Vows: Fallen For You
Laura Butler, Miss Jamaica World franchise holder, and Marcus Hayle, manager-airline relations and analytics at Dallas-Fort Worth airport, met in December 2013 at the annual Pulse International Christmas party. Three years later they exchanged vows at Hanover Grange, Tryall Club.
He asked…
“Our first date was a six-hour lunch,” Laura shared with Vows, “we became good friends before falling for each other. The proposal on September 26, in Dallas, was as memorable as the first date. Marcus recreated our Valentine’s Day date in Dallas by taking me to the same restaurant Benihana, for an early dinner followed by a trip to a park in Lewisville where, along with hundreds of people with blankets and pillows, we sat on the lawn in front of a huge screen watching a movie. We parked our car and got a ride on a mini flatbed atop stacks of hay. After the movie, he drove me to Lake Carolyn where he had taken me for Valentine’s Day. We walked along the lake with the gondolas in sight, then got to the exact location where dinner was served complete with candles and my favourite flowers, tulips. This time, however, he got down on one knee and asked if I could spend the rest of my life with him so he could have long dates with me.
I said yes… because…
Marcus pays attention to details and makes an effort. I remember asking where the fruit trees were in this state — surely there was one that I could find!
He took the time to tie American apples to a tree (then unbeknownst to me), took me downstairs to the tree and invited me to pick them. I only realised that they were tied to the tree by a tiny string when I struggled to get them off. He is, too, a man of God and that’s what I love most about him. We are good friends and both know there is no perfect relationship and that it will take work. We are, however, committed in love, respect and appreciation.
We do…
“It was,” recollected Laura, “ a very beautiful, emotional, heart-felt wedding that truly captured the essence of the strong bond of family and friendships. My eldest brother Craig surprised me, which really made my day. Family and friends travelled from across the country as well as the USA, the Cayman Islands, and Europe to share in our special day. Quite a few were actually visiting for the first time.”
Laura, stunning in a Stella York gown, was escorted up the aisle by her proud dad, Raphael Mortie Butler, to Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion’s interpretation of The Prayer and in a spectacular setting created by Dr Paulette Tai Chun and her Tai Flora Luxe team. Her groom stood dapper in a Calvin Klein suit.
Rev Dr Martin Schade was the officiant, and to the resounding approval of all, Laura Butler became Mrs Marcus Hayle.
The reception followed with catering duties handled by Suzanne Couch, sweet treats from Vinisha’s Piece of Cake and the wedding cake from Michelle Smith of Chocolate Dreams.
Anakay Russell of Pier 1 ensured a fully stocked bar.
The couple’s first dance as husband and wife was to Fallen by Lauren Wood and Crazy Love by Michael Buble.
Laura and Marcus enjoyed the gorgeous Hanover Grange property for a few more nights alone, going for dates and exploring together their beautiful country. “ We agreed”, said Laura, “that we won’t have one honeymoon but pockets of honeymoons throughout the marriage, to keep it alive.”
