Phone lights flashed, and cheers and applause lit up the Luigi Restaurant as Richard Hewitt popped the question to Shavia Watson during a romantic dinner at Hotel Riu Negril.

This was August 2022, seven years into a courtship after Shavia’s sister, who happened to be friends with Richard’s brother, introduced the two.

“It was one of the best days of my life,” Shavia tells Tuesday Style Vows (TSV) as she reminisces on the proposal. “The hotel staff and guests made it even more special as they cheered and offered words of encouragement.”

The nuptials

The couple tied the knot on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at the Salt Spring New Testament Church of God. “I wanted an outside location for our wedding,” says Shavia. But securing a venue in and around Montego Bay during the Christmas season proved difficult. “After much searching, we decided to have the ceremony at a church, based on affordability, accessibility, and also the weather,” she explains.

And I’ll say, “I do”

For the rest of my life

With all that I have, I do

And I will

When the sky is falling

I promise you, I’m all-in

No turning back

And every day, every moment

And every breath you take

I choose you.

Shavia walked up the aisle — dressed in a lace-embellished gown from Unions Bridal Boutique — to
I Choose You by Ryann Darling. “Initially, I wanted to wear a long-sleeve wedding gown, but I immediately fell in love with my dress while shopping at Unions Bridal,” shares Shavia.

The ceremony was officiated by host pastor of the church, Reverend Carl Wisdom.

Reception

The reception, initially set in a beautiful garden setting, was forced into the Brandon Hill Guest House, Montego Bay, due to inclement weather. The décor, an understated yet festive mix of navy and gold, was created by Kishan McLean and Joan McCormack, members of the church who operate businesses in the interior design field. Catering was also handled by a team from the church.

For the quintessential cake-cutting, Richard and Shavia opted for a two-tier red velvet cake from Tek ‘A’ Bite. But they maintained tradition — a suggestion from Shavia’s sister — and served fruitcake to guests. “That did not stop us from enjoying the afternoon. Our friends and families were there to celebrate us and we could not ask for a better event. From the food to the music to the company and good laughter, the joy we felt was beyond imagination and we enjoyed every moment of the reception,” says Shavia.

The couple later honeymooned at Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa.