Keisha Shakespeare-Blackmore, Staff Reporter

Christopher and Isabelle taking the first walk as husband and wife after the ceremony. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

After 17 years of travelling the world Christopher Barnes, The Gleaner's assistant to the managing director, returned to the island with a priceless gem, Isabelle Vacante.

They met in 2004 at a nightclub in Montreal in Canada, became friends and on November 3, they tied the knot.

Venue for the ceremony was Prospect Chapel in Ocho Rios. By 4:27 p.m. the bride arrived wearing a beautiful cream strapless gown with her hair pulled back in a bun. She was absolutely stunning.

Father John Basco Maison officiated. Christopher and Isabelle sat in the centre of the chapel with their bridal party on both sides. Father Maison reminded the couple that there would be highs and lows but God would be there for them always.

The couple stole glances at each other as they smiled happily. The audience was asked to join the minister in prayer for them. Following the exchange of rings, Barnes hugged his bride, kissed her softly, paused then kissed her again, pause again, stared at her, smiled, then kissed her again.

The absolutely beautiful wedding cake.

mixture at reception

At the reception held at Manana, Shaw Park Garden Ridge, St. Ann, the decor was a fusion of Italian and Jamaican styles.

In his toast the groom said, "I stand today as an accomplished man for three reasons:

1. I had 17 years to travel the world.

2. My best experience abroad I brought home with me.

3. I convinced my best experience to stay with me in Jamaica. Today, I seal the biggest deal of my life with the best experience abroad, let me introduce you to Mrs. Isabelle Barnes," he said.

As he continued his speech, some tears trickled down his flushed face. His lovely bride gave her support by gently touching him and smiling.

Witnessing the memorable occasion included singer Sean Paul, Debra Lopez, Lisa Bell, Inez Barnes, Franco and Monique Morellato, Rosaria and Calogero Cutino, Gordon Arnold, Gary Matalon, Michelle and Gregory Mayne, Lorna Myers, Richard Fontaine, Douglas Vaz, Janet McIntosh, Oliver Clarke and wife Monica Ladd, Dwayne and Elizabeth Marzoeua, Ian Levy, Bernie Cousineau, Natalie Vacante, Christina Perri, Leurence Vaval, Isabelle Laurin, Steven Thompson, Pierre-John Holmes, Michael Lewis, Spiros Fatouros, Melanie Bourque, Charmine Chin Loy, Betty Barnes, Tanya Barnes, Duane Marzouca, Kirk Chin and Christopher Chin Loy.

Beaming parents of the bride, Denise and Calogero Vacante.

Christopher Barnes hanging out with his sister, Tanya.

Christopher Barnes (centre), with guy pals Sean Paul (left) and Rashedy Lewis.

Proud parents of the groom, Margaret and Anthony Barnes.

The beautiful bride, Isabelle Vacante and her groom, Christopher Barnes (centre), with their bridal party, (from left front row): Natalie Vacante, Leurence Vaval, Steven Thompson, Christina Perri and Isabelle Laurin, Spiros Fatouros, (left back row), Michael Lewis, Gary Matalon, and Pierre-John Holmes.