Vows: This Love Was Meant To Be
Accountant Stephen Lee and aesthetician trainer Kerrie-Ann Jarrett are still on cloud nine after tying the knot on Friday, June 30, 2017, on the beach at Laughing Waters in Ocho Rios. Vows introduces Mr and Mrs Stephen Lee.
Kerrie-Ann tells us of their first encounter…
We met in November 2010 at the annual Jerk Festival in South Florida where I was working. It was a long day of meeting and greeting everyone who entered the park. I was super- tired and had a headache because I had forgotten my glasses at home, and I was about to leave when a friend asked me to stay as she was not ready to go. We proceeded to walk to the tent where the rest of our friends were sitting on a picnic bench. My friend sat in the last seat that was available. I then looked to the person seated on my left. I didn’t really know him, but he was someone I had seen before through mutual friends. I somehow became very bold in my exhausted state of mind and I went over to him and asked him to move his hand that was resting on his thigh so I could sit. I sat down on his leg, introduced myself and found out that his name was Stephen. Seriously, this was not me flirting. I was just so tired and needed to sit down. He had a really nice smile and we spent the rest of the time talking. Before we left we exchanged BlackBerry message pins, and the rest is history.
The proposal…
… took place on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 after Stephen came back from a trip to Florida, and two days before my Hamptons trip with some of my girlfriends. I was in the kitchen getting water just before bedtime when he said to me, “Oh crap, babe, I forgot I brought you something back from Florida.” I asked what it was, thinking it was something food-related. He said, “Hold on,” and picked up his bag. At this point his back was to me and when he turned around he had a box in his hand. I watched as he went down on one knee in slow motion and opened the box. He then asked me to marry him. I was so shocked that instead of saying yes, my response was “Is this really happening? Are you serious?” Then he said, “So, is that a yes?” I was so emotional and teary-eyed I simply held my hand out and said, “Of course I will!!”
The ceremony
The exchange of vows took place on the lawns at Laughing Waters Villa, Ocho Rios, where the theme was Old Hollywood. Kara Anderson from Petals and Promises used shades of gold, black and white to decorate the area. To the strains of Kenny G’s Forever in Love the bridesmaids made their way up the aisle dressed in Sorella Vita sequinned gold metallic gowns, while the maid of honour wore a long black dress with a deep V-neck with a gold diamante belt around the waist and Betsey Johnson sequinned heels. They were escorted by the groomsmen who wore black fitted three-piece suits with ivory button-down shirts and gold ties with their favourite English Premier League football socks which were gifts from the groom.
It was an emotional moment for many as Dr Derrick Jarrett escorted his daughter up the aisle to the song Marry Me by Train. Kerrie-Ann was stunning in an ivory striped ballgown with V-neckline and an open back from Hayley Paige Fall 2016 Collection and an ivory veil from Wedding Atelier in New York. Eagerly awaiting his bride at the altar stood a dapper Stephen in a black tuxedo with an ivory button-down shirt and gold tie. The ceremony was officiated by Rev Mullings. To symbolise the joining of their families, the couple performed a sand ceremony.
The Reception
The team from Petals and Promises brought their design artistry to the venue, which was given an Old Hollywood treatment, with striped black and white elements against the gold decor.
The head table featured a raised stage, decorated with a gold tablecloth against a backdrop of three white boards with Bible verses of love written in black, and two ivory love seats with an arrangement of white and gold flowers on the table.
The bridal party made their entrance to TI’s Bring Em Out, followed by the newly-weds who danced in to the music of Can’t Stop The Feeling by Justin Timberlake, cheered on by friends and family.
The “icing on the cake” came when the resplendent bride with her Prince Charming opened the dance floor to John Legend’s You and I and Justin Timberlake’s Suit and Tie.
Post-formalities, guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner by Kitchen Kage Catering and witnessed the cutting of the two-tiered fruitcake by Paulette Box and designed by Andrew Barrett. It was truly an occasion to remember.
The Honeymoon
Kerrie-Ann and Stephen enjoyed a “mini-moon” at Sandals Ocho Rios. A European tour is planned for later this year.
