Jamaican-born Philip Barrett wed Belgian Katrien Van Aelten on Saturday, July 9, at Borghinvilla, Ocho Rios, in a tropical-chic themed affair.

The two met at a local resort hotel. Philip was a team member, Katrien, a repeat guest.

Sparks flew when both attended a mutual friend’s birthday party. “My friend introduced us and we [truly] spoke for the first time… after two hours of talking I really saw something I never knew was possible — love. Or I thought it was at that moment. I asked her out and she said, “Yes”… Tuesday Style Vows (TSV) would later be told that the date continued at a casino where they chatted until 6:00 the following morning.

The proposal came in Amsterdam on May 12, 2017. Katrien accepted.

After two years of planning and expecting a joyous day filled with laughter and the love of family and friends, the advent of the novel coronavirus pandemic forced the couple to postpone their marriage.

Come July 9, 2022, the new date proposed by the couple along with the venue, the manicured lawns of Borghinvilla made up for the delay. “It was well worth the wait!” the two shared.

Chalene Roye-Myrie of Krafted by Design Limited created a setting that was tropical chic with a modern boho twist. A ceremonial arch adorned with large golden tropical leaves, flowers and pampas grass accented with macramé curtains and chandeliers served as a backdrop.

Katrien made a memorable entrance in a gown from KYHA Studios with a V-neck plunging back and fitted sleeves adorned with luxe bespoke hand-crafted rose gold beading. Her all-white bouquet with bleached greenery, white roses, lithianthus and baby’s breath contained a locket with a photo of the her parents (both deceased). She was escorted up the aisle by her son, Fil Barrett, to the strains of Can’t Help Falling In Love by Kina Grannis.

Under the guidance of Pastor Junior Rutty, the couple professed their love, after which they recessed to Justin Timberlake’s Can’t Stop The Feeling.

“Our reception was all about family, friends and positive vibes after waiting more than two years. Everyone was ready to celebrate the union,” shared the couple.

The event was made even more perfect with an amazingly detailed décor flawlessly put together by Krafted by Design Limited. The large tent had high and low arrangements with boho Edison bulb chandeliers and a large floral ceiling installation of pampas grass, and roses.

Post-dinner formalities included the cutting of the three-tiered red velvet cake by Leanne Cooke-Popkin for Cakes by Noida and the bouquet and garter toss. Katrien and Philip then shared their first dance as husband and wife to The Best Of Nat King Cole’s L-O-V-E.

The groom’s reply later was filled with gratitude, love, and respect.

Formalities out of the way, the newly-weds opened the dance floor where the soundscape of Jamaica Wedding DJ kept them all in non-stop party mode.

The honeymoon would follow in Santorini, Greece.