“No amount of time or distance can break apart two hearts destined to be together. ” — Yumika Harris

On Saturday, January 7, three years after the proposal, attorney-at-law Yumika Harris and businessman and CMS principal Demar McKenzie tied the knot at Cranbrook Flower Forest, Falmouth, Trelawny.

“One can describe our love as simply magical and defying the odds: Your typical boy meets girl, boy falls in love, and here we are today,” shared the newly-weds with Tuesday Style Vows (TSV).

Their love story harks back to June 2008 in Bunkers Hill, Trelawny. A then 19-year-old student called Demar McKenzie met 18-year-old Yumika Harris. Both were from the same community.

“I was drawn to Demar’s quiet demeanour and his drive to achieve his best. He was shy and fun, but focused on what he wanted to achieve,” recalled Yumika.

For his part, Demar loved everything about Yumika. The two stayed together and grew in love. Demar finally popped the question on December 20, 2020, at Sharkies Seafood Restaurant, Runaway Bay. No surprise what Yumika’s response was!

Here comes the bride

The nuptials took place on the lush lawns of Cranbrook Flower Forest. The garden setting was created by Sharee Carey, from Infinite Events, who used shades of emerald green, white, ivory, and gold to enhance the setting.

Standing patiently at the altar was the bridegroom dressed in a slim-fit off-white and black suit complemented with a black bow tie.

Kina Grannis’ Can’t Help Falling In Love signalled the bride’s arrival, escorted by her father, Denton Harris. Yumika stunned in an ivory sweetheart neckline ruffle luxury mermaid gown from LuxBrides JA complete with crystal hair jewel and earrings. Her bouquet of 18 ivory roses made yet another statement.

The ceremony was officiated by marriage officer Keeble Downie and concluded with jumping the broom, an act that symbolises a new beginning and a sweeping away of the past.

The reception, which took place under a clear top tent flooded with fairy lights, commenced at sunset and continued until the sky was studded by stars.

Hosting duties were handled by Garth Williams, who kept guests fully engaged. The party commenced with an invigorating performance from the groomsmen and a seductive dance from the bridesmaids to KiDi’s Touch It.

Dinner catered by Chef Pro Boss preceded heartfelt toasts from the bride’s cousin and maid of honour Imaresha Smith Cooke; best man Daniel Smith, the groom’s cousin-in-law Ryan Genius, the bride’s best friend Krystine Harris, and father of the bride Denton Harris.

Post-dinner formalities included the unveiling and cutting of the three-tiered wedding cake by Jo’s Cake Box, and the bouquet and garter toss. The groom’s reply, which brought the formalities to a close, was emotional and filled with humour, gratitude and love.

The newly-weds then opened the dance floor to the strains of Perfect by Ed Sheeran.

Deejays Zarrie and Badboy wasted no time in getting the after-party, started to the delight of guests who were eager to show off their dancing skills.

The newly-weds later enjoyed a mini-moon at Azul Beach Resort Negril by Karisma.

Photos: RD Photography