Vows — The Gordons: Boundless Love
They were childhood friends who became separated by circumstances beyond their control. When she returned to Jamaica some years later, however, he decided that she would not escape his grasp again… On August 8, 2018, chef Marvin Gordon and Maryland-based So Beautiful Salon owner Shantah Omeally sealed their bond officially and were pronounced husband and wife. Vows presents Mr & Mrs Marvin Gordon…
The early days
Marvin was a family friend for a number of years and, by extension, a close friend of Shantah’s before she migrated to the United States. They lost contact subsequently, but would be reunited, albeit under less than ideal circumstances — the funeral for Shantah’s grandmother.
They say absence makes the heart grow fonder; for Marvin the old adage rang true. He recalled the feeling of knowing Shantah was “the one” as soon as he had locked eyes on her.
Marvin was there for Shantah during her grief and the two soon became very good friends again. Shantah would then return to the US. This time, however, they kept in touch…
The proposal… As told by Shantah
In May of 2017, I had come to visit Marvin for a weekend. It was a wonderful weekend, packed with many activities, and we ended up doing our very own cross-country trip.
He was so happy and nervous, though, and I couldn’t help but wonder why.
When I got back to the States, he videocalled me. During the conversation, he read me a speech he had prepared. It was so sweet. After, he popped the question. I was stunned. In fact, I didn’t believe him until he showed me the ring. But once I saw that he was serious and that he had really asked me to be his wife, I said, “Yes!”
Garden nuptials
Fifty guests assembled in the gardens at The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel to witness the nuptials. The groom and groomsmen assembled by a gazebo draped in white chiffon, thanks to the decor stylings of Marsha-Gaye Corrie at D’Mar Weddings & Events.They wore tailored suits from Beautiful Brides & Mr Tux. The bridesmaids wore silver dresses from Shantah’s Rude Gyal Fashion boutique. The setting was complete with floral arrangements of white roses and chrysanthemums set on silver pedestals.
Shantah was escorted up the aisle by her father Lloyd Omeally to the strains of Beyoncé’s 1+1. The bride teamed a white off-the-shoulder gown, from her boutique, with an extravagant veil and a bouquet made from crystals.
Guided by Ryan Dixon, formalities continued with a vow exchange and the signing of the marriage licence.
Then, as Mr & Mrs Marvin Gordon, the couple made their way down the aisle to John Legend’s All Of Me.
The reception
The décor of the Legacy Room was a mixture of silver and white, with the head table draped in a silver-sequinned overlay, paired with silver chiavari chairs, and guest tables spread with silver pintuck table linen offset by Tiffany blue napkins and centrepieces comprised of roses and hydrangeas arranged on mirrored chargers.
Following the introduction of the bridal party, the newly-weds announced their arrival with HoodCelebrityy’s Walking Trophy.
The team at the Jamaica Pegasus catered a toothsome three-course meal. Formalities continued with toasts followed by Shantah and Marvin cutting the three-tiered red velvet cake from Mighty Fine Thing. Marvin then led Shantah to the centre of the ballroom for their first dance as husband and wife. Ed Sheeran’s Perfect set the mood.
After that, emcee Ryan Dixon opened the floor and guests joined the lovebirds for the jam session.
The honeymoon
The newly-weds have not yet settled on a honeymoon destination. However, no love is lost as they are intent on enjoying each other in the moment.
