Vows – Once Upon A Time In The West
Physician’s sales consultant Shani Burton wed executive recruiter Edwin Jativa on Saturday, October 18 at Bellefield Great House, Montego Bay.
Vows shares their wonderful story.
How they met (as told to Vows by the bride)…
HYSICIAN’S sales consultant Shani Burton, and executive recruiter, Edwin Jativa, who both reside in Florida, first met at a local sports bar in Delray Beach. Edwin, originally from New York, is typically a laid-back, jeans and T-shirt kind of guy and thought that Shani, originally from Jamaica, may have been a little too high-maintenance for him.
“However,” she said, “after hanging out with me for a while, he realised I was very down-to-earth and said he became intrigued and was determined to get to know me better. In turn, I thought he was super-funny, interesting and made me laugh. We both lived in different cities. Edwin lived in Ft Lauderdale and at the time I lived in West Palm Beach. Each weekend we would alternate the commute to see each other.
“The first couple of dates were kept low-key, but as we got to know each other better, it quickly became clear to both of us that what was happening was something different. This was special! There was a very deep love, respect and admiration that we shared. We understood each other, shared similar goals and values… we genuinely loved spending time with each other. Eventually, Edwin decided that he was ready to make the ultimate life commitment! “
The Proposal (as told to Vows by Edwin Jativa)
July (2013), we had decided that our annual trip was going to be Mexico. However, prior to us leaving, I had called Shani’s father who lives in Jamaica and asked for his blessing in asking her to marry me. He gave me quite the speech on the commitment of marriage, but thankfully he said ‘YES!’
It was Shani’s birthday and I had co-ordinated with the hotel management on picking the right atmosphere and location for our special night. I knew Mexico was notorious for having spectacular sunsets and I wanted the location to be close to the ocean.
After doing some research, Trattoria Limoncello proved to be the perfect place. It was a charming restaurant on the edge of Nichupte Lagoon in Cancún. The staff reserved a section of the restaurant just for us. After enjoying a great Italian meal, the chef personally came out and served our final course — their signature Limoncello cake.
Next to the cake, they neatly placed the ring with the words, “Will you marry me?” I nervously got down on one knee, formally propsed and awaited her response. Luckily she said ‘YES!’ Needless to say, it was an amazing night for both of us.
The Dress (as told to Vows by the bride)…
I have always had very discerning taste when it comes to fashion and wanted to make sure that this very special dress was going to reflect the essence of who I am.
Admittedly, I tried on close to 80 dresses, but couldn’t find anything that gave me that special feeling.
Fast-forward six months later. I went to Merlili boutique in Coral Gables, Florida, with a friend of mine and my mother who was visiting from Jamaica.
Within five minutes of walking into the store my mother saw this dress and said, “Shani, I have found your dress!” I absolutely fell in love! It was an exquisite light ivory, drop-waist ball gown designed by Coco Anais. Custom changes were made by adding layers of tulle under the skirt for a fuller look, the train was extended and detachable pearl epaulettes, designed by Efrat Davidsohn, were added to create the one-of-a-kind dress.
To complete the look I wore pearl jewellery, also designed by Efrat, and a couture 1920s-inspired cap veil with blusher made of English net, silk organza and dainty Chantilly lace, made by British wedding designer Sarah Morgan.
Later in the evening, I swapped my veil for a vintage gold halo made of pearls. The bridal bouquet consisted of pale pink roses and lisianthus, white orchids, green pitt seeded eucalyptus and hanging ivy.
The bridesmaids wore eggplant tulle over Mikado trumpet gowns with floral organza embroidery made by Noir by Lazaro, black birdcage veils and Victorian Revival amethyst earrings. The groom wore a classic black tuxedo by Joseph Abboud and the groomsmen wore black Vera Wang tuxedos with eggplant coloured neckties by Tommy Hilfiger.
The Ceremony
The ceremony took place in the Old Sugar Mill at the picturesque, Bellefield Great House in Montego Bay, on the evening of October 18, 2014. The décor played on the natural rustic, vintage setting and featured lots of aged lanterns adorned with pink and burlap bows, lace ribbons, hanging vines, white orchids, dried blackberries, preserved Texas tallow, moss and antique standing candelabras placed strategically at both entrances.
