Vows: A Nurtured Love
First Global Bank teller Camoy Grant would have never predicted that she would be walking down the aisle with her high school admirer, forensic scientist Tariq McAllister, after 10 years of courtship. Vowstakes you back to the beginning…
The initial encounter, as told by Camoy
Tariq and I both attended Meadowbrook High School. We were always in the same classes; however, it wasn’t until grade 10 that I found out that he had a crush on me. I decided to give him a chance and get into a relationship, with no intentions of it lasting very long, as during that period I didn’t think of him as being my type of guy. However, destiny proved me wrong and I eventually fell completely in love with him.
After long years of courtship, on our fifth anniversary, we went to dinner at Cuddy’z Sports Bar and Restaurant. I had a feeling that this anniversary was different but could not put my finger on what, exactly. As we completed dinner, Tariq suddenly told me that he had something to tell me. As he went on one knee, my heart began to race. He started to profess his feelings for me, but all I could hear were wedding bells. Immediately, I screamed “YES!”
The ceremony
The ceremony took place at the Boone Hall Oasis on December 3, 2016. Tara Hirst and Mikaela Brand of White Light Events were responsible for the rustic-themed décor in burnt orange, burgundy and plum. The bridesmaids, cued by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat’s Lucky, made their way up the aisle in knee-length plum and burnt orange skater dresses designed by Diane Thompson. They were escorted by the razor-sharp groomsmen who donned black three-piece suits with plum neckties from Petals and Promises. At the altar, Tariq waited patiently in a black three-piece suit complemented by an ivory bow tie, also from Petals and Promises. Camoy made her entrance to Turning Pages’ Sleeping At Last, escorted by her mother Shereen Rodney and father Claude Grant. She was a picture of elegance in a sweetheart-neckline ivory mermaid gown from Petals and Promises, as she clutched a bouquet of roses and hypercium berries. The proceedings were officiated by Pastor Donovan Edwards and included the exchange of vows and a sand ceremony led by sister of the groom Aliya McAllister.
The reception
The reception was held under a tent at the same location. The bridal party made their entrance to Justin Timberlake’s
Can’t Stop The Feeling, followed by Mr and Mrs McAllister who were introduced to Bruno Mars’ Marry You. Guests cleared the floor for the couple’s first dance to Jah Cure’s Unconditional Love. After, their parents joined them for a mother-son and a father-daughter dance. Further formalities included the cutting of the red velvet cake from Baked By Desiree, followed by a sumptuous three-course meal catered by Boone Hall Oasis.
The honeymoon
After a weekend of fun and festivities, the couple spent the following week relaxing at the Grand Bahia Principe in Runaway Bay.