Designed For A Lifetime of Love
On this day we vow our love for each
other as we begin a new life together.
Lisa McIntosh and Quentin Aris’ wedding, which took place on Saturday, May 23, was one of those affairs that left guests – a gathering of close family and friends, on a perfect afternoon in a garden setting at The Ruins, Mona Visitor’s Lodge – feeling warm and fuzzy. ‘It’s exactly how we’ve always envisaged the day,’ explained Lisa McIntosh, Jamaica’s favourite dress designer.
‘We wanted something that reflected us. We’re real people and each of our guests was specially chosen to be here to celebrate with us in a relaxed, fun setting.’
It was all of this and more as the final chapters of a 14-year-old love story that commenced in Florida at a hair salon when their eyes first locked moved to a glorious happily ever after. ‘I returned to Jamaica and was working once again at a salon. ‘Que’ would visit the barber next door. We reckon it would be fair to say that love blossomed in between trims.’
The musical stylings of the Peter Ashbourne Ensemble welcomed guests to a garden oasis smartly enhanced by Jacqui Stephens of Exquisite Occasion who weaved her magic into a bamboo arch of white orchids, roses, chrysanthemums and lilies. Antique gold chavari chairs and pops of medium brown added sufficient hues atop the carpet runner. The groom, in a tan Carlton Brown linen suit, was all smiles as he awaited the arrival of his bride.
Lisa McIntosh was a vision of ‘fresh and fab’ as she stepped on the ivory runner, guided ever so proudly by dad, Glenford. She wore a strapless ivory and satin tulle empire design by David’s Bridal, and jewellery by Esther Jones of Kayli-Ashli’s Collection. In her hands she clutched an exquisite arrangement of mango calla lilies and Asiatic lilies and twigs.
Marriage Officer Silvera Castro led guests in an opening prayer followed by the hymn Thank You Lord, a reading from 1 Corinthians 13:2-13 by Winsome Haynes, and the stirring And He Will Raise You Up, led by Donna Haynes, preceded the exchange of wedding vows and blessing and exchange of rings.
With the register signed and the couple declared husband and wife, Lisa and Quentin stepped out into a sea of bubbles and the loving embrace of well-wishers.
The sound of R&B led guests from the wedding ceremony to the reception, where the real fun would begin. The speeches were moving and, yes, there were emotions held in check as the couple spoke to the rollercoaster of the last couple of weeks (Lisa’s brother was still in critical condition – the result of a motor vehicle accident).
The Selena Wong cake cut, Quentin’s public declaration of love as well as the couple’s first dance to When God Made You by NewSong over, it was now time to dance, eat, snap photos, enjoy more of family friend Colin’s superb comfort fare and leave space for desserts (the rum cake, in particular) so sinfully delicious that it was an effort in futility to resist each forkful.
Guests partied till the wee hours of the morning.
Lisa and Quentin will honeymoon in Berlin.
