Chapter 36
The Wedding day
The day of the wedding had arrived. Jason, Raquel, Cheryl and Allison were all up very early. They all knew this was an important moment.
Whilst Allison and Cheryl made sure that all the finishing touches were in order, Raquel was in a suite at the Little Bay Aquatica Rosewood Resort with her mom, the cosmetologist and the maid of honour. They were working on Raquel’s face, hair and nails. In contrast Jason was in his suite over at the Gordian with his best man. They had been dressed and were relaxing in the air-conditioning.
Cheryl was at the Little Bay Aquatica Rosewood Resort just overseeing all of the final decorations, and that every detail was finished. The cakes were there, the flowers were in place, the chairs and tent, as well as the audio and podium, and all were in place. The minister was there as well as the photographer.
Allison had all of the transport in place, and also ensured that the wedding party knew at what time they would depart.
At 9:00 A.M. the buses for the wedding party arrived. Jason’s car arrived at 9:30 A.M. At 9:40 A.M. the vehicles bearing the bridal party arrived at Little Bay Aquatica Rosewood Resort Resort. As the females alighted from the bus there were ooohs and aaaahs. They were given their flowers and this served to enhance their appearance.
When the groomsmen disembarked their vehicle, all those in sight smiled and exclaimed how handsome they looked. They were resplendent in their outfits. The blues and blacks were magnificent. They received their boutonnières and smiled happily for all. The photographer was mightily busy. When the groomsmen paired with the bridesmaids and flower girls it was a sight to behold.
The guests at the hotel were busy pointing, talking and taking pictures. The mini-bride was also beautiful as was the page boy. The men of the moment arrived next. Jason and his best man. They beamed with delightful smiles. After exchanging greetings and hugs, they met with the Minister Rev. Pemberton and took their places. Everyone was in awe of how pretty they all looked.
The moment everyone looked forward to had arrived. Raquel and her maid of honor emerged from the hotel. And they were beautiful. Gracefully she walked to the beginning of the aisle. All of the guests smiled and clapped for her. Jason and his best man looked straight ahead. They never even glanced around.
An interlude of music preceded the entrance of the bridesmaids escorted by the groomsmen. Once they were all in place “Here comes the bride” was sung by Joanna Nelson gracefully accompanied on the keyboard. It was a new composition, delightful in the words and with a beautiful melody.
The chorus went like this.
Here she comes, lovely as a morning rose Fresh as early morning breeze, on a sunny day Here she comes, radiant as the rising sun Here comes the bride.
As she walked up the aisle the mini-bride walking in front of Raquel was purposefully spilling white and blue rose petals from her basket. Once in position the formalities commenced. Rev. Pemberton addressed the gathering. He encouraged them to welcome the new bride and groom to be. He also made mention of the support they would need to ensure that their journey would be a comfortable one.
He the delved right into the element everyone was waiting for. The bridal charge and the wedding vows. Beaming with delight and smiling, Raquel and Jason recited their vows to each other. Then there was the exchanging of rings. The ceremony was complete with the signing of the marriage register, during which Pamela Levine sang “Love is the reason why I give myself to you.” Once this was complete, Rev. Pemberton wasted no time. He introduced the new couple Mr. and Mrs. Jason Aurelien and invited Jason to kiss his bride. They exited the church to the strains of the song “Where ‘ere’ you walk”.
On the outside the photographer lined up the wedding party as he took photo after photo. The invited guests as well as the hotel visitors took the opportunity to take their own photos as well.
When the ceremony was finished the guests and the wedding party departed for the Food Cluster where the reception waa being held. Cheryl and Allison had done well so far. They had ensured that all was on schedule and going according to plan.
It was all smiles when those who were invited to the reception arrived at the food cluster. They had to wait a while until Jason and Raquel arrived. Jason and Raquel took up their places on the inside close to the entrance. As the guest entered they greeted the newlyweds and proceeded to their tables. On their way they passed by the wedding cakes.
The wedding cakes were rather unusual, but quite pleasing and a sight to behold for all who saw it. One of them was a chocolate hazelnut-flavoured cherry blossom wedding cake. It had handcrafted lovebirds and cherry blossom flowers supported by a cupcake tower at the base to compliment. The cake was in the shape of a hat.
In addition there was also an orchid two layered chocolate and vanilla wedding cake elegantly covered in a fondant and decorated with fresh orchids. Finally there was a white three layered Victoriana Lace and Sweet Avalanche Rose Wedding Cake with blue and gold trimmings and strawberries dipped in white chocolate cascading from the top to the bottom. Everyone commented on the uniqueness and appeal of all of the cakes.
The hostesses welcomed all to the reception at the Food Cluster. They were elegantly outfitted in white tops, blue waistcoats and black skirts. The hosts were similarly attired. They moved nimbly in ensuring that all were seated correctly and served with a welcome drink of Martinellis sparkling apple cider.
The MC kept things intact with no gaps or breaks between the activities. There were the usual introductions and speeches. The cutting of the cake was splendid. The first dance was well executed with Jason leading and Raquel following in tandem.
Once the formalities were completed all of the guests were invited to have lunch. For lunch there was herb crusted rack of lamb and crushed parmesan potatoes, seared scallops with coriander and crushed breadfruit, braised mutton from the black belly sheep, pork loin roast, seared big eyed tuna and filleted steaks of red snapper.
There was also tossed salad, Cole slaw and corn pie. Green peas and rice, lentils, vegetable rice, macaroni and cheese, sweet potato pie.
A variety of beverages garnished the tables. Among them were fruit punch, soursop punch, passion fruit, golden apple, mango, guava and Jamoon juices.
Among the ice cream flavours were pistachio praline, cherry vanilla, blueberry crumble, coconut macaroon and white chocolate raspberry truffle. There were also fruit kebabs.
Thankfully there was no alcohol, not even a beer. And surprisingly not one of the eighty guests complained. The meal was enjoyed by all. They ate until they were satisfied and all had compliments for the chef and for the staff at the Food Cluster.
The music was really refreshing and appropriate. Nice R&B tunes, foot stomping gospel, some sing a long praise and worship, slow instrumental rhythms in addition to a little country and western provided a good environment for participation by a matured crowd. A good time was had by all.