The Power of Love
An answered prayer he is to me
My greatest blessing she’ll always be.
And so this day we’ll pledge our love
In front of family, friends and God above.
On Sunday, October 4, 2009, Tamara Bennett said “I do” to Leighton Whyte in an afternoon ceremony held at the Andrew’s Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kingston. The beautiful affair was witnessed by the couple’s family members and friends and was a celebration of their love and friendship.
Tower of strength
The pair, both Seventh-day Adventists, met while attending spiritual fellowship as students at the University of Technology. “We met at Adventist Fellowship, it was Men’s night and Tamara’s brother, Junior, stood up to speak about a woman who had been a tower of strength to him. He spoke about her wonderful attributes; he spoke of his sister, and his testimony piqued my interest in her,” Leighton told Vows.
Romance by the sea
Leighton’s interest in Tamara grew and over the years they became close friends. That admiration blossomed into love and four years later, Leighton took Tamara to Portland where he proposed on bended knee. Leighton shared the proposal with Vows: “She was most surprised when I went on my knee on a quiet and romantic beachside, popped out the well-hidden ring, and asked her to marry me. With uncontrollable and ecstatic laughter, without hesitation she said, “Yes!” We had our favourite Devon House ice cream, strolled the promenade, and reminisced on our journey thus far before driving back to Kingston with Tamara constantly looking at her finger, her face beaming.”
Modern Elegance
The bride was simply breathtaking as she walked up the aisle on the arm of her stepfather Errol Hunter. The chapel train gown designed by Jianini Fashion Inc in Florida and made locally at Petals & Promises Ltd, featured a sweetheart neckline, button detailing and delicate embroidery accents throughout the bodice and skirt. Her hair, styled in a half updo with soft ringlets adorned with a jewelled tiara, was modern and elegant. Tamara’s bridal bouquet, hand-tied white calla lilies, was created by Joy Lorde.
The groom Leighton complemented his bride in a dark suit by ZACCHI, from Porta Bella, New York.
The bridal party was also elegantly styled for the affair, outfitted in a colour scheme based on the couple’s love for the mango calla lily flower Matron of honour Monique Allen wore an A-line olive green dress while bridesmaids Anna-Kay Green, Antoinette Webber and Cassandra Morrison wore similar burnt orange dresses created by Hayley Roberts. Best man Mario Whyte and groomsmen Junior Bennett, Courtney Wilks and Sheldon Whyte complemented their beautiful counterparts in dark suits with co-ordinating waistcoats and ties and carnation boutonnières.
Adorable flower girl Amanda Fairman, wearing a white tulle dress, and ring bearer Jayden Whyte, outfitted in a dark suit, rounded out the party.
Officiants for the ceremony were pastors Donald Smith, Alanzo Whyte, Samuel Lewis and Alton Heslop. Joy Lorde was given the duty of bringing the couple’s classic contemporary theme to life, using the burnt orange and olive green colour scheme chosen to reflect the couple’s favourite flower, the mango calla lily. Groom Leighton explained the concept to Vows, “We chose to use the colours from the mango calla lily because it symbolises our love for simplicity and flourishing nature, reflected in the clean lines and earthy colour.”
Memorable moments included the cord ceremony, symbolising the union of the couple. Nuptials concluded and formalities complete, guests then headed to the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel where they were treated to poolside cocktails ahead of the dinner reception. The master of ceremonies for the evening was Elder Blake. Entertainment was provided by Aliesha Dunn and Jovan Whyte whose musical stylings were well received by the gathering.
The evening ended on a high note and included an open toast segment filled with high praises and blessings for the newly-weds.
The couple honeymooned at Breezes Runaway Bay.
