Four of the 10 couples who participated in the "World's Largest Nude Wedding" held at Hedonism III, yesterday. - Norman GrindleyBy Barbara Ellington
and Garwin Davis,
Staff Reporters
SEEMINGLY OBLIVIOUS to the local furore created by their decision to get married in the nude, 10 American couples yesterday tied the knot at the Hedonism III Resort in Runaway Bay, St. Ann yesterday, amidst wild cheers.
The controversial wedding went ahead as scheduled yesterday just after 11:15 a.m., four of the couples renewing and six making first-time vows.
They marched down the aisle on the section of the beach reserved for "naturists" to the sounds of a mento band playing the Wedding March.
Meanwhile, at the entrance to the property, about six placard-bearing demonstrators milled about before moving on to Breezes Golf and Beach Resort, also in Runaway Bay.
The ceremony was performed by Rev. John Cervasio, a non-denominational minister from Florida who is no stranger to performing nude nuptials.
"Couples feel more in tune with God and nature when they get married this way instead of traditionally with all the commercialism," Rev. Cervasio said.
One groom wore a tuxedo jacket, cowboy hat and boots, while another wore a vest and a wrist corsage, but the others wore mainly body paint. The brides, who wore body paint, used huge bouquets of orchids to conceal their genitals and wore circles of orchids in their hair. Additional adornments were stockings, garter belts, gloves and shoes. Rings were either worn or carried in small boxes.
Scantily clad social co-ordinators from the resort provided a great backdrop for the wedding party.
"We wouldn't have wanted it any other way," said a beaming Ron and Paige Sisman from New Jersey. "We pretty much knew that there would be those who would object to what we are doing but this is a personal choice for all of us."
The Sismans noted that nude weddings were a growing phenomenon in other parts of the world and believe that Jamaica could capitalise on what they describe as a very lucrative market.
Bob and Eileen Shaski, who were renewing their vows after being married for 17 years, were equally excited. According to them, this was their tenth visit to the island and were thrilled to have been able to participate in the non-traditional ceremony.
"Jamaica is very special for us," said Mr. Shaski. "We really don't understand what all the fuss is about. We simply got married in our God-given clothes."
