Anita and Corey Martin seal their love with a kiss at their wedding ceremony on the beach at the Half Moon Hotel in Rose Hall, Montego Bay. Corey is the son of Vin Martin, Jamaica's Honorary Consul to Atlanta, Georgia, USA. - Photos by Noel Thompson

Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

About 120 specially invited guests flew in from the United States to join 20 from Jamaica to witness the wedding ceremony of two sweethearts at the upscale Half Moon Hotel in Montego Bay last weekend. The couple are Corey Newton Martin (the son of Vin Martin, Jamaica's Honorary Consul in Atlanta, Georgia) and Anita Suzanne Hutchinson (the daughter of U.S.-based Dr. William D. Hutchinson). It was a wedding with a difference - shifting away from the traditional style. The party saw Howard University alumni mingling with a few Morehouse University graduates.

Corey, a corporate lawyer based in New York, is a graduate of Howard University. The bestman and groomsmen attired casually elegant in 'beach chic' khaki linen trousers and white bush jackets, while the bridesmaids wore low-cut back ivory dresses accentuated by a turquoise waistband.

Setting

The setting was on pristine white sandy shore with the waves rushing in and revisiting the ocean. The sun sparkled brightly on the water and the wind sung softly as Bishop Terrence Gordon, having conducted 12,995 Jamaican weddings, officiated. The Caribbean Regal Band provided background Caribbean musical selections.

At 4:45 p.m. Corey and Anita held hands and gazed into each other's eyes under a canopy made from dried bamboo, draped with colourful satins.

"Who gave this woman to be married to this man?" Bishop Gordon asked. "I do," replied the bride's father. "Very well, he'll send you a cheque in the mail," Bishop Gordon jibed, to much amusement.

Throughout the vow exchanges, Corey stared hypnotically into Anita's eyes. And as they signed the register, songbird Karen Smith walked through the aisle and beautifully rendered John Legend's I Will Stay With You.

Jumpimg the broom

In keeping with African/American tradition, the couple jumped a beautifully decorated broom, signalling freedom from all ills and moving into a new beginning, after affixing their diamond and platinum rings on each others fingers.

The wedding was preceded by a bridal brunch at the Half Moon Hotel last Friday followed by a welcome dinner held at the Pier One Restaurant in the evening. The groom's parents, Vin and Hazel Martin hosted the dinner, while the Western Dance Group, based in Montego Bay and A'Lisa provided entertainment.

Metty Scarlett-Jones, co-ordinated the event locally.

Corey and Anita left Jamaica for their honeymoon on an African safari, staring in Kenya and on to the Seychelles Islands, following a farewell brunch at the Half Moon Hotel.

Anita and Corey Martin hold hands and stroll along the shoreline just like lovers do, following their wedding ceremony. - Photos by Noel Thompson

Old friends of 50 solid years, team up for a grand reunion and a photo opportunity at the wedding. From left are: Egland Christie and his wife Dawn, Patrick Saulter and wife Ivy, Earle Whyte and wife Carol and Vin Martin and wife Hazel. Mr. Martin is Jamaica's Honorary Consul to Atlanta. The couples were attending Mr. Martin's son, Corey's wedding.

Giveaway father, Dr. William Hutchinson, escorts his daughter Anita to wed Corey Martin last Saturday.