Lifelong Partners
It came together in a manner as understated as the wedding invitation itself, a celebration of love sprinkled with tears, laughter and prayer. Shakira Laura-Marie Chin and Yohannes Nodsen-Mills Walton chose the picturesque country chapel of St Mark’s Anglican Church, Rio Bueno, Trelawny to exchange wedding vows in front of doting family members and friends.
Ahead of the bride’s arrival, the groom’s father Eric along with his brothers David and Eric Walton Jnr and brother of the bride Brandon Burke could be seen receiving a final briefing from The Rev Fr Franklyn Jackson as well as the groom’s uncle, Rev Basil McLeod.
With the church now almost at capacity the musical strains of St Elmo’s Fire heralded the bride’s arrival. Simple but exquisitely styled in a form-fitting strapless gown with layers of flouncing, an orchid pinned to the side of her loosely rolled chignon and clutching long-stemmed lilies, the bride entered on the arm of her father Andrew, stopping midway for her beloved grandfather, former legendary trade union consultant Will ‘Vonnie’ Isaacs, before making her way to her expectant groom. This tender, yet poignant moment triggered copious amounts of tears and it took some time for the bride to regain her composure. The carefully selected hymns Thank You Lord and Bind Them Together Lord allowed for some lusty singing inside the quaint chapel. Scripture readings came from Debra Ann Powell, and Shani Shirley ‘walked’ them through the sand ceremony.
The reception followed at Rockhill, Silver Sands, a well-appointed villa that allowed appropriate intimacy, jaw-dropping vista and enough space for the many children in attendance to roam. Guests entered to the sound of steel music, and waiters were on hand to offer refreshing martinis and tasty canapés. The décor by Aiesha Panton featured bamboo cabanas that lent themselves to the relaxed feel of four-poster beds, bistro seating and an elegant lounge area. The bride and groom were seated at a table for two on the stage. The proceedings, ably handled by MC Michael Hall of Deliworks, provided suitable insight into how the couple met and their strong family bond. The speech from best man David Walton and that of his brother the groom Yohannes Nodsen-Mills Walton left all satisfied that this marriage would last as long as that of the groom’s parents, 36 years.
The cake created by the bride’s aunt Jackie Hall was cut with much trepidation by the couple, with the bride declaring after being fed a forkful by her husband that it was ‘nice’. The couple opened the dance floor to the sound of Al Green’s Let’s Stay Together ahead of their special song I Found A Reason To Live. Supper provided by Celeste Gordon was a gastronomical treat of grilled beef tenderloin, jerked chicken with mango chutney, shrimp pasta with basil cream and chilli flakes as well as a veggie pasta and salad bar. There was too an elegant spread of desserts: mini chocolate cup cakes, mango and strawberry mini cheesecakes, cookies, a cheeseboard and Blue Mountain coffee.
With the musical styling of Jazzy T, the festivities moved swiftly into full gear. The couple enjoyed the upscale Ralph Lauren-designed Round Hill Resort & Villas for their honeymoon.
