Vows: Love at first sight
Norman Manley Law School final-year student Rashema Gordon and process technician Dwight Morgan tied the knot on February 18, at the Sandals South Coast Overwater Chapel, Montego Bay. Vows takes you to the chapel.
How they met, as told by Rashema…
It was August 2003, and I had just moved to Rex Nettleford Hall at the University of the West Indies, to pursue a double major in History and Philosophy. It was the final night of orientation and hall induction, and I decided to participate in the activities planned. While standing amongst a group of newbies, one of the leaders stepped forward and, although I was not paying much attention to the previous presentations, this young man’s stature, presence and smile captivated me. Surprisingly, I thought to myself that it would be interesting getting to know him because he was definitely The One!
How they met, as told by Dwight…
While I was walking along the corridor of Rex Nettleford Hall one morning, I saw her sitting on a rock. I later discovered she was waiting on her father. Whilst walking towards her I smiled and said good morning. To my surprise she smiled right back at me and returned the greeting. I could not get the smile she gave me out of my head, she was so captivating. So I did my research and found out what I could about her. Months later, I was at my dorm on Chancellor Hall one night when she walked up to me and asked if I would purchase a ‘wine and cheese’ ticket. I definitely could not say no. Unfortunately, I never attended the event. But as fate would have it, I saw her on another occasion and asked her out and she said yes. Of course, I had to get her parents’ approval before we could officially go on a date, and that is one ordeal a young man is never prepared for! That day we went to church with her family and had dinner at her parents’ home. I remember her father asking me of my plans for his daughter. I may not have had the answer then, but I certainly know it now. Rashema is my true companion and I always told her that would be our wedding song when we got married.
The proposal…
It was the evening of Wednesday, August 21, 2013. Upon the arrival of Rashema and their sons from vacation in New York. Dwight proposed to her while in their bedroom. Rashema was caught unawares, but her sister and her mother knew fully well what Dwight’s intentions were.
The ceremony…
The exchange of vows took place at the Sandals South Coast Overwater Chapel. Shades of burgundy, gold, blue and tan were used to enhance the simply amazing theme for the Morgan wedding. Wearing a long burgundy chiffon dress with lace, off-the-shoulder bodice, the gorgeous maid of honour and sister of the bride Rasheal-Lee Gordon made her way up the aisle to Train’s Marry Me. She was escorted by the dapper bestmen in burgundy and tan plaid three-piece suits with tan bow ties. At the altar stood Dwight, in a French blue suit and a burgundy and blue bow tie. As the music of When God Made You by Newsong & Natalie Grant filled the chapel, the bride, stunning in a Morilee ivory gown with crystal beaded and embroidered appliqués with a sparkling net of lace from the Madeline Gardner 2017 collection with a sweetheart neckline and capped sleeves, proceeded, escorted by her father Derrick Gordon up the aisle to her groom. In her hands she clutched a bouquet of burgundy and white calla lilies. The proceedings were officiated by Reverend Richard Oliver Ramsay.
The reception…
The ballroom at Sandals South Coast was beautiful decorated with the wedding colours of burgundy, gold, blue and tan. Each table was identified by centre-pieces bearing ideas that the couple held true to, such as ‘faith’, ‘hope’, ‘wish’, ‘love’ and most importantly, ‘family’. Guests enjoyed a sumptuous four-course dinner, which was catered by the Sandals South Coast staff.
Toasts were made to the bride’s mother, Sharon Gordon who passed away on January 2015, and whose portrait was elegantly displayed at the ceremony and the reception. Several toasts followed prior to the cutting of the three-tiered red and white fruit and vanilla cake. The father-daughter dance had guests in tears as the bride was held closely to her father while they danced to Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle.
The couple ended the night partying with their guests, but not before the bouquet toss and the most entertaining garter removal.
Honeymoon…
The newly-weds had a mini honeymoon at Sandals South Coast with concierge service and breakfast in bed and will be officially honeymooning in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
