Romance Beneath the Skyline
Vows brings you the nuptials of Dr Philip Bhoorasingh and Dr May-Phyo Nyi Nyi, who exchanged wedding vows at a cocktail ceremony held at the residence of Dr Trevor McCartney, followed by a dinner reception at the Terra Nova Hotel, on Saturday, February 27, 2010. Philip is the son of Dr Patrick Bhoorasingh and his wife Michelle, while his bride-to-be May-Phyo, is the daughter of Dr Nyi Nyi and his wife Daw Tin Tin Win. The nuptials, witnessed by the couple’s close relatives and friends, could best be described as a celebration of love and happiness, which beautifully combined the bride’s Burmese tradition with Western influences.
The couple met while attending medical school at the University of the West Indies, and their friendship later blossomed into love.
On Bended Knee
Philip shared the romantic proposal with Vows that came as quite the surprise: “The plan was to propose to May-Phyo on the beach at Kuyaba, Negril after dinner, but she was concerned about walking on the beach at night.” Philip was determined, however, to make his proposal a success: “While we were walking back to the parking lot I went down on one knee and waited for her to turn around and asked her to marry me,” he said. May-Phyo, though quite surprised, naturally said “yes”.
East Meets West
As the sun set on the picturesque St Andrew location, the bride was a study in perfection, as she appeared on the arm of her father, Dr Nyi Nyi, in a traditional Burmese wedding gown (ta-ma-thein) made of elaborately embellished delicate silk and comprised of a long-sleeved jacket and blouse that led to a gorgeous embellished train skirt. “This particular gown designed by popular Burmese designer Khin San Win, chosen to represent my Burmese culture, was borrowed from a family friend”, May-Phyo told Vows.
Her hair, styled in a sideswept chignon, adorned with delicate orchid blooms and subtle make-up, made her beauty seem effortless. Traditional Burmese slippers, pearls and a shawl worn on the left shoulder, complemented May-Phyo’s styling.
The bride carried a cascade bouquet– traditionally preferred for a Burmese wedding– of white phaleanopsis and cymbidium orchids with a touch of English Ivy. Her groom, Philip, the perfect counterpart, was smartly outfitted in a dark suit by Beautiful Brides and Mr Tux, contrasted by a silk waistcoat and tie, and an orchid boutonniere.
The bridal party was also elegantly styled for the evening; maid of honour and sister of the bride May-Su Nyi Nyi and bridesmaids May-Wine Nyi Nyi, Alexia Campbell and flower girl Michaela Bhoorasingh wore pink Burmese outfits designed by the mother and aunt of the bride. They carried bouquets of cymbidium orchids and pink and peach roses, and changed into JCrew cocktail dresses during the reception. Best man Dave Chin and groomsmen Pierre Bhoorasingh and Dave Rival wore dark suits form Beautiful Brides and Mr Tux and co-ordinating pink ties from Male Ego.
Officiating minister for the ceremony was Reverend Everald Galbraith, of Saxthorpe Methodist Church.
Special moments included the Burmese and Western unity ceremony. The Burmese unity ceremony conducted by the bride’s parents consisted of a large silver bowl of water. The couple’s hands were placed in the bowl and a white cloth was wrapped around their two hands while the parents said the blessings. May-Phyo shared the importance of the ceremony with Vows: “This is symbolic of hands uniting, as in Burmese language the word for marriage lat-htet literally translates to ‘hands join together’.”
Formalities and presentation of the newly-weds complete, guests headed to the reception held at the Terra Nova Hotel. The bride changed into her second choice for the evening, a strapless mermaid ivory train gown from the La Sposa 2009 collection called Fanal, purchased at I Do! I Do! Bridal located in Arizona.
Guests enjoyed the dinner reception and there were several toasts offering special blessings for the newly-weds such as the toast to the bride by her sisters that was emotional and touching. Best man Dave Chin provided much comic relief during his speech with his opening line: ” I hear the best man’s speech is not to last longer than the groom can make love…. So, good night.” The bride and her father took to the dance floor to the song I Loved Her First by American country group Heartland.
Honeymooners
The newly-weds spent their honeymoon on a four-night Western Caribbean cruise disembarking in Cozumel, Mexico, followed by a three-night stay in Orlando, Florida.
