Vows: The Bonds of Love
The couple have eyes only for each other (Photo: Kamar McHugh)

"Take my hand, take my whole life too. For I can't help falling in love with you." — Elvis Presley

A love story ended in happily-ever-after on Saturday, May 21 when Covalee Murray, administrator at Planning Institute of Jamaica, and entrepreneur Morris Stewart vowed to spend the rest of their lives together.

Theirs was a three-year courtship that commenced while studying the scriptures in Mandeville, at the Faith Bible College. Placed in the same group ostensibly for assignments, Morris and Covalee would develop a strong friendship.

"We were from different churches and had to visit each other's church to get acquainted with friends and family," Covalee told Tuesday Style Vows (TSV). "It wasn't difficult to figure out that we were meant for each other because we knew from the onset that God had answered our prayers."

The two wasted no time in sealing their relationship and commenced New Year's Day, January 1, 2022 with a commitment to wed. "Morris along with my family and friends planned the proposal," revealed Covalee. "My friends tricked me into hosting a games night at my house. We started out by playing a game that required me to be blindfolded. They [my friends] used this situation to pile into the house. Loud music was playing so it was difficult to ascertain what was going on. With my blindfold eventually removed I saw Morris down on one knee, ring in hand. He popped the question!! I said 'Yes'...

Four months later there she was, making her way up the aisle of the Fellowship Apostolic Church, to the delight of family and friends.

The elegant touch of flowers and décor was added by Marsha Small from Romarsh Décor.

There was nary a dry eye as Ricardo Murray walked his sister up the aisle to the strains of When God Made You.

Covalee was a beautiful bride, in a classic white gown with lace appliqué from Lovely LA Bridal. Her bouquet of white roses finished the look. The service was officiated by Bishop Samuel Blackwood and included the exchange of vows and a musical interlude of JC Lodge & Prince Mohammed's Someone Loves You Honey during the signing of the register.

The reception followed at the Jamaica Theological Seminary where Marsha Small and her team from Romarsh Décor used shades of burnt orange and forest green to enhance the space. Master of ceremonies Jennifer Anderson welcomed the newly-weds, the bridal party and guests as they all danced their way in to the joyful sound of Kool & The Gang's Celebration.

Dinner, created by the groom's friend Emelio Madded, put all in good stead for the formalities that followed, notably the unveiling of the cake by the mothers of the newly-weds; the cutting of the cake, a white two-tiered traditional fruitcake by Sweet Addictions Jamaica; and copious toasts to the newly-weds and their parents. Further highlights were the couple's first dance as husband and wife to Kenny Lattimore's For You.

The newly-weds described their reception as unforgettable and beautiful. The next chapter of their lives continued at Couples Tower Isle.

Morris affixes his signature to the marriage certificate, watched keenly by his bride and marriage officer Bishop Samuel Blackwood (partly hidden). (Photo: Kamar McHugh)
Mr & Mrs Morris Stewart make their exit to Happy by Pharrell Williams. (Photo: Kamar McHugh)
A photo op with the extended family (Photo: Kamar McHugh)
Morris is flanked by bridesmaids Salome Murray (left), Danielle Scott-Panton (right) and maid of honour Romaine Murray. (Photo: Kamar McHugh)
The exchange of gifts adds a nice touch to the programme. In the bride's bag is a dollar and in the groom's, a pin. The couple is then instructed by MC Jennifer Anderson to open and exchange gifts. The concept is based on the Jamaican phrase — "Yuh can't say him never give yuh a pin or a dollar." (Photo: Kamar McHugh)
The bridegroom, supported by his friends Kimbilee and Neville Alexander, serenades his wife with Ed Sheeran's Perfect. (Photo: Kamar McHugh)
The groom's uncle Collin Young (right) raises a toast to the groom's parents Morris Stewart Sr and Mercella Ellis. (Photo: Kamar McHugh)
Covalee and her siblings (back row, from left) Aeon, Alva, Romaine, Evadine Murray-Paisley and Ricardo Murray. (Front row) twins Emroy (left) and Kenroy Murray (Photo: Kamar McHugh)
Once the sand is blended, it cannot be separated. The newly-weds participate in the sand ceremony. (Photo: Kamar McHugh)
A close-up of the rings. (Photo: Kamar McHugh)
It's all smiles as Covalee and Morris cut their wedding cake. (Photo: Kamar McHugh)
Morris and Covalee share a passionate kiss during their post-nuptial photo session in the streets of downtown Kingston. (Photo: Kamar McHugh)
Covalee and the groomsmen Tajay Walker (left), Brian Richards (centre) and best man Percival Braham (Photo: Kamar McHugh)
Morris Stewart checks his watch in anticipation of the arrival of his bride(Photo: Kamar McHugh)
The two-tiered fruitcake by Sweet Addictions Jamaica. (Photo: Kamar McHugh)
Covalee shares the frame with her mother Sonia Murray (right) and grandmother Ina Lynch. (Photo: Kamar McHugh)

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