Barbara Ellington, Senior Gleaner Writer
Newly weds Paul and Mateel Galy.
THE AFTERNOON showers did not dampen the romantic mood that settled over a quaint St. Joseph Catholic Church in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland last Saturday for the nuptial mass of Mateel Saba and Paul Galy.
The groom arrived early to eagerly await his bride and her Vera Wang peach clad bridal party. They all braved the downpour in a convoy of white stretch limousines.
PICTURE-PERFECT
Mateel Saba was picture-perfect in an Italian designed strapless gown that featured close-fitting bodice and a cathedral train with 400 hand-sewn crystals. She wore a diamante and crystal tiara, chandelier platinum and diamond earrings and matching necklace. Paul who had shed tears of sorrow for his late mother's absence on his special day, chose an Indian inspired tuxedo. The couple exchanged platinum wedding bands.
Some 220 guests headed by the bride's parents Eli and Carole Saba and the groom's father Ralph Galy, filled the pews of the cream-carpeted aisle bordered by huge pedestal stands filled with an array of white tropical flowers. The windows of the sacred edifice were draped in chiffon and the altar furniture was covered in silk brocade.
Rev. Edgerton Clarke welcomed the guests from overseas especially the groom's friends and family from Trinidad, and reminded the couple that marriage bonds were stronger than parental bonds. "Secular forces always attack the home and family but you have to pray for guidance. This is not just a uniting of the two of you but also of the region," he said.
A lavish feast starting with poolside cocktails was held at Grand Lido Negril Hotel, chosen by the couple who fell in love at that spot. The scrumptious buffet was carefully planned by the hotel's food and beverage department and included some Middle Eastern fare.
Champagne and wine flowed all night long and the food stations throughout the dining area ensured that guests were efficiently served.
Master of ceremonies Paul Lalor obeyed the newlyweds' wishes and kept the toasts to a brief 15 minutes. (Are there wedding bells in his immediate future too?)
But the time was enough for the bride's father to pass on his father-in-law's adminition to his new son-in-law "treat my daughter as she's accustomed to." And for the groom to promise to surpass those wishes.
SPIRALLED CENTREPIECES
Wedding planner Jackie Stephens outdid herself with spectacular decor at the church and at the hotel where huge spiralled centrepieces of orchids, daisies, carnations and chrysanthemums were topped by Swarovski crystals. Singer Judy Emmanuel provided two items for the ceremony and Fab Five and Wild Bunch Disco kept the reception party on their dancing feet till two in the morning.
The Galys' guest list included: Christopher and Kimberly Issa; Joan and Orlando Gonzalez; Seragh and Effie Lakasingh; Ann-Marie Asher; Chris and Debbie Hylton; Belinda and Wayne Serour; Casey Serour and mom Terry Serour; Clovis and Debbie Hylton; Kristian Schnoor; Nikki, Kita and Eddy deFreitas; Pia and Leighton Delvaille; John and Paola Byles; Mike and Donna Richards; Stephanie, Suzanne and Chris Azan; Joan Ross; Clovis and Debbie Hylton; Audrey Gardner; Novelette Dyer; David and Julie Driscoll; Steven, Simone and Sarah Champong; Gloria and Mark Galloway; Paula and Jessica Schieuring; William and Sandra Tavares-Finson; Gassan and Rosanna Azan; Mark and Rachel Roberts; Donnovan Quarrie; Peter and Donnia Bovel; Pamella and Adam Farran; Steve and Denise Parris; Leona Boday; Laurice Lutfey; Heidi Stolmayer; Jason and Jodi Barrow, Diane Boyle and several more.
