Vows
Don’t know much about History,
Don’t know much Biology,
Don’t know much about a Science book,
Don’t know much about the French I took
But I do know that I love you,
And I know that if you love me too,
What a wonderful world this would be.
— Don’t Know Much About History by Sam Cooke
WEDDING bells announced the nuptials of Rhona Whitely and Dwayne Beckford on December 29, 2014 at the University Chapel of the West Indies. VOWS was on location.
How They Met…
According to Rhona, a teacher at Calabar High School, she met aspiring Visual Arts teacher Dwayne Beckford in the administrative offices one day when he came in for an interview. “He applied for the Visual Arts teaching position and had shown up for his interview when we first met,” she recalls. “I was in the main office when he came to inquire about directions to the interview room. We struck up a short conversation just before he went off to be interviewed. Moments later, I found out that he got the job!
Dwayne and I became fast friends; I started to realise his devotion and support in 2008, when my boyfriend at the time met in a fatal car accident. During this low period, Dwayne was a shoulder to lean on, cry on, he was my support system. Our relationship moved from being colleagues to close friends when a staff concert forced us to perform a lip-sync duet and play as cast members in a drama club production. I noticed a shift in our relationship in 2009; we grew closer until eventually we fell in love.
Dwayne went abroad to study in Cuba on scholarship for almost four years. Initially, communicating was a struggle as we had to weather poor connectivity, high calling rates to Cuban lines, and were only able to see each other on holiday breaks.
During his stay overseas we managed to celebrate birthday milestones, holidays and social gatherings with family and friends. Though our time apart created a challenge, the old saying: “Absence makes the heart grow fonder” proved true because we were determined to remain faithful and devoted to each other.
The Proposal (as told by Rhona)
Dwayne told me to get dressed up for dinner, as we didn’t get to celebrate Valentine’s Day together. Upon reaching the restaurant I noticed he seemed nervous. We’d just finished our main course when we started talking about our future together. His nerves were transferred to me the second he asked if I wanted a real commitment and whether I wanted to start a family with him — things we’ve discussed in the past, but somehow felt different this time around.
He then gave me a card asking me to marry him.
With much excitement I shouted “YES!” as I watched him reach for my purse and pull out a ring that I didn’t even know was there. He went down on one knee and proposed, while everyone around us cheered him on.
The Ceremony…
The school-themed wedding was perfect for the University Chapel of the West Indies venue. The short ceremony commenced with a unity painting ceremony, followed by the bridal procession. Rhona’s ivory white gown mesmerised guests and family members as she made her way up the aisle to her eager bridegroom — now in tears — escorted by her brother DeJaune Blake to Maurette Brown Clark’s The One He Kept For Me.
Ashley Palmer and Adrianna Gabbidon later treated guests to a thrilling dance performance to Céline Dion and Andrea Bocelli’s The Prayer, followed by the bridal party’s recession to Chris Brown’s Forever.
What She Wore…
Rhona looked gorgeous in an ivory ruched sweetheart neckline Mori Lee gown complete with a ruffled hem and intricate beaded detailing along the bust. A floor-length lace appliquéd veil complemented the fit and flare of the hourglass silhouette.
The Bridegroom
Dwayne wore a crisp three-piece charcoal suit with black trimming by London designer Marc Darcy, complete with a black shirt, matching silk tie and a white rose boutonnière.
The Bridal Party…
The bridesmaids were lovely in coral one-shoulder, floor-length chiffon dresses, while the maid of honour was draped in a turquoise chiffon, boat-neck gown with lace netting embellished with flower detailing. The groomsmen wore black Calvin Klein suits with vests and ties to match the bridesmaids’ dresses.
Class is in session!
The bridal party and loved ones journeyed to the beautiful Struan Castle Gardens in Stony Hill, St Andrew, for a young and hip class party celebration. Upon arrival, they embarked on a schoolyard playground reception to swing sets, trampolines and slides, and a veritable classroom setting with guests in groups representing various subject areas.
The couple ensured their loved ones had a fun time with games and activities and rewarded each of them with a “Rhona and Dwayne” wedding badge souvenir. To send their best wishes, guests were directed to a bowl of stationery and school supplies for an Arts & Craft session, followed by a presentation of their artwork.
Guests dined on local fare catered by Struan Castle Gardens. Words of welcome followed from emcees Sanya Brown-Duggan and Derval Taylor. Debra Harris kick-started the formalities with a toast to the parents, followed by Abigail Anderson’s toast to the bride and a toast to the groom from best man Jerome Nesbeth. The newly-weds performed a lip-sync commemorating the first time they met to Peabo Bryson’s My Heart Belongs To You ahead of enjoying their first dance as husband and wife to Jim Brickman’s Love Of My Life.
The unveiling of the cake…
The two-tiered red velvet Sandra Brady creation, layered with silver rhinestones and red calla lilies streaming down the sides, was draped in blue cheese icing, sprinkled with coconut shavings.
The Honeymoon…
The couple sailed the Caribbean Sea on a week-long cruise.
