- Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer
Eleasia Lewars and Pearnel Charles Jr. take the journey to say their vows.

Barbara Ellington, Lifestyle Editor

The historic University Chapel was the venue for yet another high profile wedding last Sunday. This time, it was for attorney-at-law Pearnel Charles II and Eleasia Lewars, daughter of Monica and Vincent Brewster.

The groom is the son of veteran Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) politician Pearnel Charles and his wife Gloria Charles. The bride is a senior learning facilitator consultant at MIND and they have been together for eight years.

Wedding planner Marguerite Anderson chose shades of canary yellow and honey dew, and incorporated these into the floral arrangements, bridal bouquets, boutonnieres and corsages for the occasion. Among the beautiful arrangements were masses of pomanders, roses, cala lilies, delphinium sprays, gladiolas and spider mums.

The radiant bride chose a David's Bridal strapless white gown with close-fitting bodice and wide skirt. The cathedral train of tulle was etched with beads and pearls and the bodice of her gown was festooned with sequins, seed pearls and crystal accents. She wore a diamante tiara that cinched the veil in place and her hair was upswept for the big date.

Traditionally late

In keeping with tradition, she arrived nearly half an hour late, but her groom was well taken care of by his band of able buddies and attentive father. He chose traditional tuxedo with black and silver accents, while the groomsmen and batsmen had pastel coloured vests beneath their tuxedoes.

In the words of his beaming mom, Gloria, "This is a young people's affair." They broke with the conventions in many ways, such as when the groom walked down the aisle to meet the bride singing his own composition to her. He had written it on their engagement a year ago, put it on a CD and also ended the reception with the song. He kissed her twice on each cheek then escorted her to the altar.

They also incorporated the African 'jumping the broom' ritual and when it was time to repeat the vows, the bestman and maid of honour held the couple's hands. The newlyweds released doves of peace following the ceremony and left the church in the white stretch limousine that brought the bride.

Reception

The reception was held in an air-conditioned tent at the Terra Nova Hotel and the colour theme was maintained throughout. Music for the festivities was provided by Fusion Band and the bride's uncle Bobby Holness was master of ceremonies. Each table bore the label of one of the virtues worthy of emulation in a good marriage. The wedding cake was magnificent and in its simple sophistication, held only a topping of flowers with a butterfly Special touches for each perched in each.

The close to 200 guests included Opposition Leader Bruce Golding, the groom's uncle-in-law and his wife Lorna Golding - the groom's aunt; Wentworth and Samantha Charles, the groom's uncle and aunt-in-law; Steven and Ann-Merita Golding, cousins of the groom; Merita Charles, the groom's grandmother; the bride's godmother, Joyce Tucker-Smith, bride's uncles Errol Simmonds and Bobby Holness and her brother, Russell Lewars who gave a beautiful sermonette. Her sisters Kerry-Ann Lewars-Jackson and Robena Lewars were in the bridal party.

Also present were Chief Justice Lensley Wolfe, Senator Dwight Nelson, Mr. Alvin Curling and companion Mrs. Curling; Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Stewart; Paula Hoo, Sandra Simmonds, Stephanie Grace, Philip Latibeaudiere, Christopher Role, Roger Roach, Vivid Scilly, Andrea Duhaney, Jean Ramose, Laurel Bonnet, Cordial Nelson, Chill Shrilly, Shawn Jones, Ryan Smith, Shawn Aye Brisk, Kelsey Clarke, Sherry Gnash, Anna Gracie, Stephen Gunning, Hyacinth Sulph, Janet Woodham, Craig Marsh, Alfred Thomas, Heather Carnage and Pauline Reynolds, plus scores more.