Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Long before Tarrus Riley sang his renowned anthem, She's Royal, to new bride, Jacqueline Burrell-Clarke last Saturday evening, her husband, Lennox Clarke, had staked her claim to royalty.

The petite and stunningly beautiful Digicel corporate affairs manager was utterly electrified by the surprise performance from one of her favourite artistes on one hand, and completely satiated to be seated next to the man who declared, "Honey, it's been a long time coming and when I looked at you today, you looked absolutely stunning. You took my breath away and I am so proud to be your husband. I will love and cherish you for the rest of my life."

Even if these two lovebirds never said a word to each other while they stood inside the Immaculate Conception Church in Stony Hill, St Andrew, on Saturday, July 4, the glow in their eyes, incredibly obvious body language would have been enough for Deacon Ron Burgess to declare them "one". However, a proud Clarke, a sales representative at Pepsi, lovingly repeated every word that Deacon Burgess asked him to during the intimate ceremony. The new Mrs Clarke responded "I do" with conviction.

Small group

Witnessed by a small group of close friends and relatives, the next stop in their new journey was a reception at the fabulous historical ruins at Mona Visitors' Lodge at the University of the West Indies, innovatively decorated with rich ecru mixed with sparkles of gold.

Burrell clearly desired an understated look woven with beads of classic intervention, a request that wedding decorators Kelvin and Suzie Salmon delivered on. Using sheer silk overlay, beaded spiral crystal chandeliers and 22-inch centre pieces of submersible Calla lilies, the husband and wife team incorporated the natural state of banana leaves at the aqueduct of the property. Indeed, the entire aqueduct had green uplights and crystal cylinders at varying heights and levels, completing the mood. The bride's bouquet was done in green cymbidium orchids with jade and high piece roses, depicting the soft green hue of the bridal party.

On a day that Lennox and Jacqueline Clarke will remember for years to come, their joy and happiness were indisputably made more special with the unforgettable MC Jerome Sommerville, who had the audience in stitches throughout the evening.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com