Vows – We’ve Only Just Begun
A conversation that started five years ago was the catalyst for Erik and Anya’s union. And so it was, on April 18, attorneys-at-law Erik Bodden and Anya Ritch took the plunge at the Prospect Plantation Chapel for over 200 guests to witness. It was indeed a celebration; Vows shares their novel romance.
How they met… Well, there is Erik’s version…
Anya and I first met at her law school graduation party in 2006, unfortunately she has no recollection of this.
Within the next three years I was introduced to Anya on separate occasions. Apparently she doesn’t remember any of those instances either. Many attempts were made by her cousin to “reintroduce” us, so much so that he even arranged for me to pick up a bottle of rum from Anya at her office; the plan seemed foolproof.
However, yet again the plan failed as Anya left the bottle at the front desk. I had given up, and so did her cousin, until one completely random night in January 2010. I decided to head out for a quick drink at Bamboo Bar & Lounge, when lo and behold, I saw Anya, she even acknowledged me with a smile. With low expectations, I decided I would give it one last shot; I mustered up the courage and walked over to her side of the bar.
What followed was an amazing exchange and an immediate realisation that we were absolutely compatible in so many ways. For the rest of the night we completely ignored our friends; everyone and everything faded into the background as we began a conversation that continues to this day.
And there’s Anya’s version…
I ran into Erik on a few occasions before we were officially introduced (or so I’ve been told). Admittedly, my memories of those chance encounters are a bit hazy but my memory of the day I met the love of my life comes back to me with ease.
Picture it, January 2010, and like all other sensible, hard-working folk, my friends and I were at the bar for happy hour, desperately trying to keep the final flames of the season burning. Erik walked in; I saw him once, and couldn’t stop glancing in his direction. The rest of the night panned out with a glance, a drink, another glance, another drink; we were introduced, then had dinner, seamless conversation, a phone call to my cousin, we exchanged contacts, and a shameless round of cocktails in-between.
Needless to say, we were feeling pretty euphoric, and unlike our previous chance encounters, Erik left an impression that I could not shake even if I wanted to. He came into my life at a magical hour and the rest, as they say, is history!
The Proposal…
Erik sent an email reminder for a work-related dinner party we’d be attending at Seven at The Ritz. When I heard the fancy location, I immediately responded with a simple “Are you sure I am invited?” sure enough we were on our way to The Ritz.
Upon arrival, the hostess informed us that we were the first to arrive. The table was set for six and an envelope was at each place setting. I felt proud because I knew Erik was a hard worker. A hostess asked for my name and I responded: “Oh, you don’t need my name. This is Erik Bodden, he works for the firm, not me.” Erik told her my name and she replied, “Ah yes, Anya, you should be seated right here” — pointing to an area where an envelope with my name had been placed. I took my seat and watched as Erik opened his envelope. It started: “Dearest Anya” I didn’t even see it coming, instead, I thought to myself ‘Wow, Erik’s firm really knows how to make a person feel special.’
As I read on, I noticed a phrase stating how long we have been dating. I stopped and asked Erik what was happening, then continued to the end of the letter where Erik is asking me to marry him. I couldn’t believe it; he pulled out the most astonishing diamond ring I’ve ever seen.
“Of course I will marry you,” I whispered into his ear, followed by “What? What? I can’t believe it! What?” We were so lost in that moment we forgot we weren’t alone until we heard a lady shout “Say yes!”
The Ceremony…
Daniella Andrade’s rendition of La Vie En Rose was the prelude to Reverend Clinton Lewis’s procession to the Prospect Plantation chapel. Parents of the bride Melvin and Karen Ritch, and of the groom Roland and Maria Bodden marched to the altar thereafter.
Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud played as the bridal party entered, matron of honour Celeste Gordon and best men Sean and Adam Bodden led the cortége to the altar. The bridesmaids wore JLM Couture navy blue gowns with lace, capped sleeves. The groomsmen followed in white dress shirts with navy pants from Banana Republic and bow ties from TheTieBar.com. Flower girl Lillie Gordon gamboled up the aisles sprinkling white rose petals, then ring bearers Ryan Gordon and Caleb Ritch ensued.
The chords changed as Anya made her head-turning entrance to Ingrid Michaelson’s Always You. She wore a beautiful lace appliquéd gown designed by Israeli wedding dress designer Berta with intricate detailing and a plunging neckline. The dress was a mix of the finest lace with subtle beading, sweetheart neckline and a fitted silhouette with nude panelling on the front and back.
Erik opted for London threads with a navy blue suit by bespoke tailor Richard James and an ivory necktie by Richard Anderson of Savile Row, paired with tan Oxfords from Crockett and Jones, London.
Attendees lit white candles for a beautiful blessing ceremony and Reverend Lewis announced the newly-weds, who broke from the altar in tune with Bob Marley’s Is This Love.
The Reception…
Pussbackfoot transformed the property into a whimsical-themed reception. Shades of white, blush tones and hints of navy greeted attendees, who trekked to the beach at the Frankfort Villa for cocktail hour where they nibbled on tasty treats from Signature Cakes & Desserts and an assortment of chocolate from Candy Craze. They were then ushered to the dining area overlooking the North Coast.
The bridal party streamed onto the dance floor to Natalie Cole’s This Will Be (An Everlasting Love), then came the newly-weds. Sibling emcees Adam and Scott Jones made their introduction and invited loved ones for toasts. Reverend Clinton Lewis blessed the meal and cake. Chef and sister of the bride Celeste Gordon catered a mélange of savoury fare and sumptuous desserts.
Tamara Hoyow created the delectable chocolate wedding cake, draped in white fondant and layered with fresh-picked flora and rested atop a wooden canvas designed by Tamara Harding of Mara Made Designs.
The couple took their first dance as husband and wife to You Are The Best Thing by Ray LaMontagne. Prior to their wedding day they had discovered that their parents danced to The Carpenters’ We’ve Only Just Begun hit at their respective weddings, and surprised them by inviting them on the dance floor for a waltz to their special tune. Anya recalls, “Now, in some way, their song is ours too.” Erik and Anya plan a honeymoon in France and Italy.
