All Woman
  • Home
  • Relationships
  • Features
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Health & Fitness
  • Your Rights
  • Parenting
  • Advice
    • Home
    • Relationships
    • Features
    • Fashion & Beauty
    • Health & Fitness
    • Your Rights
    • Parenting
    • Advice
Vows: Forever I Do
Caray guides his bride Cortia to the altar.<strong> (Jamie Barnett)</strong>
All Woman, Lifestyle, Local Lifestyle, Style, Style Observer, Tuesday Style
July 30, 2016

Vows: Forever I Do

‘Important encounters are planned by souls long before the bodies see each other’ — Paulo Coelho…

I do believe, our important encounter of meeting at M7’s annual beach chic event, Marbana, April 5, 2015 at Frenchman’s Cove in Portland, was planned by our souls long before our bodies met —Cortia Bingham, CEO, We Inspire.Our Initial Encounter…

I do believe, our important encounter of meeting at M7’s annual beach chic event, Marbana, April 5, 2015 at Frenchman’s Cove in Portland, was planned by our souls long before our bodies met —

Cortia Bingham, CEO, We Inspire.

Our Initial Encounter…

Caray McKenzie was a former college mate, as we both went to Northern Caribbean University (NCU) in 2003; however, we never connected in any special way. He now reveals that he has always been an avid admirer, watching from the sidelines during our college years.

Fast-track to 2015 at Marbana, Caray made his move during the event, but was deterred by my focus on executing the event, as at the time, my role was Sponsorship & PR Consultant for M7 Events. The day after the event Caray caught my interest, as he opted to divert from his original journey home to Montego Bay and asked me out on our first date, which was to eat sushi at East Japanese followed by a movie at Palace Cineplex. I accepted.

He continued to come to Kingston to visit, for the next two months religiously, and would stay each week at The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. Not only was he making an effort, but we had a lot in common — for example, eating out at fancy restaurants, watching movies and adventure-seeking. We were a perfect match! The fact that he doted on me and always went above and beyond to make me happy was the additional icing on the cake.

The Proposal…

On May 29, 2015, Caray invited me to Montego Bay for a weekend at the Hyatt Ziva. It was a fabulous weekend which would culminate on Sunday, with him going down on bended knee to propose. His exact words were: “Cortia, I am ready to commit to you, and I want you to be my woman.” I melted several times inside my head, but I kept a very composed and calm countenance, as I needed to maintain my ‘hot girl’ image… lol. By September 21, 2015, we were officially engaged and ready to get hitched!

Here Comes The Bride…

On Sunday July 17, 2016, Cortia’s fairytale and dream of marrying her perfect man came true when she said ‘I do’ to Caray Dumaine McKenzie, director of information technology at Global Gateway Solutions in the presence of close family and friends. The ceremony, which took place at The Andrews Seventh-Day Adventist Church, was officiated by Pastor Leonard Steele.

The intimate affair continued over brunch at Strawberry Hill Hotel.

