Vows – An Intimate Affair
Saturday, December 29, 2018 was the day chosen by mechanical engineer Robert Crooks and assistant language teacher Terry-Ann Dunkley to exchange wedding vows at Hope United Church, Old Hope Road. Vows meets them at the altar.
How they met…
Robert and Terry-Ann met six years ago at the Duhaney Park New Testament Church of God, where they both worship. Both were active members and served together in various ministries. Working together on so many occasions, the two naturally became friends and remained friends until March 2016 when Robert travelled to Japan (where Terry-Ann had relocated) to profess his love for her.
The proposal, as told by Terry-Ann
Robert proposed to me in February 2018 on Okinawan Island, on one of his trips to Japan. The night he decided to propose, it began to rain and the plan was aborted. The next night we ventured to a restaurant, only to find that it was closed. We ducked into another as, by this time, we were now starving. They were about to close as well. Hungry, we settled for Starbucks, which saved the night. On our way back to the hotel, we began reminiscing on how far our friendship had come, how we had shared many highs and lows together, many milestones and just how much we loved each other. In the middle of the conversation, he got down on his knee on the street, completely ignoring everyone around, and asked me to be his wife. I was dumbfounded but so excited. Still, I managed to scream “Yes!!”
The ceremony
The exchange of vows took place at the Hope United Church, Old Hope Road, where the theme was rustic. Nichelle Thompson from Designs By Nishy used shades of green, white and burlap to enhance the aisle of the church. To the strains of Kenny G’s Forever In Love, the bridesmaids made their way up the aisle in green convertible dresses from The Dainty Yard in Singapore. They were escorted by the groomsmen, who wore khaki suits with white shirts complemented with green bow ties and suspenders. Emotions were high as Roy McLaughlin escorted his niece Terry-Ann up the aisle to the Maurette Brown Clark’s The One He Kept For Me. She was stunning in an ivory Justin Alexander lace gown from Bliss Bridal Boutique Jamaica. She held a hand-tied bouquet of white hydrangeas, green spider mums and greenery from DesignsByNishy.
The bridegroom, dapper in a taupe suit, was visibly overcome with emotion at the sight of his love. The ceremony included the washing and drying of hands to symbolises forgiveness, renewal and vulnerability; and the three strands unity ceremony, which symbolise that God is and will be the centre of their marriage. The ceremony was officiated by Reverend Hugh Dixon and Reverend Christopher Hutchinson.
The reception
The reception took place at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel where the hall was dotted with shades of green, white, burlap and wood, all used to enhance the rustic theme. The bridal party made their entrance to 24 Karat by Bruno Mars, followed by the newly-weds who danced in to the music of Finesse by Bruno Mars featuring Cardi B, cheered on by friends and family. This was followed by the couple’s first dance as husband and wife to Leela James’s All Over Again.
Post-formalities, guests enjoyed a three-course meal and witnessed the cutting of the three-tiered fruitcake by Dennis Osbourne from Junior’s Catering.
Guests were then asked to gather by the harbour to release sky lanterns. The couple and their guests partied to the tunes spun by DJ Marland Calder until the wee hours of Sunday morning.
The honeymoon
The newly-weds had a ‘mini-moon’ at Hotel RIU, Ocho Rios. A Dubai trip is planned for 2019.
