Damion and Chenielle McKenzie happily take a photo as husband and wife shortly after their wedding ceremony. - Contributed

To the words of a Maya Angelou poem, bridesmaids and groomsmen strolled down the aisle to join the eager groom, Damion McKenzie, and when the trumbone sounded throughout Bethel Baptist Church, the beautiful bride appeared.

Hoisted in the arms of her brothers Jevana and Chauncey, Chenielle Delahaye (dressed in a body-fitting Chinese-inspired dress) went to meet her ushers, their feathered fans cooling her down before she started her journey down the aisle with her father, Beckman.

Chenielle looked stunning in her gown and accessories complemented by her fixed smile. Walking to the musical rendition of Whenever You Call, Damion gladly took her hand and led her to the officiant, Reverend Dr Burchell Taylor.

After the exchange of vows and the pronouncement, the husband and wife were greeted with cheers, hugs and kisses as they walked down the aisle together. The good wishes continued outside the church.

Reception

The reception followed at the Knutsford Court Hotel. Over 100 invited guests converged on the location while the bridal party stopped to capture beautiful pictorial moments at Guardsman Group Limited.

The reception area was beautifully decorated in gold and red. In keeping with the fairy-tale theme, Chenielle changed into a more comfortable and sexy strapless dress made by local designer Camesha 'Poshe' Powell.

After dinner, the groom announced that he had a surprise for his bride. It turned out to be two surprises wrapped in one, as in came saxophonist Dean Frazer followed by Tarrus Riley minutes later. Together the musicians created a pleasant surprise for the guests and, of course, a very elated bride. Performing songs such as Far Away and She's Royal, everyone sang and rocked along with the duo, even requesting a much obliged encore from the two.

Chenielle and her husband are still basking in the memories and highlights of a truly amazing July 18, 2009.

The couple honeymooned at Breezes, Curaçao.

latoya.grindley@gleanerjm.com