Vows: Everlasting love
When ICON Clinical Research executive Chadwyck Peters moved into the townhouse next door to lifestyle photographer April Frazier during the 2014 Labour Day weekend, there was no inkling that the move would lead to them exchanging vows three years later on June 17, 2017 at Trident Castle, Port Antonio. Vows traces the path to true love.
Cupid’s arrow strikes…
From the first conversation, they both knew there was something special between them. The Boy Next Door turned into an everlasting love.
The proposal…
Took place on Sunday, November 15, 2015 at Discovery Green Park in downtown Houston, Texas. Chadwyck tricked April into believing that they were going to a restaurant to meet a “friend she hadn’t met before” for his birthday. But in reality, Chadwyck had arranged for a secret photographer to take pictures as they walked through the park. He chose a bronze sculpture of a heart as the spot to present the ring, got down on one knee, looked into April’s eyes and recited the words he had practised for days… “I love you because you are beautiful, I love you because you are smart, I love you because you are kind. My life has been infinitely better since you have been in it, and so I want you in my life for infinity.” He continued, “April Monique Frazier, will you marry me?” She said yes, and smothered his entire face with kisses. They kept the handkerchief covered in her lipstick. The photographer captured it all. The moment made for a nice engagement photo session. A celebratory brunch with their respective families followed.
Christmas 2015 was spent in Jamaica, where they spent time with family enjoying their new status as an engaged couple, also taking time to check out a few possible wedding venues between Kingston, Ocho Rios and Port Antonio. The Trident Castle in Port Antonio was selected not merely because of its idyllic setting but too, as Chadwyck’s family is from the area. There was a great deal of holiday cheer over those two weeks and a great sense of accomplishment in finalising a date and venue. Little did the couple know that their lives would be made that much happier. On their return to Houston they learned that the greatest gift of all was on the way — April was pregnant and it was a girl. “We changed our date from October 8, 2016 to June 17, 2017 and added a plus one to our table for Lily,” the couple shared.
The ceremony…
The exchange of vows took place on the lawns at Trident Castle, Port Antonio where the theme was sand, sea, and sun. Aiesha Panton from Pussbackfoot used shades of coral, aqua and khaki/sand to decorate the area. The bridesmaids made their way up the aisle to the strains of Johnny Swim’s Take the World, dressed in floor-length aqua dresses and the maid of honours in coral floor-length dresses with jewelled sandals. They were escorted by the groomsmen who wore khaki Calvin Klein suits complemented with aqua bow ties and coral-coloured vests from the Men’s Warehouse of Houston.
It was an emotional moment for many as Charline and Maner Frazier escorted their daughter up the aisle to the song Lakes by the Ocean by Maxwell. April was stunning in a white mermaid chiffon gown complete with sweetheart neckline adorned with a bejewelled belt and corset back tie from David’s Bridal of Houston. Eagerly awaiting his bride at the altar stood a dapper Chadwyck, dressed in a custom white tuxedo with white bow tie and cummerbund from Bravo Tux of Houston. The ceremony was officiated by Dr Charles W Edwards, Sr – Brigadier General, United States Army.
The reception …
The reception was held inside the Castle’s Grand Hall where Panton used coral and aqua backlighting to further enhance the setting.
The bridesmaids made their entrance to 7/11 by Beyoncé, while the groomsmen entered to a mash-up of songs by Jamaican artists including Mi Friend Dem by Christopher Martin, Champion Boy by Alkaline, Original Don by Major Lazer and Party Shot by Popcaan.
Mr & Mrs Chadwyck Peters made their entrance to Cheerleader by OMI. This was followed by the couple’s first dance as husband and wife to Cee Lo Green’s Old Fashioned and It Takes Two by Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock. Post-formalities, guests enjoyed a sumptuous two-course meal and witnessed the cutting of the three-tiered wedding fruit and lemon cake created by Selena Cakes of Kingston. Chadwyck and April switched from their traditional wedding shoes to custom Chuck Taylors designed by each other. The newly-weds and their guests kicked up their feet to the tunes of DJ Courtney.
The honeymoon…
The couple spent a few days of “mini-moon” at the Trident Hotel in Port Antonio and plan to have an extended stay in Bali, Indonesia in 2019.
