That’s a match!

Renee Reid and John “Julian” Sinclair met in Kingston on November 24, 2019, a beautiful rainy Sunday evening at Football Factory.

Matchmakers Denver McDonald and Kristalle Chin, who were friends of both, introduced the couple. Renee had no idea who Julian was but her friend was adamant that this would be the perfect match.

Renee watched Julian play football… he came off the field and walked right past her… in amazement Renee, as fiery as she was, told Denver his friend was rude. Embarrased, she could not believe agreed to go to watch him play football only to be ignored! Little did she know he had briskly gone to the car to freshen up and formally introduce himself.

Renee was lost for words. The two have been inseparable since.

The proposal

John proposed on November 26, 2022, as family and friends gathered at Renee’s home to celebrate her parents’ 40th anniversary.

Renee was overjoyed. She said yes!

Wedding En Blanc

There’s an old-fashioned rule that says the to-be-weds are the only people who can wear white on their wedding day, and that all guests should avoid the colour. But Renee and John defied convention and avoided a textbook wedding, selecting an all-white theme that lent itself to timeless elegance!

A total of 280 guests, elegantly dressed in white joined the couple on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Webster Memorial United Church for a ceremony officiated by Reverend Astor Carlyle. The wedding ceremony décor was executed by Graceann Gordon and Michaun Mattis-Simpson of Kriyate Ja.

“Everything down to the floral arrangements were all-white flowers. Ceremony programmes were modified as a newspaper article ‘NewlyWeds’ prepared by Exquisite Invites by Renee Singh,” Renee tells Tuesday Style Vows (TSV).

The bride was resplendent in a three-piece gown inspired by Albanian designer Valdrin Sahiti. The customs detachable ‘Bridgerton’-style skirting and veil were purchsased from Alessa’s Bridal, in Coral Gables, Florida.

The groom’s seven-piece suit was carefully selected at Mr Tux, in Miami.

The reception

After the ceremony and cocktails, the glittering assembly of guests were escorted into an enchanting white-on-white space dreamt up by event designer Chalene Roye-Myrie of Krafted by Design and her efficient team.

Long tables were set for the fairy-tale feast. Renee worked with Roye-Myrie to design centrepieces unique to each table, each with a scented garden of all-white flowers. Lush bouquets of roses, hydrangeas, calla lillies, dendrobium orchids, lisianthus, and cremons stole the show.

The flowers weren’t the only focal point at the tables. Floating candles in crystal lent the room glitter and glow. Instead of plain linens, Roye-Myrie created depth with shantung silk tablecloths. The settings had gold-accented crystal chargers, origami hummingbirds, and gold tableware. Topping each setting: White linen napkins and white and gold menu cards. The white dance floor had its own projection — the bride and groom’s monogram.

“The Wedding Enblanc #TheRrealSinclairLove was like our very own Frenchmen party,” says Renee. “I was lost for words! Indescribable, and perfection at its finest!

Our wedding planner was a lifesaver. At first, I thought I could manage because planning falls right up my alley and we knew exactly what we wanted for our special day. But Chalene Roye-Myrie was heaven-sent and exactly who we needed to execute our big day.”

Violinist Gabrielle Clarke entertained guests during cocktail hour. DJ Kurt Riley handled the turntables. Over 3,500 feet of string lights cascaded over the dining area. The tables were dressed in white chateau linen. Gold chameleon chairs took the elegance factor to the next level. Each table was named after the blooms used in the tablescapes. Endless disco balls floated above the dance floor.

“It was pure magic,” says Renee.

Chef Alex D-Great handled catering. Guests heard toasts from the father-of-the-bride Alfred Reid, friend of the groom Andre Hylton, and godmother of the bride Heather Norman, among others. The night ended with high-energy dancing.

For the pre-honeymoon, the couple tucked into Sandals Dunns River’s Coyaba Sky Rondoval villas for a four-night stay. Their next stop are Paris, Italy, and Switzerland for their one-year anniversary in 2025.

Planning and Decor: @kraftedbydesign

Photography: @merrickcousleyphotography

Cinematography: @dacxweddings

Make-up: @876faces

Hair: @simplybeautifuljamaica

Catering: @alexdgreat.ja

Bar: @topshelf

Production and Lighting: @sparklesproductions

Production: @thinkbigja

Cake: @sweetmischiefja

Venue: @caymanasgolfclub