Barbara Ellington, Senior Gleaner Writer
The happy couple Christina and Leighton Campbell gaze into each other's eyes after saying 'I do' at their wedding at The Ruins in Ocho Rios on June 18. - IAN ALLEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
TWO MORE families became permanently linked on Saturday, June 18, when Leighton Oliver Campbell, son of Florida-based Jamaican author Nina Hart, and Christina Baboolal, daughter of businessman Charley Baboolal and his wife Patricia, were married in a beautiful ceremony at Our Lady Fatima Catholic Church in Ocho Rios, St. Ann.
The scene was picture perfect as previously anticipated showers did not materialise and the radiant bride, hair in a fashionable bun, wore a strapless, pearl and crystal decorated silk gown from the Signature Collection in Florida where she resides. Her platinum and diamond necklace and earring set were fitting complements to her sparkling wedding/engagement ring set.
The groom wore black tuxedo and a fuchsia miniature lily corsage to match his bride's bouquet of fresh lilies, chrysanthemums and baby's breath as well as the strapless fuchsia gowns chosen by the bridesmaids.
But what made the nuptials memorable for the scores of family and friends, who came from Florida and Jamaica, was the sheer joy and happiness that emanated from the couple and guests in the formal dining room at The Ruins Restaurant.
GUESTS KEPT IN STITCHES
From the moment master of ceremonies Alric Blake took the microphone, everyone sat up with ears perked to hear his jokes, witticisms, rhymes and just plain Jamaican 'lyrics'. His melodic voice caressed each phrase and captured all his punch lines, thereby keeping the otherwise composed guests in stitches.
So much so that one remarked, "This is good man, I go to too many weddings that seem like a funeral."
Not to be outdone, Fr. Howard Thompson in blessing the meal and the four-tiered cake said a prayer should be like a woman's skirt - long enough to cover the essentials but short enough to stir the interest.
Topping off the festivities was the inimitable Dwight Richards with Desi Jones and friends. Mr. Richards repertoire included: You Are So Beautiful, Let's Stay Together (which the newlyweds joined in singing), Unchained Melody, Up On The Roof, I love You For Sentimental Reasons and more. It was a joy to see bridal party and guests rocking either in their seats or in between tables as the songs were sung. Sparkles Disco also made the occasion a musical treat with a catalogue of
contemporary love songs and wedding music.
All this in a room that was transformed lovingly by Carl Hart for his niece's big day into a cool tropical setting. He chose huge cones filled with pink ginger, tropical ferns and daisies. The windows, chairs and tables were draped with shades of
fuchsia, burgundy and cream tulle and sheer fabric, and the water cascading down the rocks out the window added just the right scenery.
Among the guests we spotted: Orville Hart; Marlene Chin-Shue; Toni-Ann Baboolal, Mr. and Mrs. Milford Baboolal; Gloria Brisset; Jacklyn Morgan, Olive and Ron Burgess; Margaret and Anthony Bolt; Beryl and Owen Parker; Marsha Smith-Moodie; Emily Lewin, Marian Lewin; Bebi Lewin; Derrick Lewin; Alma Lewin; George and Lilleth Newby; Phyllis Wong; Carla Smith; Sharon Newby; Howard Hylton; Shelly-Ann Dale; Edward Harmon; Lindell Walcott; Stephanie Hart; Suzette Rhoden; Craig Hart; Randy Cheeks; Kaydean Vendreyes; Clive Brown; Donna Hart; Lorna Rivers; Larry and Marlene Chen Shue Christopher Baboolal and many more.
