Vows: Love Won
Love won on Saturday, July 1 when what started 17 years earlier as a social encounter in a classroom blossomed into a declaration of love. Vows takes you all the way back…
That First Encounter…
Danielle Headlam, MD of Danielle’s Catering, and Narado Smith, MD of auto detailing company Quick ‘n’ Shine Auto Care, met in October 2001 at Excelsior Community College. Danielle and a few of her classmates, inclusive of bridesmaid Mesheka Brown and MC Stacie-Ann James, were sitting in class when this stone-faced young man walked into the classroom, then broke into a big smile and introduced himself. “He was quite sociable,” recalls Danielle. “He spoke to and joked around with everyone.” In no time we all had become fast friends. However, he and Danielle had developed a tighter bond; they’d flirt harmlessly but to anyone looking on, the chemistry was palpable.
Initially, Danielle didn’t see him as a romantic interest and they lost contact for a few years after their 2003 graduation. However, Cupid’s arrow would soon find their hearts after a chance encounter in 2005 brought them back together. Numbers were exchanged and they started texting and speaking frequently. Narado invited her out a few times and she accepted. The chemistry they had at Excelsior had increased. They became best friends, and the relationship blossomed into something beautiful.
The Proposal …
Narado proposed to Danielle on the night of February 14, 2017, Valentine’s Day. “We had decided not to go out for dinner, so I had prepared a special candlelight dinner at home.
The proposal came after dessert. “He went down on one knee, and expressed how blessed he was to have me in his life and how much he’d like to cement our relationship by making me his wife. Of course, I said YES! After the proposal we scheduled an engagement shoot with our photographer and friend Hasini Bryan, which featured scenes from the downtown business district, the waterfront as well as the Palisadoes beach,” shares Danielle.
Here Comes The Bride…
Caymanas Golf & Country Club with its manicured lawns and sweeping vistas was chosen for the wedding ceremony and reception.
The sweet seductive notes of Kenny G welcomed arriving guests as, too, a sign with the following words: ‘Please… Take a seat not a side, together we are a family once the knot is tied.’
Instructions were followed and guests soon settled facing a draped wooden canopy; the aisles were lined with tall, cylindrical vases of hydrangeas and floating pink orchids and curly willow. Eggplant purple and fuchsia with silver accents were the couple’s chosen colours. Attractive, square shimmery purple paddle programmes complete with satin ribbons were used as fans. Containers for blowing bubbles were also handed out.
The gorgeous bridesmaids made their way up the aisle to Beyonce & Marc Nelson’s – After All Is Said and Done in eggplant and fuchsia mermaid dresses. They were escorted by the handsome groomsmen who wore heather grey suits from Allure Men.
Emotions were high as Neville Headlam Snr escorted his daughter up the aisle to the song I Found Love by Bebe Winans. Danielle was stunning in a custom-made white gauze scoop-neck, long-sleeved mermaid gown with lace appliqués and court train. In her hand she held a hand-tied mixed bouquet with white, pink and purple roses made by Petals & Promises.
Her bridegroom, dapper in an Allure Men heather grey ‘Bartlett’ tuxedo and matching vest complemented by an eggplant bow tie, was visibly overcome by emotion at the sight of her.
The ceremony, which included a sand ceremony to symbolise unity, was officiated by Reverend Nigel Martin.
The Cocktail Hour
Cocktails took place by the pool where guests enjoyed an array of hors d’ oeuvres and beverages from an open bar.
The Reception
A scrumptious three-course meal catered by the Caymanas Golf & Country Club followed cocktails in a setting described by the couple as one of love, life, laughter and friendship. The formalities were ably handled by Neville Headlam Jr, the bride’s brother, and Stacie-Ann James, a long-time friend of the bride and groom. One of the most memorable moments was the groom’s reply in which Narado decided to sing an R Kelly classic When a woman loves. The guests were held spellbound by his compelling rendition which gave them a glimpse into all that the couple had to overcome in order to get to this moment. The guests got to feel a bevy of emotions as Narado told their story through song and celebrated at the end with him — because love won.
The couple enjoyed their first dance as husband and wife to Spend My Life With You by Eric Benet, and cut their square three-tiered black traditional fruitcake, covered with fondant and embellished with purple rhinestone ribbons and pink and purple roses made and designed with oodles of love by the bride herself.
Entertainment was provided by the very talented DJ Krazy Kriss who kept guests on the dance floor until the wee hours of Sunday.
Mr & Mrs Narado Smith jetted off the following morning to Miami where they joined a cruise to The Bahamas on the Royal Caribbean Cruise line Enchantment of the Seas.
