Basil and Sheena Perriel make wedding-day memories. - Contributed

On the sunny and humid afternoon of Saturday, August 8, Basil Perriel, Jnr, and his belle Sheena Crawford said their 'I dos'. This was the culmination of a three-year courtship which began when they were introduced by a mutual friend on August 1, 2006.

In an Anglican-based celebration, the beaming couple exchanged vows at the University Chapel, Mona, witnessed by more than 200 friends and family members, who travelled from across the island, as well as the United States and England.

The proposal

A man on a mission, Basil visited Sheena on New Year's Day 2009, with a ring that Sheena had unwittingly chosen and a proposal plan.

However, God had a different plan for them, but with the same ending. Basil invited her out, but she had to help her mother prepare a previously scheduled family dinner. Undeterred by the hitch, and determined to make his plan a reality, Basil improvised by enlisting the help of Sheena's mother who arranged to get Sheena into the garden. There, he asked her the big question and, after moments of hugging and laughing, she said yes. Mission one accomplished.

The ceremony

For mission number two, Sheena was dressed in an elegant beaded halter neck A-line dress from David's Bridal. Defying custom, she arrived at the chapel on time in a white stretch limousine with her attendants beautifully dressed in fuchsia gowns of varying styles. She was by no means a nervous or shy bride as she was all smiles gliding down the aisle on the arms of her proud father, Vivian Crawford.

The groom waited patiently at the altar, handsomely outfitted by Stitches.com, as were the groomsmen.

The award-winning performing group Nexxus and renowned musician Noel Dexter, provided the musical flair for the ceremony. Decorators Jacqui Stephens of Exquisite Occasions and Ruby Martin, decorated and styled the aisle and pews with a combination of blue and pink satin fabric and bounteous arrangements of flowers. The ceremony was officiated by the Anglican Bishop of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, Reverend Dr Alfred Reid, Canon Dr Vivian Cohen and Franklyn Jackson.

The reception

The bride and groom share a kiss at the entrance of the University Chapel, Mona, St Andrew. - Contributed photos

While the bridal party took photos on the well manicured and picturesque campus, guests strolled over to the Ruins. There they listened to the soothing sounds of flautist Anthony Alexander, and enjoyed a variety of savoury cocktails provided by Karlene Smith, before the reception dinner in the Gold Room of the Mona Visitors' Lodge.

Jacqui Stephens again worked her magic in the Gold Room. The room was given a romantic flair with tables adorned with royal blue overlays, and centrepieces of bouquets of pink roses and carnations, white orchids and daisies surrounded by lit candles.

Master of Ceremonies Dervan Malcolm guided the programme and kept guests entertained. The beautiful and elegant three-tiered wedding cake, created by Carolyn Brown and Yvette Smith, was blessed by Reverend Devon Dick.

It was obvious that communication was not a problem for the couple as it took them five minutes of negotiating on how to cut the cake, followed by more negotiation on how to feed each other, all to the humour of the guests.

During the groom's response, with his bride by his side, he had the DJ play a special surprise dedication of Tarrus Riley's She's Royal. For this, he was rewarded with a kiss.

With the formalities completed, guests danced the night away to old and new songs, courtesy of DJ Maurice Samuels. Mission accomplished!

The newly weds spent their honeymoon on a Caribbean cruise.

The bride and groom with their parents (from left), Basil Perriel, Snr (groom's father), Delkie Perriel (groom's mother) Basil and Sheena Perriel, Carva Crawford (bride's mother) Vivian Crawford (bride's father).

The happy couple exit the church after the wedding ceremony.