Laughing Waters, Ocho Rios, was the venue chosen by Jamaican Joanne Dietrich and Ethiopian Henok Kebede for their May 14, destination wedding in Jamaica. It was the culmination of a five-year courtship.

The two met at a social gathering in Brooklyn, NYC, during the fall of 2017 where they exchanged contact deets and resolved to keep in touch since Joanne lived in NYC and Henok lived in DC. They did!

Indeed, the pandemic allowed them to spend more time with each other, which solidified their relationship. Convinced he had found his soulmate Henok proposed to her in September 2020. “We were in DC to attend a wedding with Henok’s family” shared Joanne with Tuesday Style Vows (TSV). “A few hours before heading there he proposed. It was a wonderful surprise… I said ‘Yes’,” she added.

Here comes the bride…

The purity of the love and tenderness between Joanne and Henok was palpable as their friends and family gathered on the lawns of Laughing Waters Villa, Ocho Rios, to celebrate the next chapter of their forever. ​​​​​​​​The powder blue and silver setting that included a floral infinity circle created by the Petals and Promises team perfectly enhanced the already stunning location.

Major’s Why I Love You announced the bride’s arrival. She was escorted up the aisle by doting parents Cordell and Marlon Dietrich.

Emotions were high as the bride, stunning in a white sweetheart neckline sheath and lace gown from Kleinfeld complete with cathedral veil and clutching a posy of gorgeous white peonies, flashed a reassuring smile at her bridegroom.

The ceremony was officiated by Reverend Melvin Fluellen and Reverend Trevor Edwards.

A highlight of the nuptials included the donning of the kabas — a traditional, opulent robe worn by the Ethiopian kingdom of royals and considered a highly integral part of Ethiopian culture.

The reception continued at Laughing Waters under an impressive-looking clear-top tent with powder blue and silver​​​​​​​​ tablescape dominated the space.

Expressions of delight were hardly contained as a result of the bridal party’s show-stopping choreographed dance to Ding Dong’s Gweh.

They were followed by the newly-weds who made their own statement to the Ethiopian song Dishta Gina by Tariku Gankisi.

Handling the formalities was the bride’s brother-in-law Kevin Jones, who invited the couple to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife to Eric Benét’s Spend My Life With You (featuring Tamia) and Holla Bak’s Too Sweet.

Almond Tree Restaurant handled the food and beverage requirements. There were speeches from the newly-weds’ family and friends touching different elements of their lives. In honour of the groom’s late mother, Tsehaywork Jemaneh, there was a special tribute with the lighting of candles and a photo slideshow. There was the retrieval of the garter and tossing of the bouquet. DJ Powa kept up with every beat and had everyone on the dance floor the entire night with a wide selection from dancehall, soca, and Afrobeats, to traditional Ethiopian songs.

The lovebirds later honeymooned at Excellence Oyster Bay, Falmouth.