Andree and I got married in Jamaica on August 17, 2013. Most of that time is a complete blur, but there are a few things (aside from GETTING MARRIED! that I remember!) that stand out for me like how my family and I were packing up the van with all of our luggage on our way to Jamaica and Dad did one last "Does everyone have everything!?" followed by a bunch of "Yes, Dad"s and he looks at me (I am known for being forgetful sometimes...) and I said "Yep! All set" and I take two steps and say "Wait! My wedding dress!!" Could you imagine?! It was a close call and then we were off...45 minutes later as we are crossing the bridge to leave PEI, I realized I forgot my purse!!! With all my money....our honeymooon money, my ID...my passport. Luckily, my sister Sam had not left her place yet and was able to get it for me...saving the day!We got to Jamaica pretty seamlessly 2 days before the wedding day, and Andree was there to greet us and see the rest of my family (aside from my dad!) for the FIRST time! It was so exciting! They all loved him, of course. Then it was a mad rush to get all the last minute things done, but it all came together and then it was 'the big day'.That morning I woke up to Andree calling in a bit of a hurry (I'm not even going to say panic, because he's too calm to panic...) wondering if I brought the glasses for the head table - which...I forgot. So he had to send the Best Man to town to buy some...which started the day off behind schedule. I'm not sure if you've heard of the saying "Jamaica Time" but basically, everything goes at a nice, easy-breezy pace. If you are running behind - No worries, No problem. Well, our wedding day was definitely on "Jamaica Time" haha!
I was at the resort (where Andree and I honeymooned for a week with my family..don't worry, I'll get to that) getting ready with my family, while Dre and his family were in Axe-and-Adze (getting head table glasses and such). Getting ready was really fun, my 16 year old sister Maddie did hair, while Sam did make-up! The bus came to get the big crew of 12 from my side. Mom, dad and I sat in the lobby waiting for our ride, realizing at the last minute no one (including me) had their bouquets. Dad had to go back to our room to get them! Then Kingsley showed up and we were on our way!
Jamaica is mountainous. It's quite a hike going up into the hills to Axe-and-Adze. Kingsley was driving a car he was not used to as it was a rental and easily slips into Over Drive...and without any of us realizing that was the problem, Kings was driving it in OD the whole time and we had ZERO juice trying to get up those hills...at one point we were literally rocking back and forth to try to make it up a hill. We (my parents and I) were all "uh oh...is the car gonna break down...we are going to be so late" not to mention that even when we were on flat parts Kings was taking his time because "yuh need fi take yuh time wit a wedding drive, it is tradition to go slow so everyone can see". Andree called Kingsley about 5 mins to 1 to say "We're just getting ready, not at the church yet, I'll call you when I'm there" My Mom seemed the most panicked about the late part...she was like it's after 1...and me and dad just said "Jamaica time". I actually have no clue when the ceremony actually started, but it must have been close to 2. I didn't even care!
We got out of the car and things were a buzz, pictures were being taken right and left, I was rushed up the stairs (then down a few coz Andree started coming back to get the Mom's!) Andree's friend Banton was fluffing the bottom of my dress and train (love him!), I was taking enormously deep breaths because I was beyond overwhelmed and my Dad was beside me cracking jokes to make me relax (love him more!). Then the music changed and it was time. I'll never forget that feeling of nervousness, excitement, happiness, contentment. I was walking up the aisle thinking "I can't believe I get to marry this man. I can't believe he's standing there smiling at ME! Marrying ME! Loving ME!...Don't fall down..."
As soon as Andree put my arm in his, he noticed my breathing and nervousness haha and his first words were not 'you look beautiful' they were a soothing "calm down, baby" which of course, made me giggle and immediately feel at ease. The minute we faced each other we whispered 'sweet nothings' to each other until it was time to recite vows, neither of us could tell you what our (very sweet but long-winded) Pastor had said before that. We were definitely in our own world and loving every minute of it! Then it was time for the kiss! Andree had joked with me about doing a big kiss and I was like 'No..I'd be so embarrassed!" and he took that as "Yes, that would be amazing". So, sure enough it came time and just as the Pastor was saying 'You may kiss the bride" Andree says " You ready?" I knew it then...and BAM! He kissed me, dipped me, the whole 9 yards...it was a kiss that would even make a hooker blush. On the bright side, we got our favorite candid shot of the surprise of not only me, but the crowd and Andree's mischievous grin that followed. (attached).
Part 2 to follow...
Awe Jill, it's so wonderful to hear your story!! Can't wait for part 2, and to meet this amazing man! ((HUGS))
ReplyDelete