Vows – A Couple of Forevers
How They Met…
Aisha Kim Shikera Bedasse met Dwayne Anthony Jureidini some 20 years ago while the two were pursuing their high school diplomas at Campion College.
Six years later, their relationship outgrew the ‘just friends’ category when they decided to become a couple. Today Aisha is applications processing branch manager at the National Environment and Planning Agency, while Anthony is an art director for two magazines and visual artist/associate photographer at TeamDWP Studios.
After 14 years of courtship, the couple wed on Saturday, December 20 at an intimate ceremony in Norbrook. Vows shares their journey to the altar.
The Proposal (as told to VOWS by the bride)
“To this day I am still in shock. I had no idea and certainly did not expect it. He did a great job,” recalled Aisha. “Dwayne is very romantic, so it came as no surprise when, for my birthday (May 11, 2013) he bought me a dress from drennaLUNA and a pair of Bridget sandals; that’s when I knew we were going out. Oblivious to his plans, however, I played along. We dined at the Rojo Restaurant at the Spanish Court Hotel.
“After dinner I was under the impression that we would be going home for some quiet time and a movie, but to my surprise we would be spending the night at the hotel. Upon entering the room there were rose petals and candles all over — on the floor, on the bed, everywhere! I ventured to the bathroom where I was greeted by writings on the mirror which stated, “I think it would be wonderful if both our names had Jureidini on the end. Will you be mine forever? Check Yes or No”. I was in shock; I dashed into the bedroom to find Dwayne down on one knee with the ring in his hand, asking me to marry him. Of course, the answer was, YES!”
Just before the ceremony, the bride and bridegroom chose to have a private moment together in what they called a “first-look” period. They used this time to reflect on just how far they’ve come and all the blessings bestowed upon them.
The Ceremony…
The Reverend Grace Muschette performed the wedding ceremony, which took place in a rustic garden setting that was beautifully decorated by Kimberley Dunkley from Logistics By K2.
An intimate gathering of some 85 close family members and friends were in attendance.
The bridal party proceeded up the aisle to A Thousand Years by Christina Perri. Guests craned their necks as Aisha made her way up the aisle to her bridegroom, escorted by her father, Howard Bedasse, to Shayne Ward’s Breathless.
What She Wore…
Aisha stunned in an ivory mermaid floor-length corset dress with a sweetheart neckline and sweep train by Emma Designs, complemented by a birdcage veil and turquoise and silver heels. Her canary yellow bouquet creation by New Levels Décor was a blend of radiant sunflowers and dashing yellow roses. Her bridesmaids, Shari Bedasse and Michelle Robinson, were lovely in Christina Bernard-designed turquoise dresses paired with brown Ruff Cutz sandals and matching bouquets.
The Bridegroom…
Dwayne was dapper in a grey three-piece suit with a white shirt, turquoise tie and matching pocket square tailored by Calvin ‘Moonie’ Haye. His groomsmen, Hassan Donaldson and Orville Wood, were decked out in matching suits and ties.
Turn Down for What?
The bridal party entered the wedding reception to Lil Jon’s Turn Down For What as it was truly a soirée of celebrations. Dwayne certainly knows how to make his bride smile; he surprised her with a reception outfit shortly after the newly-weds said ‘I do’. Aisha traded her beautiful gown for a stunning white bandeau corset top with high-waist wide-legged pants and Ruff Cutz sandals to get into the groove.
MC Oswald ‘Ossie D’ Douglas kick-started the celebrations by introducing the couple to the sounds of the MatriMoney medley. The couple, arm in arm, shared their first dance as husband and wife to If This World Were Mine by Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn, after which they proceeded to their “bride and groom” gazebo for dining.
The bridal party, guests and well-wishers enjoyed Karl Hart-catered delectables under a rustic gazebo illuminated with dimly lit globe string lights that created a crisp, warm ambience. Hart’s signature lemonade cocktail, which was served in Mason jars became the perfect wedding souvenir.
Holiday by Maxi Priest pumped on the dancefloor as Music Master and DJ Blaze’s musical stylings brought guests to their feet to join the couple on the dance floor.
The day was not just about the happy couple, as they wanted everyone to have an equally wonderful time. Kimberly Dunkley of Logistics by K2 created a kids’ centre with fun games and activities for the little ones. Of course, the adults were just as much a part of the fun as the children were, as they laid on quirky party favours for keepsakes from the photo station.
The unveiling of the cake…
The topsy-turvy, vanilla-flavoured cake with Baileys buttercream filling was draped in white fondant and layered with edible flora of yellow roses, turquoise hydrangeas and white calla lilies – the delectable creation of Camille Flinn of Cake Couture Jamaica.
Guests partied till the wee hours of the morning. The couple spent their first night as husband and wife at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel and have plans for a first wedding anniversary honeymoon.