Ninety close family and friends, who came from the United States, Ecuador, England and, of course, Jamaica gathered to witness the exchange of the vows in a traditional Christian ceremony officiated by Rev Dr Peter Garth of Hope Gospel Assembly. Violinist Jose Salgado serenaded the guests with classical compositions prior to the ceremony and again during the ceremony.
The groom, best man (Pedro Jativa, the groom’s brother) and his groomsmen (consisting of long-time friends Laszlo Kovacs and Daniel Howard) entered the ceremony first to The Prayer, then the bridesmaids (the bride’s sisters, Safiya Chisholm and Zahra Burton) entered to Tennessee by Mark Zimmer.
Guests seated in a circular pattern on the upper deck Iooked down on the proceedings as the bride was escorted up the aisle by her father Erwin Burton (former Deputy CEO of GraceKennedy Ltd) to the strains of Your Love, Once Upon A Time In The West by Andrea Bocelli.
Guests later told the couple that it looked like they had travelled back in time to the medieval era. Included in some of the formalities was a solo musical performance by the bride’s cousin Candace Thorbourne, who sang You Have All Our Future In Your Hands. Also a special poem With God As Your Partner recited in both Spanish and English by the bride’s aunts. Corine Thorbourne recited the Spanish version first, followed by the English version which was read by Patrica Thompson.
The ceremony concluded with the lighting of the unity candle, which symbolised the two becoming one. Upon the proclamation of marriage, José Salgado played Handel’s ALLA HORNPIPE and the bride and groom exited the ceremony to the applause of guests.
Cocktail Hour and Reception
Following the ceremony, guests had a chance to mingle and enjoy cocktails and the couple’s signature drink while listening to local music from steel pan maestro Brenton Murray from Groove in Steel.
Later, guests made their way to the tented reception located on the back lawns of the great house. The vintage flare carried through to the reception décor where the colour palette reflected antique gold, pinks, plums and a hint of black. The bride’s favourite candles were utilised at each table and the scent of spiced rum, vanilla and lavender infused the air with a delightful aroma.
To add that final touch, gold crystal chandeliers were strategically placed throughout the tent and candelabras and urns featuring beautiful florals comprised of lavender roses, hydrangeas, calla lilies, cymbidiums, dried blackberries, seeded eucalyptus and hanging ivy adorned each table.
Master of ceremonies Brion Ross announced the couple’s arrival at the reception, following which the couple danced their way in to the sound of WEPA by Gloria Estefan.
Prior to dinner being served, guests viewed a ‘Then and Now’ picture slide show that featured highlights of the couple’s relationship. The Promise, the theme song from one of the couple’s favourite movies, Napoleon Dynamite, was used as the accompanying music. Music from Harry Belafonte and Sergio Mendes served as background music while guests enjoyed their dinner.
Cheers To The Newly-Weds
Toasts were raised by best man Pedro Jativa, sisters of the bride Zahra Burton and Safiya Chisholm, the bride’s father Erwin Burton, Hayden Shields and the groom’s uncle, Gilbert Vinueza.
A special thank you was delivered by the bride’s mother, Cynthia, to Shani’s former teacher Sandra Minott, who mentored and played a pivotal role in her youth. An impromptu performance of a superb medley of songs — to the delight of all — by the bride’s cousins, the original Brick and Lace & I Candy, also took place.
Shani and Edwin opened the dance floor to Now and Forever by Richard Marx. The father and daughter/mother and son dance followed to the song That’s Life by Frank Sinatra. The bouquet and garter toss was followed by the cutting of the amazing four-tier almond and chocolate cake provided by pastry chef extraordinaire and sister of the bride, Safiya Chisholm of Pastry Passions.
Formalities over, guests were invited on the dance floor where they danced to the upbeat tempo of soca, dancehall and salsa provided by DJ Gary Love and enjoyed decadent pastry from the dessert table. Souvenirs were 200ml Appleton Estate VX rum.
Honeymoon
The couple will enjoy a multi-city tour of Italy next June.
Special thanks to the amazingly talented Vanessa Johnson from Tai Flora; Andrea Gordon and the staff at Bellefield Great House; my wonderful makeup artist Dominique ‘Ladybug’ Mitchell of Gourmet Makeup; hair stylist Alexis Roberts; Adrian McDonald Photography; Jodianne Murdock of ZedoJ Events and Weddings; Raldane Wright for transportation; Cover Me Up Tents; and Winnie and Jamie McConnell at Cozy Cove Villa for making our stay comfortable and memorable.
