VOWS – Written In The Stars
It was a summer wedding to remember on July 11 at the Couples Tower Isle hotel in Ocho Rios, St Ann when Johnnie Mattis, a banker at JP Morgan Chase, and Diron Rutty, attorney-at-law at Diron Rutty, LLC, tied the knot.
The Poughkeepsie, New York residents, who are of Jamaican descent, were first introduced as colleagues over 10 years ago and have remained close friends since. Six months ago, however, a romantic connection was ignited and from that moment on, it’s been pure bliss. Vows recounts the love, the laughs, and the happiness.
How They Met…
“Our story is not quite like the fairy tales,” Diron explains, “but it’s so real. We met 10 years ago, and have had an amicable working relationship over the years. We casually decided to start dating in February. After about three dates in, we developed an urge to spend more time with each other. That’s when we knew we’d surpassed the ‘just friends’ stage. We fell in love, flaws and all.”
The Proposal (Diron recalls)…
On March 5, Johnnie proposed during dinner at Morton’s The Steakhouse in White Plains, New York. We were in conversation about family life, and what it would be like if we were to get married, realising how wise and mature we’ve become, and just like that, Johnnie popped the question. I did not see it coming. The only answer was, of course, yes! His next question was: “Have you ever truly been in love?” which warmed my heart immediately…Today I can proudly say that I am truly in love.
The Ceremony…
Rich fuchsia colours converted the lush lawns of the tropical gardens at the Couples Sans Souci resort.
Saxophonist Dalmaine Alex Lawson orchestrated a romantic atmosphere as guests arrived and took their seats. From Darlene Love’s Today I Met The Boy I’m Gonna Marry to Celine Dion’s Ave Maria, the renditions were superb.
Johnnie walked to the altar in a tan linen three-piece suit from Men’s Warehouse in New York, matched with coffee brown shoes and a magenta tie. The groomsmen, in matching linen suits, chose tan leather shoes and salmon ties, and completed the outfit with pink rose boutonnières.
Diron marched to the altar to Christina Perri’s A Thousand Years. She wore a stunning Mori Lee sweetheart-neckline gown purchased at RK Bridal in New York with ruching along the bodice that flared into a tulle skirt. Her low-cut curly hair was pulled back and secured with a beaded headband. She carried a bouquet of pink hydrangeas, yellow orchids, and fuchsia roses.
Minister Andre John greeted Diron at the altar and later announced Johnnie and Diron as husband and wife. Johnnie and Diron then invited their daughters Zoe and Brianna to the altar for the sand-pouring ceremony. They signed their marriage certificate and later took some time alone for photographs.
The Reception…
A cat cruise brought the wedding party to the hotel’s offshore island for the evening reception. Gusty winds, perhaps a signal of the imminent freak storm, greeted guests as they disembarked the Island Time. New Levels Décor created a colourful, luxurious ambience with waves of fuchsia, pink and green elements.
Tables were named after the 14 parishes and decked out in white and made more elaborate with pops of fuchsia and silver.
Executive chef Valentine McKenzie prepared a sumptuous fare. After dinner, and before Johnnie’s vote of thanks, it started raining. No need for panic, the cake was safe. The wedding party huddled in a nearby lighthouse before leaving for the mainland, and as soon as everyone was safe and sound, and changed into something more comfy, the party continued. The newly-weds cut their three-tiered fruitcake, chocolate and vanilla wedding cake by Chef McKenzie, and partied the night away.
“For our first anniversary we will return to Jamaica so we can have our official first dance as husband and wife,” Diron says. The newly-weds upgraded to the honeymoon suite and repaired for a week.
(Photographer: Joel Finnigen)
