VOWS – #SamSun2018
Three years of courtship culminated on Sunday, September 16, 2018 at The University Chapel, Mona when Samantha Wood, attorney-at-law at the Ministry of Health, wed Digicel network engineer Sunil Tolan.
First encounter, as told by Samantha
Sunil and I met in July 2015 at the Kingston Open Bible Church. I was a new Sunday school member when he introduced himself and feigned need of an attorney as he wanted to start a business. I ignored him but my interest was piqued. In fact his absence from class prompted me to reach out to him. By the end of the conversation he asked me out for ice cream and I said yes… we never looked back!
The proposal…
The couple was engaged in November 2017 at the Sunken Garden, Hope Gardens, with family members in attendance. Samantha recalls how she was greeted with signs that read: ‘Will you marry me?’ Sunil appeared, got down on one knee and proposed. Through a stream of tears she managed to say ‘Yes!’
The ceremony
The exchange of vows took place at The University Chapel, Mona. “Sully Events used shades of gold, burgundy and green to enhance the tropical theme of our wedding,” shared Samantha. Indeed, the aisle leading to the altar featured pineapples, palm leaves, calla lilies, baby’s breath, anthuriums and ginger lily branches.
Wearing forest green dresses from Lulus, the gorgeous bridesmaids made their entrance to Etta James’s At Last. They were escorted by dapper groomsmen in black suits from Spencer’s Tailoring accessorised with forest green bow ties. At the altar stood the groom, debonair in a Max Brown burgundy suit with black lapels and bow tie.
The sound of Kina Granni’s Can’t Help Falling In Love signalled the bride’s arrival on the arm of proud dad Anthony Wood. She looked stunning in a custom-made CJ Bridal Champagne mermaid gown with white lace and a blush cathedral veil bordered with lace. She carried a bouquet of ginger lilies, anthuriums and monstera leaves.
The proceedings were officiated by Reverend Dr Alston Henry.
The Reception
The reception followed at Serengeti Bistro, Hope Zoo, where the décor by Kerry-Ann Wedderburn from KW Events and Rentals was further enhanced by neon lights. The newly-weds and members of their bridal party, guided by master of ceremonies Pastor Christopher Cross, entered the reception to John Legend’s A Good Night featuring Bloodpop. Formalities included the couple’s first dance as husband and wife to Frankie Valli’s Can’t Take My Eyes Off Youand the cutting of three-tiered traditional fruitcake by Sanchies Pastries.
Guests enjoyed a sumptuous three-course meal by award-winning culinarian Oji Jaja.
The reception ended with a dance session that saw the bridesmaids and groomsmen competing to see who could ‘buss’ the best moves! It was a memorable night for both the newly-weds and their guests.
The Honeymoon
Samantha and Sunil honeymooned at Secrets, Montego Bay.
