Saturday, February 9, 2019 was the date chosen by Kimola Francis, account coordinator, National Pen, and Trevor Spence, design artist, Vistaprint, to exchange their wedding vows at Paradise Brandon Hill Guest House, Montego Bay. The two were both employed at Vistaprint as customer service representatives when they met and developed a friendship that would later blossom into love. Vows details the African-print wedding celebration.

The proposal, as told by Kimola

I swore blind that the marriage proposal would come on April 2018. It was my birthday after all, and the perfect time. Plus, I was picture-perfect! No ring came! It would come almost one month later on May 26 to be exact, at 2:00 am. “Baby, I got a popcorn ring out the toy machine at Juici Beef,” he joked. “Would you mind wearing it until I can buy the real thing?” It certainly felt a lot heavier than a popcorn ring! In fact it was heavy!

My heart was now racing and tears streamed from my eyes as I realised what was really happening. I asked him to turn on the light. It was the exact black diamond ring I said I wanted. I looked up through blurred eyes to see him down on one knee professing his love and his wish to marry me. I shook my head in agreement. He got me good, zero make-up, morning breath, and dishevelled hair!

I now pronounce you

Friends and family convened on the lawns of Paradise Brandon Hill Guest House, Montego Bay, to witness the nuptials. The aisles were lined with quotes from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. As the bridesmaids made their way up the aisle to the strains of Fall by Davido, wearing gold dresses, they were escorted by the groomsmen who wore black pants, black shirts, gold suspenders and ties.

Renford Williams then walked his daughter up the aisle to You Waited by Travis Greene. Kimola was radiant in a black sweetheart lace dress by Montego Bay seamstress Althea. In her hands she clutched a bouquet of white roses. At the altar stood Trevor, dressed in black with a cape inspired from an Ethiopian-themed wedding. The nuptials, which included a tree-planting ceremony to symbolise unity, was officiated by B Pastor Everton Lawrence.

The reception

The reception area was decorated with gold and black drapes. The bridal party made their entrance to a mix of songs, followed by the newly-weds to Wife by Joseph Stepper, cheered on by family and friends.

Guests enjoyed dinner courtesy of family friend Eddie. Formalities followed and included the unveiling and cutting of the gold and black red velvet cake by Elizabeth Toby, and copious toasts to the newly-weds. Another highlight was the couple’s first dance as husband and wife to Al’s Green Let’s Stay Together.

The newly-weds didn’t have a honeymoon but a ‘home-moon’ as they moved into their own house.