Love is definitely contagious! Just ask obstetrician/gynaecologist Melissa Forbes and attorney-at-law Matthew Gabbadon who met on December 29, 2018, at the wedding of Major Noel Lewis and Dr Sara Lawrence, went on their first date a week later, then tied the knot almost two years later on Saturday, February 20.

The engagement that took place on October 18, 2020 at the Half Moon villas would kick off a series of memorable events notably the bridal shower weekend that commenced with the bachelorette party at Janga’s Soundbar, followed by the bridal shower the day after. Matthew’s bachelor party was held on Saturday, February 13, at the AC Marriot Hotel. The weekend closed with praise, worship and love at Swallowfield Chapel with his parents.

The couple chose the quaint and historic Prospect Chapel in St Mary to exchange wedding vows, and Lancelot Henry to handle proceedings.

At the altar stood Matthew, smart in a blue tuxedo with black silk shawl lapel by Dexter Huxtable of Spokes Apparel.

To the strains of Vitamin String Quartet’s I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing, Melissa, gorgeous in an ivory Maggie Sottero Mikado A-line gown with attached overskirt and pleated train adorned with covered buttons trailing down the hemline from Bliss Bridal Boutique, made her way up the aisle escorted by proud dad Ian Forbes. In her hand she clutched a bouquet of cascading white Phalaenopsises and wax flowers.

The rustic-chic reception followed on the lawns of Coral Cay Villas, Tower Isle, with the Caribbean Sea creating an exquisite backdrop.

Deejay Sanjay from Coppershot set the mood with vibrant 2000s R&B music as well as older classics.

The wedding party made their entrance to the sounds of Famalay by Skinny Fabulous, Machel Montano and Bunji Garlin, after which Melissa and Matthew danced their way in to Lockdown by Koffee.

On MC duties were Major Noel Lewis and his wife Dr Sara Lawrence-Lewis, whose humorous banter was well-received.

Memorable moments included the newly-weds’ joint task of cutting their spectacular three-tiered carrot and cheesecake by Melissa Holbrook; the toast to the bride’s parents by longtime family friend Michael Bernard; the toast to the groom’s parents by Major Neil Lewis and Janice Lewis; the toast to the bride which was offered by her sister, Kimberley Martin, while the groom’s brother, Stephen Gabbadon, raised a toast to his brother.

Dinner, catered by award-winning Chef Ravi Anne, followed.

The newly-weds opened the dance floor to a medley of Sade’s By Your Side and Tarrus Riley’s Lighter featuring Shenseea.

The couple enjoyed a mini-moon at Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay. There are plans to complete their honeymoon come next year.