Vows: Pledging Our Love
Love found its way into the lives of Floridian pre-K teacher Cara Gardiner and construction and renovations worker Travis Bubrowski, who met at a mutual friend’s barbecue in April 2020. Two years later the two tied the knot at The Bamboo Gallery in Florida, USA.
Travis took the opportunity on their first date in April to demonstrate his culinary skills by cooking Cara a romantic dinner. They would spend the rest of the evening talking, laughing and getting to know each other. They would soon discover just how similar they were and indeed how comfortable they were around each other.
Though Travis was raised in a woodsy community of Pennsylvania, and Cara on the tropical island of Jamaica, they both share a love for the ocean. Throughout their relationship, their dates involved spending quality time lying on the beach together, exploring South Florida’s restaurant scene, going out for ice-cream, or simply hanging out with family and friends, enjoying icees and movie nights.
In 2021 they experienced their first Christmas road trip to Travis’s hometown as a family, when Cara, her daughter Nia, and their dog Layla spent the holidays with his parents. Six months prior to their drive up north, Travis asked Cara’s parents for their blessing for her hand in marriage and four months later, he asked Nia to help him shop for the perfect ring. From Pennsylvania, they drove on December 28, to the Rockefeller Centre, New York where Travis went down on one knee in front of the Christmas tree and indeed a multitude of people, took out the ring and proposed. It was certainly memorable! Cara visibly moved agreed to spend the rest of her life with him.
“Our journey has not been perfect, but we have found balance, respect and fulfilment in each other,” expressed the newly-weds. “We look forward to creating many more memories together, and celebrating our nuptials with you!”
Here comes the bride…
On Friday, November 18, 2022, 85 of their nearest and dearest relatives and friends watched Cara and Travis say their “I dos”. The modern boho paradise-themed backdrop with elegant touches of brown, ivory and natural wood and subtle pops of rose gold and textured boho accents by Carla Belnavis and Kirsten Letchford and their team from Rockin Robin Event & Party Rentals further enhanced the setting.
There was no denying the love that radiated as celebrated Jamaican crooner Boris Gardiner walked his daughter up the aisle to the strains of Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling in Love.
Cara was gorgeous in a two-toned ivory lace and champagne gown by Juleen Brown. Her make-up was perfectly done by Nicole Keith of Brushed by Nicole Beauty. Her elongated bouquet of assorted neutral blooms, white anthurium, preserved elements and hanging orchids made its own statement.
The ceremony was officiated by Patricia Charles and included the assembling of the unity heart.
The reception followed at the same venue were the modern boho paradise theme continued. For the centrepieces Kirsten and Carla from Rockin Robin Event & Party Rentals used three small modern boho arrangements on each table with assorted neutral and earth tone roses. Centrepieces were spaced evenly down the centre of the table and complemented by assorted taper and pillar candles with gold/metallic candle holders and tea lights.
DJ Willie from Pariba Productions, the master of ceremonies, welcomed guests to dinner which was catered by Sunshine’s Catering. Sweet Guilt executed the impressive cake station which comprised of three strawberry champagne rose wedding cakes and one salted caramel construction-themed groom’s cake.
Before the toasts, the bride’s father sang Bobby Socks which was dedicated to his daughter. The newly-weds opened the dance floor with their first dance as husband and wife to Johnny Ace’s Pledging My Love, also sung by the bride’s father.
After the wedding the newly-weds went to Key West for a short getaway. They will celebrate their honeymoon on their first anniversary with a trip to Hawaii.
Photos: Tracey & Martin Photo Co