Vows takes you inside the private and intimate wedding of Anthea Shaw and Roan Bradshaw. The two held a private, low-key ceremony at the Our lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Ocho Rios because they wanted the ceremony to focus on the love shared between the them.

Roan and Anthea, who are both based in the UK, met at a hair salon in London. Roan’s salon, actually, called First Glance Hairdressers. Anthea became a regular customer of Roan’s. Over time, the close relationship between stylist and client soon developed into something special and undeniable.

“One day we both faced up to the fact that we had a lot in common and a fondness for each other,” Anthea said.

They have kept a steady and committed relationship ever since. And then last year, Roan proposed to his future wife in a traditionally romantic manner – over a romantic meal at a restaurant. The meal was at a posh London restaurant, the date was on the eve of her birthday – October 27. With the old-world charm of London serving as a backdrop, Roan popped the question, and Andrea, though surprised, said yes.

The bride and groom opted for the verdant tropical shores of Jamaica to host their special day. Both their parents are from Jamaica, and they are frequent visitors to the island; the two say they couldn’t think of a more special and meaningful place to declare their love for each other in holy matrimony.

The couple decided to forgo the usual trappings of a wedding (elaborate attire, flowing drapes, ornate bouquets, lots of bridesmaids and groomsmen), but, instead, strove to express their union in its purest form — two souls standing at the altar, declaring their undying love for each other.

“Weddings are all about love,” says the bride, “and so romance has to be at the heart.”

There were a few witnesses present – the chief bridesmaid, Heidi Bradshaw, who is also the groom’s daughter, and best man and brother of the groom Alton Bradshaw. There was the usher, ring bearer, flower girl and pageboy, plus a select group of close family members and friends from Jamaica and overseas.

When asked about the theme of the wedding, the bride says: “No real theme. We kept it simple and romantic.”

The bride wore a beautiful white gown, designed by Mori Lee, with a classic A-line design. The design, the bride says, was chosen for its enchanting simplicity. The designs for members of the bridal party were done first-hand at First Glance in London.

For the reception, the couple and their guests moved to the picturesque grounds of the Sandals Golf Course in Ocho Rios. They dined on a scrumptious selection of foods prepared by the Almond Tree Restaurant that included pumpkin soup, curry goat, barbeque chicken, fish, pork, rice and peas and a dessert selection of fruit salad and ice cream.

Both Roan and Anthea describe this occasion as one of the happiest days of their lives. It was exactly as they had wanted it – pure, honest, simple and focused entirely on them both.

“Less is more,” says the bride. And she couldn’t ask for anything more than the love of her husband.

Photos by Zuluspro Photography

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The bride is escorted down the aisle by her cousin, Raoul ‘Bibs’ Edwards.

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This is it! The bride and groom embark on their journey of a lifetime of togetherness.

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Roan and Anthea Bradshaw celebrate their love in the busy Ocho Rios streets.

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The couple take a stroll in the heart of downtown Ocho Rios.

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True love in full bloom.

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The Happy family. From left: Lili Brown, Clive Brown (bride’s father), Elaine Swaby (bride’s mother), Raoul ‘Bibs’ Edwards, Anthea Bradshaw, Carmen Bradshaw (groom’s mother) and Roan Bradshaw.

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From left: Luke and Kayden Bradshaw (sons of groom), Simone Bradshaw (groom’s niece), Heidi Bradshaw (daughter of groom), Kayla McArdle, Roan and Anthea Bradshaw, Morgan Bradshaw (groom’s son) and Alton Bradshaw (groom’s brother).

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The Bradshaw men having a good time. From left: Morgan, Kayden, Roan, Alton and Luke.

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The newly-weds can’t hold back their joy.

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The gorgeous wedding cake.

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As night falls around them, the couple share a tender embrace.