Barbara Ellington, Lifestyle Editor

'A very happy affair' are words that perfectly describe the wedding of Homer Stanford and Nicole Berry. Homer is the son of Dorrette and Captain Lincoln Thaxter (his biological father is deceased) and Nicole is the daughter of Louise and Ronald Berry.

The ceremony, which took place on Saturday, November 28, was officiated by Reverend Jeffrey McKenzie, in the intimate lilac, sage and white ambience of the Mona Baptist Church, St Andrew. Guests arrived under cloudy skies, but threatening rain could not dampen the spirits of the eager and happy groom who greeted family and friends with hugs and kisses as he awaited his beloved.

Wedding coordinator and mother of the groom, Mrs Thaxter, looked fabulous in a deep blue figure-hugging sleeveless guipure lace over satin gown. This was designed by her St Ann-based dessmaker.

Sartorial elegance

Mother of the bride chose a beige spaghetti-strap gown and matching sheer jacket. The featured multiple rows of frills perfectly suited her trim frame. The fathers looked the picture of sartorial elegance and Mr Thaxter later demonstrated his talents as a witty master of ceremonies.

Groomsmen wore traditional black tuxedoes with sage and lilac accents, while the maid of honour and bridesmaids wore sage and lilac, respectively. The bride was picture-perfect in a white strapless David's Bridal gown that ended in a short pearl and crystal trimmed train with delicate embroidered flowers. The bodice was also trimmed with crystals and seed pearls. She carried a bouquet of dendrobium orchids and carnations and wore sparkling rhinestone jewellery that complemented her fabulous platinum and diamond wedding ring set.

The bridal party entered the church to the sounds of A Whole New World by Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle, and the bride marched up the aisle to Bob Carlisle's Butterfly Kisses. Guests blew bubbles and released butterflies upon the newlyweds' exit from the church.

And then it came, a welcome shower to quench the parched city's thirst. This provided the perfect opportunity for picture-taking and congratulatory hugs from guests.

The venue for the reception was Knutsford Court Hotel, situated at 11 Ruthven Road in St Andrew. The newlyweds embarked upon a Caribbean honeymoon cruise.