Artiste manager Lavarcam Lawrence and Sagicor Financial Advisor Toni-Ann Tate met through their mutual friend Sasha Sepaul at a party at Sugarsman Beach called Igool. The attraction might have been mutual but there was many a stumbling block, not the least of them being the loss of their daughter. But you know the old adage: Pressure makes diamonds. Hers certainly shone brightly on Saturday, February 10, at the Grizzly’s Plantation Cove, Ocho Rios, when they were pronounced Mr and Mrs Lavarcam Lawrence.

The proposal…

It was Christmas 2016 when Lavarcam proposed to Toni-Ann. The proposal was very special to her since it was a year after they lost their baby girl, Dhelani A’Marie Taylor Lawrence. Toni-Ann felt like every Christmas season after her daughter’s death would be the worst time of her life. Devastated, sad, angry, and frustrated she wasn’t looking forward to Christmas.

The universe, it would appear, had other plans, however, and Christmas 2016 was what she called her recovery, the result of Lavarcam’s proposal. The proposal was orchestrated by her maid of honour Khalifa Scott, her friend Sasha Sepaul, and the rest of her family. He went down on one knee and asked her to marry him. Being the dramatic person she is, Toni-Ann fell to the ground and started to roll as if she was on fire! Lavarcam remained there waiting for her to say ‘yes’.

The ceremony…

Wearing a white A-line satin strapless gown and carrying a Tai Flora Luxe designed bouquet of white peonies that included a picture of their daughter, Toni-Ann looked positively radiant, as she made her way to the altar escorted by her father Alric Tate. Her smile widened as she approached her dashing groom who was wearing a white and grey custom-designed suit by Carlton Brown.

The couple exchanged vows in a ceremony officiated by Reverend Harris Cunningham.

The reception…

Family, friends and the bridal party converged under the gazebo at Grizzly’s Plantation Cove where the modern/contemporary with a dash of chic celebrations continued. The interior was draped in white fabric with splashes of pewter and gold and hints of ivory/champagne-coloured trimmings. Here, the festivities commenced as the bridal party and family members entered to a compilation of different songs. Shatta Wale’s My Queen featuring Aidonia signalled the arrival of the newly-weds.

Formalities were handled by Ity Ellis, who directed the couple’s first dance to Ed Sheeran’s Perfect featuring Beyoncé. This was followed by heartfelt toasts, the cutting of the five-tiered wedding cake made by Leeanne Cooke, a mother-and-son dance and father-and-daughter dance. There were, too, performances from Geddy Ferguson and Tosh Alexander and a tribute to Mama Dell (Lavarcam’s grandmother) and Dhelani with the release of sky lanterns.

Formalities over, guests enjoyed a scrumptious meal catered by Eskay Caterers ahead of further celebrations. A later date is planned for the honeymoon.