Vows – A Beautiful Connection
Just under a year ago, businessman and professional motor car racer Andrew Balbour had nearly given up on finding true love. In fact, on a lunch date with his childhood friend Gina Blair-Walker, who was visiting the island, he lamented that perhaps there was ‘no one’ for him, and he was tired of failing relationships. Walker instantly decided to play matchmaker, asking Balbour to take her to a friend’s house to collect something after their meal. Enter massage therapist Rebecca Kawass, a close friend of Walker’s and a complete stranger to Balbour. The visit took Kawass by surprise. Indeed, she was in the kitchen far from dolled up and in the middle of preparing dinner when they arrived. A five-minute conversation ensued before she returned to the kitchen. Balbour felt an instant connection. “I could see that she was such a beautiful soul… pleasant, with a very positive, inviting energy, and I wanted to stay and talk,” he told Vows. He shared his intrigue with Walker, who offered to let Rebecca know how he felt, but he suggested that she ask if they could talk via BlackBerry Messenger, which was more unobtrusive. Rebecca obliged the following day, and the pair spoke all day.
Balbour visited her briefly the next day to let her know he was leaving the island on business for a month, surprising her with a rose and her favourite cupcakes. The connection deepened as they conversed daily, hardly able to sleep through a full night. He also arranged for a friend to deliver an “I Miss You” card to her while he was away, and when he returned they became inseparable. Four months later, they realised they had found their soul mates, and though it was still ‘new’, Andrew was sure that this was it, and started planning his proposal. The two had arranged a five-day Easter getaway at Iberostar with friends, so he thought the occasion would be perfect. As soon as they checked in, Andrew told Rebecca he had to drive to Rick’s Café to collect a cheque, and asked her to accompany him for the ride. She was a bit irritated, saying he should have collected it first, but eventually obliged. Little did she know their trip was perfectly timed for them to arrive at sunset, and everything was discreetly reserved in advance. Andrew pretended to collect the envelope from someone, then suggested that they have a drink by the cliffs. While he clasped her hands, Rebecca commented that they were very sweaty. Undaunted, Andrew professed his love for her, then got down on one knee and asked for her hand in marriage. Caught completely off guard, Rebecca whispered ‘yes’ as her eyes filled with tears.
The wedding plans commenced almost instantly, and they decided on Webster Memorial United Church, with the reception at a friend’s residence in Cherry Gardens. When the big day came, Reverend Oliver Daley, assisted by Reverend Astor Carlyle, officiated their nuptials, with Rebecca’s sister, Tanya Cuthbert, as matron of honour, and Balbour’s close friend of 23 years, Wayne Forbes, as the best man. The bridegroom looked dashing in a Kenneth Cole slim-cut suit, adjusted by local designer Simone Neilson for a clean, sharp fit, while his beautiful bride swanned up the aisle to meet him in an exquisite vintage lace creation by Jon’s Bridal.
Their wedding décor, created by Karl Hart, featured purple accented with white orchids — both highly symbolic to their relationship. A spectacular evening ensued as they celebrated their new life together with family and friends ahead of cutting their Nyla D’Andrea cake, and sharing their first dance to Forever More by reggae crooners Alaine and Tarrus Riley while their guests applauded around them. Balbour had a major motor rally a few days later, so they spent their first night together at the Spanish Court Hotel. The honeymoon will take place in Tuscany later this year.