The newly-weds are planning further celebrations and their honeymoon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Best man Andre Milford and the bridegroom Caray McKenzie.<strong> (Jamie Barnett)</strong>
Andrews Memorial Seventh-Day Adventist Church with d&eacute;cor by Tai Flora Luxe.<strong> (Jamie Barnett)</strong>
The blushing bride, Cortia Bingham, savours the sweet aroma of her Tai Flora Luxe bouquet of blush and white lisanthus, and ivory and blush roses<strong></strong>
Cortia is overcome with emotion as she repeats her vows. (<strong>Jamie Barnett)</strong>
The newly-weds enjoy a moment with immediate family members and friends (from left) Keila McKenzie, Oswin McKenzie, Claudette Williams, Nikolette Williams and her daughter Lianna Elle Marie Milligen, Brandon Ferguson, Amiah Longmore, Donna Erica Brown and Colin Hylton.<strong></strong>
The groom&rsquo;s sister Keila Mckenzie (left), guest Brandon Ferguson (second left) best man Andre Milford and the groom&rsquo;s father Oswin McKenzie look on as the vows are exchanged.<strong> (Jamie Barnett)</strong>
Giveaway mom Claudette Williams receives a warm embrace from her soon-to-be son-in-law Caray McKenzie as the bride looks on. Playing in the background is the couple&rsquo;s special song, Forever I do, by Lou Rawls.<strong> (Jamie Barnett)</strong>
Caray and Cortia pay close attention as Pastor Leonard Steele guides them through the proceedings.<strong> (Jamie Barnett)</strong>
Best man (left) Andre Milford shares a light moment with the newly-weds.<strong> (Jamie Barnett)</strong>
Caray and Cortia are caught in a playful exchange.<strong> (Jamie Barnett)</strong>
Bridegroom Caray and his bride Cortia look into each other&rsquo;s eyes as they exchange wedding vows under the guidance of Pastor Leonard Steele.<strong> (Jamie Barnett)</strong>
Caray whispers words of assurance in his bride&rsquo;s ear, as Pastor Steele prepares the documents for signing.<strong> (Jamie Barnett)</strong>
The groom signs the marriage documents under the watchful eyes of his bride. (<strong>Jamie Barnett)</strong>
Pastor Steele presents the signed marriage documents to Mr & Mrs Caray McKenzie.<strong> (Jamie Barnett)</strong>
You may kiss the bride! The bride and groom share a passionate kiss under a Tai Flora Luxe canopy of cascading floral clusters of blush and white hydrangeas, blush and lavender roses with pink mokara orchids and butter yellow roses.<strong> (Jamie Barnett)</strong>
We did it! &mdash; Carey and Cortia are all smiles as ecstatic family members and guests congratulate them.<strong> (Jamie Barnett)</strong>

{"website":"website"}{"allwoman":"All Woman", "jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
0 Comments · Make a comment

