With a world of options available, Bermudians Kimonea Pitt and Oronde Bascome brought their love story to The Rock!

“We have no connection [to Jamaica] per se. Our first bae-cation as a couple was to Jamaica, and we both have been there several times and just love the vibes and people there,” says Kimonea.

The couple wed on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at luxury oasis Pattoo Castle, Negril.

“I wanted a fairy-tale theme for our wedding, so I was in search of a beautiful castle as the wedding venue and Pattoo Castle ticked all the boxes; it was an absolute dream location, and stunningly beautiful,” Kimonea tells Tuesday Style Vows (TSV).

The nuptials mirrored her take on her and Oronde’s romance…

“A modern-day fairy tale,” she describes it. “Where two people from different worlds crossed paths and despite our different lifestyles and priorities, fate intervened and brought us together,” says Kimonea.

“Oronde’s dedication to this family, especially his daughters, was what made him stand out to me,” Kimonea tells TSV. “His commitment to being a great father and partner made me fall in love with him even more.”

The proposal

Oronde proposed in Dubai on October 10, 2022, during a trip celebrating Kimonea’s birthday. “We were at Cé La Vi Dubai, [and] there was a stunning view of the Burj Khalifa in the background. It was everything and more,” shares Kimonea. “Our journey is a beautiful example of the power of dedication, patience, and a genuine connection”.

A fairy tale

Eighteen months of dreaming, planning, and designing led to the most magical celebration of love in Jamaica. “Décor was handled by my best friend Elizabeth Blankendal who owns and runs Eettafel Bermuda, an award-winning boutique, event planning, design and production company based in Bermuda,” Kimonea says.

“The bride envisioned a wedding that was both traditional and elegant,” Blankendal tells TSV. Eettafel delivered with a sophisticated palette of neutral colours and lush greenery, perfectly complementing the castle’s majestic arches.

The bride wore a diamond white celestial satin A-line ballgown with hand-beaded Swarovski crystals and a chapel train from Eve of Milady by award-winning bridal designer Eve Muscio. The groom was sharp in a classic from The Black Tux. Guests, dressed in the shades of nude, made for picture-perfect moments.

With the castle’s iconic brown double-door entrance as their backdrop, the couple exchanged vows guided by officiant Damion Austin of On Call Weddings JA.

Coconut and cocktails

After an interlude that included family and friends securing the quintessential shots with the newly-weds, engraved coconuts from Let Us Toast Ja, and signature mint lemonades, the happy bunch headed to the courtyard for the reception.

PS: The shot wall was a hit! Even the newly-weds took one, setting the tone for the celebration!

The reception

“It was everything and more, the most perfect day from start to finish, wouldn’t have changed a thing,” says Kimonea as she harked back to the reception.

You’re the One by Turbulence was our first dance song. Oronde played this song for me on a car ride one day and said the lyrics made him think of me,” Kimonea explains.

Catering was handled by Jerron George Green of Jeronimo’s Kitchen and Leanne Cooke produced an elegant single-tier vanilla buttercream cake.

The Bascomes later honeymooned at Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort in St Lucia.