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Vows - An Everlasting Love indian theme with a beautiful black bride on 5th December 2010, 2:57 pm
Arcangel
Shana Newman and Rodger Brown had known each other since they were teenagers but were reunited through mutual friends, maid of honour Lisa Russell and groomsman Wes Anderson. And in an intimate setting on Boxing Day, December 26, 2009, Rodger O'Neil Brown, son of Herald Printers' Vinette and Kenneth 'Teddy' Brown, went down on both knees and professed his love, and asked Shana Tereke Newman, daughter of Rosanne Delfosse of Shangina's Construction Company, to be his wife. And so the planning began, with Shana, herself an event planner, choosing an Indian theme in honour of her husband's Indian heritage.
Guests soon filled up Saturday last — November 20, 2010, The Holy Trinity Cathedral, while the groom and his party opted for the comfort of the air-conditioned car. Pianist Andres Lopez began tickling the ivories, and from Warren Harris's saxophone came a soft melody. The Cathedral never looked more beautiful, with white orchids and candles enhancing to the pomp and grandeur of the edifice.
was stunning in an ivory Demetrios gown, its sweetheart neckline wonderfully accentuating her décolletage. The creation was covered in lace and embellished with crystals, the mermaid silhouette hugging her curves and flowing to the floor in a sweep train. She clasped a cascading bouquet of white Cymbidium and phalaenopsis orchids, accented with Swarovski crystals.
The bride opted for a lace-edged cathedral mantilla, fashioned around an elegant chignon decorated with crystals, high atop her head, which was created by hair stylist Melody Aarons, while her flawless make-up, was the handiwork of Racquel Jenkins-Moss-Solomon. On her hands, one could see the henna tattoos done by Priya Anaokar at the Mehendi bridal ceremony and shower hosted by her bridesmaids. Later that night her husband would find his name written in the henna on her body.
The bridal party wore floor-length strapless fuchsia gowns and carried colourful bouquets of Casablanca lilies and orchids, while the groomsmen wore black tuxedos with pink striped ties. The dashing groom sported an After Six Quattro tuxedo, with customised Nicole Miller shirt with French cuffs; Montblanc cufflinks glimmered at his wrists, and around his neck he wore an English gentleman's ivory cravat, handmade by local designer Carlton Brown.
The ceremony proceeded, with maid of honour Lisa Russell fixing Shana's dress, while best man Steven Brown wiped his brother Rodger's brow. And as the couple exchanged their vows, they individually thanked Rev Franklyn Jackson, who officiated the ceremony.
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails at the Top of the World at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, complete with drummers and dancers, which reflected the wedding's Indian theme.
The cocktail hour was followed by dinner at the hotel's 17th floor Talk of the Town. Venezuelan artist Juanita Ramos and her husband Michael Nunez welcomed everyone with a customised painting specially done for the couple, which upon completion would include the names of all who shared in Shana and Rodger's special day, before being hung in the couple's family home.
Inside, wedding coordinator Roxanne Malcolm ensured that everything flowed smoothly -- the beautiful, rich gold and ivory décor by Jacqui Stephens of Exquisite Occasions Limited, floral arrangements by Gorgeous Flowers, and the catering provided by the Jamaica Pegasus, designed and customised by the bride's aunt, Betty Delfosse, who jetted in from Tanzania for the occasion.
Off to one side stood the cake — a majestic-looking creation designed by the couple's good friend — architect and interior designer Alison McIntyre, and decorated by Selena Wong. Shana's 'give-away father', Lloyd Lawrence of Totally Delicious Bakery, baked the traditional fruitcake.
Following their wedding, Shana and Rodger spent the first phase of their honeymoon at the Secrets Resorts in Montego Bay, with plans to visit India come January.
US singer Natalie Cole said it best — "This will be an everlasting love..." — and appropriately, this was the song that led the couple through the doors of the cathedral, and into their new life together.
