Vows – Birds of a Feather

We’ve been together for a while now

We’re growing stronger every day now

It feels so good and there’s no doubt

I will stay with you, as each morning brings sunrise

And the flowers bloom in springtime

On my love you can rely

And I’ll stay with you.

Oh I’ll stay with you through the ups and the downs

Oh I’ll stay with you when no one else is around

And when the dark clouds arrive

I will stay by your side

I know we’ll be alright

I will stay with you.

— Stay With You by John Legend

fter a nine-year courtship, Niche Financing Limited’s Marketing & Sales Officer Jheanell Jowhill and Customer Service Representative at the Registrar General’s Department Andrew Adman tied the knot on January 10, at the Boulevard Baptist Church in Kingston. VOWS shares their journey to the altar.

How They Met (Jheanell’s take)…

We met in 2005 at a lyme and, just like every other college student, we were having fun. Apparently Andrew was watching me the entire night and of the group of us standing, he singled me out and asked for a contact number. I gave him a bit of a hard time, but we eventually started dating a year later.

The Proposal

Andrew proposed on June 20, 2014, the day after my 27th birthday. A group of my close friends and family planned a surprise birthday party for me. I was completely blown away to see everyone out for the celebrations. He opened up a box of blue and pink cupcakes that spelt out “Will You Marry Me?”, with one cushioning the most stunning ring that I’d ever seen. I remember asking “What is this? What is happening?” as I cried. Eventually, I said ‘Yes’.

The Ceremony…

The warm air and piercing sunlight — quite unusual for the season — set the tone for the ceremony conducted by Reverend Dr Devon Dick. Guests eagerly awaited the grand procession and cheered as they watched the bridal party perform a charming entrance march. One by one, the groomsmen — dapper in charcoal grey suits with turquoise satin ties and boutonnières of the same colour — made their entrance to John Legend’s Best I Ever Had, followed by the bridesmaids, who paired turquoise cocktail dresses with gold shoes. They were followed by the groom Andrew in a DK Suits design with a turquoise shirt and dark brown bow tie. Flower girl Gabrielle and ring bearer Andre Adman Jr brought up the rear.

Here Comes The Bride…

Jheanell was picture-perfect in a white waist-cinching ruched-bodice mermaid gown with a full sheer skirt and chapel train veil. The couple shared their I do’s, then recessed to the chords of Pharrell Williams’ Happy.

The newly-weds opted for a First Look, which allowed them to enjoy time alone and take photos ahead of the reception while guests imbibed cocktails.

The Reception

The Mona Visitors’ Lodge conference centre was decorated with hues of blue and gold for the peacock-themed post-nuptial soirée. Markland Edwards handled the formalities introducing the bridal party and managing the toasts which included a moving rendition of John Legend’s Stay With You by Andre Adman, the groom’s brother, as the newly-weds made their entrance.

Guests dined on sumptuous local fare from Marine’s Kitchen & Catering Services, after which mothers of the bride and groom, Fancie Adman and Sandra Jowhill, unveiled the three-tiered Lishus Cakes & Pastries fruitcake draped in white fondant and lined with blue and gold ribbons.

Toasts from maid of honour Tanique Baddal and best man Leighton Walker — to the bride and groom, respectively — closed off formalities.

Honeymoon…

The lovebirds enjoyed a two-night stay at Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort.