God is at the forefront of our lives. We understand each other’s drive and passion to succeed. We’ve brought balance into each other’s lives and we know our union will be a testament to God’s abundant grace! — Mr & Mrs Kamar Smith

Tuesday Style Vows (TSV) presents the journey to the altar of New York-based paediatric nurse practitioner Kelly-Ann Redley and Jamaica-based Detective Sergeant Kamar Smith, who exchanged wedding vows on Sunday, May 22, at the Goblin Hill Villas in San San, Portland.

“It’s amazing to know that God could have your person right in front of your eyes. In his perfect timing, everything comes together and it all makes sense. Kamar has been a family friend for years,” Kelly-Ann shared with Tuesday Style Vows (TSV) as she reflected on the beginnings of their love affair.

“My friends and I had come to Jamaica for the Buju Banton’s Long Walk to Freedom concert in 2019 and Kamar offered to take us around. That weekend without family around was the catalyst for change! Our friendship blossomed from there. Praying together, reading books, sharing goals and aspirations. Fast-forward to 2020 at the height of the pandemic and my feeling emotionally exhausted from work. I spent a month in Jamaica where Kamar and I roamed the island together. It was during this time that he suggested we date, to see if our relationship could go beyond our friendship. It did!

“On April 9, 2021, in the beautiful hills of Irish Town, St Andrew, came the proposal. Kamar, assisted by one of my dearest childhood friends, Jihana Barrett, who secretly invited close family and friends with the rest joining via Zoom, asked me to marry him to the delight of all.

“It was so romantic! Having dinner overlooking the city lights with my future father-in-law playing his saxophone for us was the epitome of any marriage proposal, along with Kamar’s poem, which was the icing on the cake!” recalled Kelly-Ann.

With the engagement ring secured, and the date of the wedding determined, Kelly-Ann knew that Port Antonio in the parish of Portland would be the idyllic spot. It’s where she had spent all of her summer holidays, between Love Lane and Scott’s Run and where her parents called home.

Enter wedding planner Kimberly Wong of I Do Island, who bagged Goblin Hill Villas for the venue and ensured the vision for their happily-ever-after was realised.

On Sunday, May 22, watched by 120 of their nearest and dearest, Kelly-Ann and Kamar said their ‘I do’s’. The elegant touch of white hydrangeas, white roses, and white phalaenopsises added by the team from New Levels Decor further enhanced the setting.

There was no denying the love that radiated as Kimberley Redley walked her sister up the aisle to the strains of Kina Grannis’ Can’t Help Falling In Love performed on saxophone by the groom’s father Alpha Smith.

Kelly-Ann was gorgeous in an Alexa by Tony Ward spaghetti strap illusion neckline mermaid gown with beaded bodice adorned with laser-cut satin leaves, and train from Kleinfeld, New York. Her hair and make-up demonstrated the expertise of Endorse Your Beauty and Deez.

The ceremony was officiated by Stephen Henriques.

The reception took place under a marquee of white roses, hydrangeas, and chrysanthemums. The lighting from the chandeliers coupled with the most beautiful sunset on Goblin Hills’ Great Lawn enhanced the elegant and romantic themed wedding. Black and white souvenir cake boxes by Exquisite Invites and containing slices of traditional wedding cake made by the bride’s godmother’s twin sister, Marsha Gutmore informed guests that they were at a Jamaican wedding.

The bridal party demonstrated their dancing skills as they made their entrance to a mash-up of local favourites, after which Kelly-Ann and Kamar danced their way in to Ini Kamoze’s Here Comes The Hotstepper and Joseph Stepper’s Wife.

Dinner was courtesy of KuKup Kreations which also handled the dessert station, and the decadent Baileys and Dulce de leche caramel three-tiered wedding cake.

Toasts were raised by the bride’s mum, Sophia Harrison, who in her blessing of the union and speaking on behalf of the bride’s father who was unavoidably absent, reminded her of how much they both loved her and how proud they were of her and indeed her husband. The best man and the groom’s cousin Jermaine Arnold and, too, the bride’s cousin and maid of honour Shante Lawrence also shared hearfelt toasts.

Sparklers were lit and a circle of love formed as the couple made their way to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife to Kenny Lattimore’s For You.

Coppershot thereafter had the guests on their feet the entire night!

The newly-weds’ love affair for Portie would continue during their honeymoon which was spent at Geejam Hotel.