Vows – Let’s Get Married!
Orthopaedic surgeon at Kendall Regional Medical Center in Florida Matthew Clarke wed stunning financial consultant (formerly of Goldman Sachs and Scotiabank as a Caribbean Associate) Alisha Buddle at the Hyatt Ziva, Montego Bay — indeed, theirs was the property’s first wedding — on Saturday, December 13 at 4:30 pm. Vows shares their journey to the altar.
How They Met…
Matthew and Alisha caught each other’s eye from afar in Jamaica, but they were not officially introduced until 2005 in Washington, DC by mutual friends. Matthew was doing his residency in orthopaedics at Howard Hospital and Alisha was pursuing her studies in civil engineering at Howard University. What began as a friendship then grew into something much more…
The Proposal (as told to Vows by Alisha)
Matthew and I dated for six years. Of course, we spoke about the possibility of getting married and starting a family; however, it was always a “future” conversation. Realistically, we are both very career- oriented and -driven individuals.
Unfortunately, our professions took us to different states and, eventually, countries. We were focused on fulfilling our lifelong career dreams and aspirations and worked diligently together to be as supportive as possible through this journey. We were soulmates and knew we would eventually be together… I just never expected it to happen on my birthday, January 1, 2014.
For the past couple of years, we have always ushered in the New Year with friends… 2014 was to be no different. We planned on going to a New Year’s Eve party in Norbrook. Matthew decided that we should go for dinner (he wanted to try out the new Greek restaurant called Opa) and then head to the party after.
A Birthday Gift Of A Lifetime…
We had a great dinner as usual, chatting and giggling as we shared our meal. Apart from the occasional breaking of plates, it was perfect. At 15 minutes to midnight I started to get a little antsy as we didn’t have much time to wrap up and make it to the party before the fireworks.
Matthew, on the other hand, was very relaxed… he thought there was no need to rush. We sat and had dessert and rang in the New Year holding hands and looking into each other’s eyes.
As we walked towards the car, he came over to my side. I thought he was about to open the door for me. He then got down on one knee in an empty parking lot and asked me to be his wife. This was the best birthday and New Year’s gift that anyone could ask for… of course, I said yes!
Here Comes The Bride…
It was a sunset wedding perfectly staged on the terrace at the Hyatt Ziva hotel with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. Guests were mesmerised by the magical décor with the focal point being a canopy with white sheer draping, crystal backdrop and a full floral garland with white and blue hydrangeas, roses and calla lilies.
The guests were entertained by the amusing pastor, Charles Brivett. Throughout the ceremony, noted soprano Ana Strachan provided various musical selections, including the bridal entrance song A Thousand Years by Christina Perri. The beautiful bride’s entrance brought the bridal party, including the groom, to tears.
What She wore…
Alisha was stunning in a softly tapered lace gown by Allure Couture, which was gorgeously embroidered with exotic lace and intricate beading along the neckline down the deep V back. Her bouquet was of calla lilies and roses with pearl accents created by her aunt Ruth Johnson. “The first time Matthew gave me flowers they were calla lilies, so it was very important to incorporate same throughout,” Alisha said.
London-based hairdresser Patricia Rose did her hair, while Joni from Gourmet Make-up ensured the bride was picture-perfect.
The Groom…
Matthew was dapper in a custom-built grey suit with black shawl lapel and trim by Carlton Brown.
The Bridal Party…
The bridesmaids were beautiful in long, flowy, chiffon dresses from David’s Bridal while the groomsmen stood elegant in Ralph Lauren suits.
At the end of the ceremony the bride and groom were ushered away by celebrated photographer Dwayne Watkins to take the official photographs.
Cocktails ahead of the Reception…
Guests enjoyed a signature drink called blue orchid and enjoyed the music of a live steel band. The more adventurous among them took pictures with props in the photo booth provided by Freeze Frame.
The Reception…
The reception was held in the ballroom of the Hyatt Ziva, which was exquisitely decorated by Paulette Henry of Blooming Designs. The fairy-tale setting featured hints of blue and platinum.
The table was adorned with cascading floral centrepieces of hydrangeas, calla lilies, orchids and roses along with crystal and silver candleholders. The bridal party was seated at an elevated head table with a 12-ft white tufted backdrop with blue glittered initials.
Let The Fun Begin…
The members of the bridal party, announced by the evening’s master of ceremonies Ron Young, made their entrance to the upbeat soca sounds of My Team by Jaiga followed by the bride and groom who danced their way to the head table to Rude by Magic!.
What They Ate…
Dinner commenced with corn bisque and continued with a roasted pear salad, barley and wild rice salad, vegetarian peperonata, roman chicken, roasted fish and filet mignon served with roasted new potatoes, creamy polenta, sweet plantain mash, roasted butternut squash, pickled vegetables and charred corn salsa. This menu was created by executive chef Maximo Garcia Lopez.
The Theme Was Love…
DJ Sanjay from Fame FM played a light selection of love songs during the reception, much to the delight of many who sang along throughout the evening.
The reception was highlighted by a touching speech by the maid of honour Grace Hewitt, a friend from New York. A humorous toast given by the best man and brother of the groom, Christopher Clarke, had the guests in stitches. This was then capped off by a poignant speech by the groom dedicated to his bride that brought her and many other guests to tears.
After-Party…
The after-party room was decked out with an Illuminated bar, sofas, ottomans and a monogrammed dance floor. Guests were wowed by the ambiance as they gathered to watch the bride and groom take their first dance as husband and wife to Waiting in Vain by Annie Lennox. This song was specially selected by the groom and was an absolute surprise to the bride. There was then a mother/son dance and a mother/daughter dance.
The formalities over, guests were welcomed to the dance floor as DJ Sanjay turned the vibe up with music from various genres. Some guests danced the night away while others nibbled on a wide selection of desserts (triple chocolate mousse, rum-soaked cherries, Jamaica Blue Mountain tiramisu, apple walnut nougatine tart and tropical fruit crostatina). There was also a food station present at the after-party which offered a selection of beef and chicken sliders.
Other Highlights…
Garter Toss: Was caught by DJ Sanjay as most of the men shied away from catching it.
Bouquet: The fight was on but it was caught by the bride’s friend from The Cayman Islands, Samantha Bonner.
Cake: Puerto Rican pastry chef Hector Cardwood created the three-tier amaretto pound with raspberry filling metallic blue and platinum cake.
Honeymoon: The newly-weds will travel to Santorini, Greece and Turkey later this year as they wanted to spend Christmas and the New Year with family in Jamaica.
