Weighing in For Love
On April 8, 2023, Alexandra Brown, the owner of a skin clinic in Manchester, England, and Samuel Kelly, a professional mixed martial arts fighter, tied the knot in Jamaica. Neither have Jamaican roots but are both truly passionate about the island.
Their love story began with a simple message on Instagram, a bold move initiated by Alexandra, who had met Samuel through mutual friends. Alexandra shared with Tuesday Style Vows (TSV), “We had known each other for some time, but Sam was too scared to approach me… I took the bull by the horn and sent him a message. The rest, as they say, is history. Sam proposed to me in our kitchen at home in Manchester. He called me downstairs, the music of Bob Marley was playing and [he] asked me to marry him.
“A few days before the wedding, Sam had a big fight. The team was ready for a black eye and other injuries, but Sam knew exactly the cost of this fight and won the fight in 10 seconds without a scratch on him!”
The couple exchanged vows — officiated by Pastor Balds from On Call Weddings — at the enchanting Borghinvilla Wedding Venue in St Ann. White, cream, gold and blush pink elements, carefully curated by Jennifer Borgh Events, were the dominant hues. The ceremony area was lined with gold Chiavari chairs wrapped in sheer fabric and finished with gold buckles. The gazebo, located on the edge of the cliffs, was adorned with hydrangeas and roses. Dried vines were intertwined with florals to add a rustic touch.
The couple’s son was supposed to walk up the aisle with a sign that said “Daddy, it’s time to give Mummy our last name”, but wasn’t in the mood until the ceremony finished; nevertheless, he garnered just as much attention with his cuteness.
Alexandra stunned in a champagne pink fishtail Mila Nova Aora gown with white detailing, while Samuel and his groomsmen donned French Connection UK stone and white pinstriped suits. The bridesmaids for their part looked elegant in white gowns finished with delicate embroidery. The couple embraced tradition of using something old, with Alexandra’s late father’s gold bracelet for their wedding rings. Her mother’s diamond earrings were borrowed, and a blue crystal brooch with her dad’s photo adorned the bouquet.
The couple curated a musical journey with the help of DJ Buck that perfectly complemented the various moments of their special day. As the bride walked up the aisle escorted by her mum Lynda, the sweet melody of Bob Marley’s Is This Love filled the air. For the signing of the register, the soulful notes of Natalie Cole’s This Could Be was played. The joyous recessional saw the couple exiting to the upbeat rhythm of Calvin Harris’s Feel So Close, symbolising the start of their journey together. For the reception, the entrance of the wedding party was marked by the smooth sounds of Barry White’s My First, My Last, leading seamlessly into the couple’s first dance as husband and wife to Let’s Stay Together by Al Green, followed by Wayne Wonder’s No Letting Go, creating a musical symphony that echoed the essence of their love.
Chef Junior Francis curated a veritable spread of local culinary delights. The couple’s wedding cake, also designed by Chef Francis, featured chocolate and vanilla cupcakes.
As the night unfolded, filled with love and laughter, Alexandra and Samuel couldn’t have asked for a better day. They later honeymooned in Rome.