HOUSE RULES

  1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper; email addresses will not be published.
  2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.
  3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.
  4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.
  5. Please don't use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed: advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.
  6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.
  7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
ALSO ON ALL WOMAN
5 habits of women who turn setbacks into success
All Woman, Features
5 habits of women who turn setbacks into success
ALAISHA THOMAS 
July 13, 2026
E VERY successful woman has a story that includes disappointment, failure or rejection. What sets her apart isn’t that she avoided setbacks, it’s that...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman", "jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
5 pros and cons of marrying an older man
All Woman, Features, Relationships
5 pros and cons of marrying an older man
Marie BERBICK-BAILEY 
July 13, 2026
THEY say age is just a number, and while that may be true in some cases, when it comes to marriage, age can bring unique blessings as well as unique c...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman", "jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Hubby wants our money for his second family
All Woman, Features, Your Rights
Hubby wants our money for his second family
Margarette Macaulay 
July 13, 2026
Dear Mrs Macaulay, I have been married for 20 years, with five children. Last month I found out my husband has been in another relationship for almost...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman", "jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Single woman ready for a husband
Advice, All Woman, Features
Single woman ready for a husband
Christopher Brodber 
July 13, 2026
Counsellor, I turn 37 this year and I have been single, and waiting for my husband, all my life. I had a whole plan for my life, and thought I would h...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman", "jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
10 habits of women who always seem to have it together
All Woman, Features
10 habits of women who always seem to have it together
ALAISHA THOMAS 
July 6, 2026
WE’VE all met them. They arrive on time without looking rushed, remember birthdays, seem calm under pressure and somehow manage work, family, friendsh...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman", "jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Getting child maintenance from a parent who lives overseas
All Woman, Features, Your Rights
Getting child maintenance from a parent who lives overseas
Margarette Macaulay 
July 6, 2026
Dear Mrs Macaulay, I am a mother residing in Jamaica seeking legal advice and assistance regarding an international child support matter. My child’s f...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman", "jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Love from a distance: Can it work when you’re miles apart?
All Woman, Features, Relationships
Love from a distance: Can it work when you’re miles apart?
Marie BERBICK-BAILEY 
July 6, 2026
LOVE is beautiful when the person you care about is right beside you. But what happens when the person you love lives in another city, another state, ...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman", "jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Separated, pregnant and worried
Advice, All Woman, Features
Separated, pregnant and worried
Christopher Brodber 
July 6, 2026
Counsellor, I have been legally married for 12 years, but because of constant infidelity from my husband, I stopped forgiving him and asked his parent...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman", "jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
❮ ❯
Scroll
Polls
5 habits of women who turn setbacks into success
All Woman, ...
5 habits of women who turn setbacks into success
ALAISHA THOMAS 
July 13, 2026
E VERY successful woman has a story that includes disappointment, failure or rejection. What sets her apart isn’t that she avoided setbacks, it’s that...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman", "jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
5 pros and cons of marrying an older man
All Woman, ...
5 pros and cons of marrying an older man
Marie BERBICK-BAILEY 
July 13, 2026
THEY say age is just a number, and while that may be true in some cases, when it comes to marriage, age can bring unique blessings as well as unique c...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman", "jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Hubby wants our money for his second family
All Woman, ...
Hubby wants our money for his second family
Margarette Macaulay 
July 13, 2026
Dear Mrs Macaulay, I have been married for 20 years, with five children. Last month I found out my husband has been in another relationship for almost...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman", "jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Single woman ready for a husband
Advice, ...
Single woman ready for a husband
Christopher Brodber 
July 13, 2026
Counsellor, I turn 37 this year and I have been single, and waiting for my husband, all my life. I had a whole plan for my life, and thought I would h...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman", "jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
10 habits of women who always seem to have it together
All Woman, ...
10 habits of women who always seem to have it together
ALAISHA THOMAS 
July 6, 2026
WE’VE all met them. They arrive on time without looking rushed, remember birthdays, seem calm under pressure and somehow manage work, family, friendsh...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman", "jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Archives
Polls
Recent Posts
5 habits of women who turn setbacks into success
All Woman, ...
5 habits of women who turn setbacks into success
ALAISHA THOMAS 
July 13, 2026
E VERY successful woman has a story that includes disappointment, failure or rejection. What sets her apart isn’t that she avoided setbacks, it’s that...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman", "jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
5 pros and cons of marrying an older man
All Woman, ...
5 pros and cons of marrying an older man
Marie BERBICK-BAILEY 
July 13, 2026
THEY say age is just a number, and while that may be true in some cases, when it comes to marriage, age can bring unique blessings as well as unique c...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman", "jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Hubby wants our money for his second family
All Woman, ...
Hubby wants our money for his second family
Margarette Macaulay 
July 13, 2026
Dear Mrs Macaulay, I have been married for 20 years, with five children. Last month I found out my husband has been in another relationship for almost...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman", "jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Single woman ready for a husband
Advice, ...
Single woman ready for a husband
Christopher Brodber 
July 13, 2026
Counsellor, I turn 37 this year and I have been single, and waiting for my husband, all my life. I had a whole plan for my life, and thought I would h...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman", "jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
10 habits of women who always seem to have it together
All Woman, ...
10 habits of women who always seem to have it together
ALAISHA THOMAS 
July 6, 2026
WE’VE all met them. They arrive on time without looking rushed, remember birthdays, seem calm under pressure and somehow manage work, family, friendsh...
{"xml":"xml"}{"allwoman":"All Woman", "jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Archives
All Woman
Jamaica Health, Beauty, Weddings &` Motherhood Stories for the Jamaican Woman.
Sections
  • Relationships
  • Features
  • Fashion
  • Health & Fitness
  • Your Rights
  • Parenting
  • Advice
  • Relationships
  • Features
  • Fashion
  • Health & Fitness
  • Your Rights
  • Parenting
  • Advice
Jamaica Observer, © All Rights Reserved