Vows – Wedding in Paradis
Adam and Jennifer were introduced by a mutual friend in December of 2005 at a pub in New York City. They confessed that it was love at first sight as they found it difficult to take their eyes off each other. While talking with Adam, Jennifer discovered that the two had attended the same high school, but she had no memory of him back then. “To this day it remains a huge blow to his ego that I didn’t know who he was — he was two years ahead of me,” she explained. The couple dated for a few years before Adam proposed in 2010.
The proposal was sentimental for many reasons: Adam proposed on Trinidad State Beach in Humboldt County, California, where Jennifer lived for almost a decade, and it took place during a trip celebrating Adam’s birthday. Unfortunately for Adam, the proposal didn’t go exactly as planned. The ring wasn’t done in time for the trip and as a result was not delivered to him. He was so eager to propose that he decided to go ahead with the proposal anyway. “I was so surprised that I honestly didn’t even think he was serious, so I told him I’d give him my answer after I saw the ring. Of course,” she continued wth a smile, “the second I realised he was serious I said YES without hesitation!” She then had to wait two days before seeing the ring and claimed, “It was the longest 48 hours of my life before actually seeing the ring — which, by the way, he designed entirely by himself!”
The wedding took place atop the cliffs of Negril’s west end at Villas Sur Mer. The couple chose Jamaica not only because they wanted a destination wedding, but they also both feel “a deep-rooted connection to Jamaica — the people, the food, the culture, the music — so our souls feel at peace when we are here. One day we’d like to make Jamaica our home!” The couple, in keeping with the laid-back feel of Negril, opted for a boho-chic wedding with natural and subtle hints of elegance. This was executed perfectly by Ophelia McKnight of Bridal Affaire. “Ophelia and her team helped to make our entire weekend the most auspicious and memorable time of our lives!” the bride confessed.
The ceremony, which was officiated by Captain Ayemeng, commenced with the arrival of the bridal party. The bridesmaids wore silk chiffon dresses by J Crew while the groomsmen styled in J Crew suits with belts from Rasta Empire. The sound of Unconditional Love by Jah Cure signalled the arrival of the bride who was accompanied up the aisle by her brother, Timothy Weaver. Unfortunately, Jennifer’s dad was unable to do the honours because he was undergoing aggressive treatment for stage IV brain cancer. Her father was close to her heart during the ceremony as the only piece of jewellery she wore was a gold locket around her neck with his picture in it. The bride, who clutched a bouquet of green cymbidiums and white dendrobium orchids created by Floral Fantasies, was absolutely stunning in a beautiful lace gown by Lanvin which she paired with Manolo Blahnik shoes. Her hair and make-up were done by Debra Barrett of Salon Negril. The bridegroom styled in a suit by Hugo Boss with shoes from Barneys.
The reception followed at the Seaside Villa at the same location. The couple found the toasts the most memorable part of the evening. “The entire night was a ‘love fest’ — people arrived as complete strangers and left feeling connected to each other,” shared Jennifer. The wedding was catered by chef Oji Jaja of Ashebre llc, with the wedding cupcakes — red velvet, carrot and chocolate — created by Alecia Woodbine. The couple had their first dance to In Love With You by Erykah Badu featuring Stephen Marley. The newly-weds, family members and friends partied till the wee hours of the morning.
