Some things are just meant to be. A statement that came to fruition on Friday, August 5, as Leon Clarke and Shantel Redman continued their love story with the exchange of wedding vows at Waterfalls Jamaica Limited.

It was hardly love at first sight. As teenagers, both were ardent churchgoers. An exchange of phone numbers was done, ostensibly to source a poem for the Easter programme at church. “At the time she didn’t have Internet and I did,” Leon shared with Tuesday Style Vows (TSV). Faith and fate took over as the two became fast friends and started dating a mere few months later. Their relationship stood the test of time as the two remained together throughout their latter high-school and university years, which brought them to where they are today.

To commemorate eight years of togetherness, Leon and Shantel shared a romantic weekend getaway at Iberostar hotel. As their anniversary celebrations came to a close, Leon got down on one knee and proposed. It was executed entirely on the fly… and was more about the union than the ring. Both were in love and it was clear that their love was meant to be. So on a moon-lit beach, the stillness shattered only by the meow of a kitten, she said “Yes”.

After being together for nine years, “We don’t go to bed angry at each other,” the couple shared as their secret sauce to staying together throughout the years.

The ceremony

Witnessed by family and friends, the couple exchanged vows guided by Reverend Dexter Johnson at Waterfalls Jamaica Limited.

Jennifer Wedderburn in association with Waterfalls Jamaica created angelic scenes with white and silver-themed décor.

Christina Perri’s A Thousand Years signalled Shantel’s arrival. Her off-the-shoulder ball gown wedding dress, sourced by Unions Bridal Boutique, was adorned with lace and white as snow as she made her way up the aisle. The bridegroom cut a fine figure in a custom, white and silver three-piece suit with a shawl collar made by @Nicks_Tailoring_and_Designn.

The newly-weds left the altar to Master KG’s Jerusalema.

The reception

…followed at a banquet hall at Waterfalls Jamaica Limited, which was decked out in white and silver décor, including “LOVE” spelt out in bold, white, three-dimensional letters at the table where the couple was seated. Leon and Shantel were joined by their elegantly attired guests, all dressed in white as well.

DJ Horein Douglas ensured there wasn’t a dull moment, playing a medley of Afrobeats songs to initiate the formalities. The mood was set when Perfect by Ed Sheeran began, as it was time for the couple to enjoy their first dance as Mr and Mrs Leon Clarke.

Waterfalls Jamaica Limited provided the full package, catering to the guests celebrating this union.

The couple later honeymooned at Royalton Negril.