Vows – The ‘Ridim’ of Love
When Rory Mitchell, systems administrator at the Jamaica Biscuit Company, first laid eyes on Panmedia online marketing manager Donnett Smith, 10 years ago, in the rehearsal room of the UWI Panoridim Steel Orchestra, he knew that she was the one. The pair quickly became known as pan royalty around the UWI, Mona campus and on Saturday, April 19, the college sweethearts tied the knot in an intimate ceremony held at the University Chapel, UWI, Mona.
Known for his ability to find the simplest solutions to any problem,Mitchell opted to propose to Smith in a way that best reflected his personality. So, with her parents’ blessings, he devised a strategy: he told Smith that he would pick her up for work; when she opened the door, there he was on bended knee. It worked! She accepted his proposal.
Here Comes The Bride…
It all came together perfectly on a balmy April morning. Organist Noel Dexter set the tone inside the majestic chapel, with a selection of hymns as family and friends slipped into the pews and the groom and groomsmen captured the moment on their smartphones. Ushers were kept busy seating guests and distributing programmes smartly designed as fans by groomsman Keiran King. The chords of In Your Hands signalled the start of the ceremony.
With careful steps the bridesmaids, wearing green gowns designed by the bride’s older sister and maid of honour Ingrid Smith, made their way up the aisle. The flower girl, Rachel Palmer, paved the way for the bride strewing rose petals on the runner, and Johann Pachelbel’s Canon in D announced her arrival.
Smith’s entrance was spectacular. Escorted by proud dad Aldin Smith, and to nods of approval and wide smiles she made her way up the aisle in a white mermaid gown which featured a sweetheart neckline and crystal-beaded bodice with lace detail. A fingertip-length veil with crystal beading covered her face. Her bouquet was comprised of white roses, baby’s-breath ferns and chrysanthemums.
Officiated by Reverend Garth Minott, the ceremony combined laughter, romance and tradition.
With the vows said, the unity candle lit and the marriage register signed, Reverend Minott elicited chuckles and thunderous applause as he introduced the newly-weds as Mr and Mrs Rory Smith instead of Mr & Mrs Rory Mitchell. This was duly corrected and the happy couple made their way down the aisle to Felix Mendelssohn’s Wedding March.
The Reception:
The lunch reception was held in the Blue Mountain Suite of the Knutsford Court Hotel in St Andrew which was elegantly decorated by the hotel’s wedding team who used embellished white candles on each table to further add to the romantic setting.
Guests enjoyed a well-thought-out menu created by hotel chef Coatiest Gabbidon to the musical strains of the UWI Panoridim Steel Orchestra. The formalities ably handled by master of ceremonies and family friend of the groom’s parents Elaine Wint,saw the cutting of the Leanne Morrison-designed cake and a magical rendition of Michael Jackson’s classic song Ben delivered on the harmonica by Jamaica Observer ace-photographer and the bride’s godfather Michael Gordon. Other highlights included maid of honour Ingrid Smith’s toast to the couple’s continued health and success and best man Paul Allen, who sang the praises of the groom’s parents as well as the groom’s ‘ingenuity’.
The air of romance continued as the couple enjoyed their first dance as husband and wife to Al Green’s Let’s Stay Together; a song they shared with Vows that truly expresses their feelings for each other.
Vows extends heartiest congratulations to the newly-weds. The couple is currently on their honeymoon at Disneyland in Orlando, Florida.
