Vows: Jenny “writes” her own script
The romance as recounted by Jenny Bryan (now Pickett), has all the hallmarks of a traditional love story with a modern-day twist.
“We met the old-fashioned way —online”, she quips, “but soon after, in his uniquely boyish way he would ask me, “You wanna be boyfriend and girlfriend?”
And so it was that Jenny Bryan of California and St Hugh’s alumna (via Jamaica), costume designer to the TV stars, and New York-born Billy Pickett, international sales agent for athletic footwear, began a journey in 2013 which came to a crescendo on July 9, 2016, at the Prospect College Chapel and Villa Viento in Ocho Rios.
Jenny — a US Costume Designer Guild Award nominee for her work in films like Breaking Bad — the Guinness World Record holder as “the highest-rated TV series of all time” and winner of 10 Emmy Awards, is no stranger to walking the red carpet. But this was different — a fully Jenny Bryan production.
The bronze goddess was resplendent in fine gilt French lace that sat perfectly on her petite frame created by her dear friend and colleague Deborah Andrews of Albuquerque, New Mexico — chief seamstress for several award-winning TV shows.
The delicate bronze “slip dress” over a double layer of bronze silk was complemented by a rose gold metallic belt for a “contemporary nod”.
“Team Jenny” — Selena Miller of Atlanta, Georgia, (make-up artist for Johnny Depp, the Rolling Stones and other celebrities) matched the bronze theme to perfection to Jenny’s Steve Madden rose gold block heels, rose gold earrings, gold bracelet from her late mom, and the magnificent natural blue diamond that proclaimed her Mrs Billy Pickett for all to see.
Billy, Mr Cool and Easy, embraced the warm summer day in a turquoise linen shirt and navy linen suit from Suit Supply — an ensemble echoed by best man Allen Schade and groomsmen Jeff Weiss, Joseph Pickett and “giveaway brother” Don Bryan.
Shored up by flower girls Shannakay Gaynor and Chloe Couto, maid of honour Joan Bryan, and bridesmaids Florette Williams, Adrienne Anderson and Barbara Warren. Jenny walked up the aisle on the arm of her brother Don Bryan, to the strains of the Silver Birds Steel Orchestra playing Stevie Wonder’s Isn’t She Lovely.
The ceremony, guided by Dr Horace Betton, a family friend, included a poem written and read by Jenny’s cousin Rhona Williams along with Jenny’s childhood friend, Ingrid Thame, a rousing solo by friend Shilla Benning of Atlanta, Georgia, all sealed with a kiss – long before Dr Betton invited “husband and wife” to do so. Then they walked down the aisle to Bob Marley’s Is This Love.
Following cocktails under the porte-cochere of the picturesque Prospect College Chapel, the bridal party and guests enjoyed a delightful reception at Villa Viento – a “destination wedding” under the stars punctuated by a live performance by reggae giant Ernie Smith and a dramatic set by an exotic fire dancer.
Catering and décor were expertly executed by Plush Touch & Designs and Concept2Creation of Tower Isle.
Guests from across the globe — China, UK, Canada, USA, the Caribbean — danced the night away with the beautiful Ocho Rios galaxy of stars as their canopy.