VOWS: A Love Story
Registered architect Suzette Adams — daughter of former police superintendent Reneto Adams and nurse Lorraine Evans wed self-employed general contractor André Rickards — son of retired lawyer Michael Rickards and former teacher wife Eleanor on Saturday, August 13, 2011. Vows chronicles their journey to the altar…
Their love story…
… began in September of 2008 when they met on a boat en route to Lime Cay through mutual friends. Realising they shared a love for the beach, they conversed on and off throughout the day, and André requested her number before leaving and Suzette obliged. He called the next day, they discovered even more common interests, and became fast friends. André was happy to have met an independent, intelligent woman, while Suzette was relieved to find someone who had high standards and was ready to commit. They dated for nearly three years before André popped the question in October of last year.
The proposal…
… was a simple, private affair. Being the gentleman he is, André wanted to include Suzette’s father, and together they devised a plan to surprise her. He eventually abandoned the initial arrangement as her father wanted to make it an elaborate affair, but André knew Suzette would -appreciate something more intimate. He instead took her to dinner at Strawberry Hill and casually broached the subject over dinner. Of course, she said, “Yes”.
The big day…
… finally arrived on Saturday, August 13, 2011. The couple decided on a ‘no-frills’ summer wedding on the scenic lawns of Goblin Hill, Portland, witnessed by a handful of their family members and closest friends. Suzette epitomised grace as she clutched a small bouquet of white calla lilies while her father Reneto Adams escorted her to the garden to meet her groom. She wore a stunning ruffled off-white gown sourced at Leggenda Bridal Boutique in Florida, accentuated with flawless make-up by Loni Jones and an elegant chignon by Ayesha Haughton. Her accompanying bridesmaids styled in maize and kiwi-hued Alfred Angelo dresses and carried sunflowers and baby’s breath, while the groom and his groomsmen were suave in suits by Mr Tux. There was a brief, traditional ceremony officiated by family friend Reverend Garnet Roper, closing with a God’s Knot/cord of three strands ceremony to symbolise the couple’s marriage as a union between themselves and God.
The Reception…
… featured minimalist décor conceptualised by the bride and groom to emphasise the natural beauty of the venue with green, chocolate and a hint of yellow. Origami flower centrepieces in small burlap-wrapped clay pots adorned the tables, and everything was done by their close friends and family members as they wished to have their loved ones play a role to make their experience more memorable. André and Suzette exchanged pleasantries with their guests, many of whom shared humorous toasts, ahead of cutting into their exquisite chocolate wedding cake baked by the bride’s aunt, Lorna Osborne, and decorated by Nyla D’Andrea. Both lovers of simple pleasures, they enjoyed a fabulous afternoon interacting with their guests and enjoying the beautiful venue… a perfect start to the rest of their lives.
(Photographers: Fern Elise and Will Greenwood)
