craighton Estate, Irish Town, St Andrew, where Marcia Williams and Claudine Jonas used shades of blush pink and to decorate the area. The bridesmaids made their way up the aisle to the strains of Johnny Drille’s Romeo and Juliet, dressed in fetching blush pink dresses designed by the bride. They were escorted by the groomsmen who wore custom-designed navy blue pants and vests with white shirts complemented with blush pink bow ties by Ergis McLean.

It was an emotional moment for many as Dave and Claudine Jonas escorted their daughter up the aisle to the song Be Still by Travis Greene. Davene chose a white leotard with full skirt, which was designed by her. Meanwhile, her groom, patiently awaiting her at the altar, was dressed in custom-made black pants, white jacket with black bow tie. The ceremony was officiated by Apostle Dave Jones.

The reception

Craighton Estate doubled as the venue where the garden theme continued. The newly-weds and their bridal party made their entrance to Mavins’ Adaobi featuring Don Jazzy, Korede Bello, Reekado Banks, and Di’ja.Emcee Markland ‘Action’ Edwards welcomed guests and invited them to be seated for the couple’s first dance, as husband and wife, to Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud and The Prayer by Donnie McClurkin and Yolanda Adams. Other highlights included toasts, bridal games, and the cutting of the three-tiered chocolate cake made by Vaunrhia Bennett.

Guests enjoyed a three-course meal catered by Asia’s Café ahead of further celebrations. The honeymoon will take place at a later date.