Barbara Ellington, Lifestyle Editor

Newly-weds, Ed and Nina Harmon. - Contributed

It was a double celebration for Jamaican-born, Florida-based author and banker, Nina Hart, as she said 'I do' to law enforcement officer, Edward Harmon, on her 50th birthday, Saturday, August 19. The ceremony took place at Christ The Rock Community Church, Cooper City Florida.

Florist Marcia Jarrett's decor further enhanced the immaculate interior of the church. The bride's a strapless gown by South Beach designer Belinda's Couture, featured a corset top laced down the back with satin ribbons. The flaired skirt depicted lattice-work over silk slip and her hair was styled by Hair for Divas. The diamond necklace and earrings were by Maria's Jewellery in Aventura. The groom wore white tuxedo with rust and black vest and accents. His bestman also wore white.

Nina was given in marriage by her four adult sons, and her maid of honour and bridesmaid were her two daughters. Grandson and daughter were also in the party and the groom's son performed bestman duties.

The couple entered the church on a red-carpeted aisle and after the ceremony performed by Pastor Will Martin, danced down the aisle to, Oh Happy Day, greeting friends and family in from Jamaica and Canada.

During the poignant ceremony, many guests were teary-eyed as the soloist sang Order My Steps.

Reception

Upon arrival at the prestigious Jacaranda Country Club for the reception, luncheon guests enjoyed a variety of finger foods and fruits while the newly-weds and bridal party were whisked away in golf carts for photographs.

Here, the simple, but tasteful decor, expertly executed by Michelle Bhalai-Nesbeth, featured circular tables for eight with centrepieces of birds of paradise, orchids and green anthuriums to match the off-white and moss green linen and chair covers. Al Johnson provided background music and later thrilled everyone with his saxophone solo.

The couple opened the reception with their first dance to the late Luther Vandross' If This World Were Mine.

Toasts were memorable, particularly those from her children - in the form of a rap tune, the other, straight from the heart and chronicling the events from their mother's courtship to the wedding. Dr. Yvonne Smith from Atlanta made everyone laugh with her presentation of the reality of married life. The Harmons honeymooned in The Bahamas.

Those celebrating with the Harmons included Mr. and Mrs. Jason Campbell, Mr. and Mrs. Leighton Campbell, Leneen, David, Paul, and Trish-Ann Campbell, Edward K. Harmon Jr, Julin James, Vinette Smith, Donna Hart, Mr. and Mrs. Clifton Hart, Orville Hart, Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Hart, Pearline Hart, Pearly Hart, Aileen Schleifer, Mr. and Mrs. Karl Harmon, Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Smith, Pamela Lyons, Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Lyons, Edwin Lyons, Mr. and Mrs Raymond Mathews, Craig Hart, Stephen and Stephanie Hart, Mr. and Mrs. Bradley James, Sheldon James, Murrio Ducille Sr. and Jr., Flavia Christopher, Commissioner and Mrs. Winston Barnes, Drs. Dwight and Yvonne Blake, June Minto, Andrew Smalling, Lois Chin, Dr. Bridge, Mr. and Mrs. Keith Collie, Mr. and Mrs. Karl Werrlin, Maria Kong and Brad Jenkins.

Also present were Dacia Riley, Keith Taylor, Mindy Germain, Mr. and Mrs. George Martin, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Garbey, Marjorie Smith, Steve Phillips, June McLean, Sopia Lazarus, Sydney Roberts and Bridgette Riley; the Gleaner's Barbara Ellington and close friend of the bride Barbara Ellington; photographer Wesley Chambers from New Jersey; Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ansonia, Ms .Kathy Frost and other SunTrust and Bank of America employees as well as the bride's close friend Beverly Kirton-Smith.