We Belong Together
Vows brings you today the nuptials .
of our very own Jamaica Observer Advertising Manager Natalie Chin, who said ‘I do’ to Florida-based CCRC Director of Communications Dwayne Watkins. It was, by her own account, an instant attraction and after a brief courtship, Dwayne popped the question presenting his bride-to-be with a beautiful four-carat third-generation family heirloom worn by his mother and great-grandmother. The couple chose the romantic setting of Strawberry Hill Hotel and Spa in Irish Town for the dazzling affair that took place in front of a gathering of 76 of their closest friends and family members on Saturday, September 13, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Beauty and Elegance
Natalie wore a stunning trumpet gown adorned with beaded accents and a sweep train by Galina, her hair in a classic, high chignon beneath a cathedral-length veil. She clutched a bouquet of hand-tied white roses, and was escorted down the aisle by her brother, Donovan Chin. The stunning views of the alfresco ceremony were made even more spectacular by the unique black and white décor with bursts of bold red accents, created by Marcia Hamilton of Transformations. Guests were seated in makeshift pews of white folding chairs on either side of the white carpet aisle, that was littered with red rose petals and framed by white blooms perched atop white candelabras. Her groom, Dwayne Watkins stood dapper in a dark suit complete with a pinstriped black and white silk tie and rose boutonniere.
The large bridal party incorporated the colour scheme into their outfits. The maid of honour Kayann Williams and the bridesmaids Karen Polack, Jheanell Reynolds, Tamara Brooks and Claudine Chung wore black strapless floor-length dresses with white panel inserts by David’s Bridal and clutched hand-tied bouquets of red roses. Flower girls Amber DaSilva and Sydney Williams wore two-toned black and white ‘A’ line dresses while flower baby Paige DaSilva wore a white tulle dress. The best man Stephen Hart and groomsmen Steven McFarlane, Damian Walker, Rue Reynolds and Kevin Gravesandy wore white jackets and waistcoats with white silk ties, contrasted by black trousers from Men’s Warehouse.
Officiating minister was Pastor Che Cowan who not only blessed the couple but also kept the gathering in high spirits with his well-timed jokes throughout the ceremony. Guests were entertained with the musical stylings of Dwight Richards and Friends during the signing of the register. After the presentation of the newly-weds, guests were asked to make a wish and release butterflies on their behalf.Reception
A cocktail by the dazzling infinity pool was followed by a tent reception. The unique décor continued and chairs were draped in black and white while the tables held black tablecloths with trumpet vases of red roses. The décor also incorporated Natalie’s Chinese heritage as the Chinese symbol for love was hung in red behind the head table. On every table huge black and white striped gift boxes tied with red ribbons containing mementoes such as a chocolate CD with a picture of the couple, personalised hand-written thank you cards, a musical CD, and miniature rum bottles created by Chocolate Dreams, awaited each guest. The couple started the evening off with their first dance, then master of ceremonies “Jenny Jenny” kept the excitement going with her wit and dance competitions for the single men and women.
The cake created by Nyla D’Andrea was an elaborate five-tier black and white masterpiece accented with red sugar and dramatic silver sticks at the crown and rose petals, delicate hand-stenciled flowers and butterflies throughout the tiers. This was placed against the backdrop of a beautiful portrait of Natalie and Dwayne.
What they ate
Strawberry Hill prepared a wonderful buffet that included escoveitched shrimp, curried plantain salad, roasted pork loin with a raisin brandy glaze, and grilled fillet of snapper with a coconut cream sauce.
Touching moments.
Winsome Benjamin serenaded the groom on behalf of the bride, emotional for some, while the groom’s rendition of She’s Royal after the prompting of Dwight Richards brought on high-spirited cheer.
The celebrations went late into the night, with music by Clive Buddo enlivening the party.
Honeymoon
The couple honeymooned at the Crowne Plaza, Times Square in Manhattan and then headed to the Hilton Key Largo Beach Hotel in Florida.
