VOWS – Better Together
“I will never understand how I, a quiet kid from North Carolina, landed this Jamaican beauty, but I’m very appreciative and excited to begin our lives together.”
Trinity Design Build preservation contractor Richard Lee Kane — son of retired lawyer Richard Kane and homemaker wife Hanna – uttered these words to much applause as his reception came to a close. The subject of his affections, Angela Dawn Chuck, a swim coach at Duke University, and daughter of Delroy Chuck — speaker of the House of Representatives — and homemaker wife Patricia — exuded happiness by his side. It was a long time coming for those who knew them. They met through a mutual friend at Tyler’s restaurant nearly four years prior; and it was love at first sight for Richard. He had seen a photograph of her months before, and was quite anxious to meet her. Luckily for him she too was intrigued, and a relationship followed shortly thereafter.
Until last year when Richard decided it was time to take their relationship to new heights, and carefully constructed his proposal… literally, that is. He wanted it to be perfect, unpretentious, yet irresistible, so he did it the best way he knew how. He combined craftsmanship with romance to sweep her off her feet. An unsuspecting Angela was shown an exquisite entertainment centre he created just for her. It was indeed lovely! He then bent down to open a special compartment inside, then turned around on one knee to surprise her with a ring. Tears filled her eyes; she knew just what to say… an emotive ‘yes!’ was followed by a close embrace, and almost instantly, their wedding plans begun.
Enter the big day just over a year later — May 7, 2011 to be precise. Family and friends gathered on a warm Saturday evening to witness the holy matrimony officiated by Charles Manderson and the groom’s college roommate Rossiter Chellis at St Mary Parish Church. Guests enjoyed the soothing sounds of organist Dwight McBean as they quenched themselves with Good Life water presented to them on entrance. Then as the clock struck 3:30, the bridal party made their entrance. First came the dashing groomsmen, led by best man and father of the groom Richard Kane. They wore bespoke suits from their personal collections accentuated with ties by Dessy. The stylishly outfitted mother of the bride and groom followed shortly after, and then the adorable flower girl Zoe Brooker, who paused en route to the altar to gaze around the chapel in amazement. Next were the beautiful bridesmaids in Bill Levkoff designs, ornamented with enchanting bouquets of roses and alstroemerias. Seconds later a hush fell inside the church, and the sea waves lapping against the rocks outside were clearly audible as guests waited for the bride. The walls then echoed with the strains of Purcell’s Trumpet in D as a confident Angela glided up the aisle on her father’s arm, surrounded by the ethereal setting created by event stylist Ann-Marie Wyss. She was the picture of timeless beauty in a Rosa Clara strapless design, which clung to her curves and cascaded gently to the floor. Her Primrose Gourzong-styled hair and make-up perfectly accented her natural beauty, and she clutched a spray of white roses and orchids with a deep red lip in her hands. She completely stopped the groom in his tracks.
The two locked eyes throughout, and an emotive ceremony ensued before they performed a sand ceremony and signed the marriage register. Elizabeth Beam serenaded them with a wonderful rendition of Through The Eyes Of Love. They then sealed their love with a kiss, and exited the chapel arm in arm as man and wife, ready to celebrate their future together at the picturesque Prospect Great House in St Ann. On arrival at the historic venue, guests enjoyed cocktails and entertainment by the Depass brothers ahead of venturing into the exquisitely designed marquee, brought to life with hanging lights, crystals and the couple’s wedding colours in magenta and teal. The reception, much like the wedding, was a joyous and rather humorous affair, with laughter and copious glasses of champagne, which flowed throughout the evening as everyone toasted the newly-weds. There was, too, an impressive spread by Suzanne Couch which was enjoyed by all, followed by sinfully sweet desserts by Anna-Kay Lazarus. Then came the first dance — Jack Johnson’s Better Together provided the perfect theme song for the couple who were totally in sync as they locked eyes and shared many passionate kisses. The celebrations continued throughout the night as they danced up a storm alongside guests, ahead of a one-week honeymoon cruise around the Caribbean.
