Karen and Harry’s love story began when introduced by mutual friends. With both of them having just left relationships, neither was looking for something serious. But as fate would have it, they came to find in each other everything they’ve always wanted in a significant other. After twenty years of love and devotion, Karen and Harry decided it was time to tie-the-knot. For Karen, she’s known Harry to be the one by “the way he made me feel, by always putting a smile on my face.”
Read all about Karen & Harry in their destination wedding in Jamaica – featuring planning by MunaLuchi Coterie member In My Elyment ~ Event Planning & Design.
Bride & Groom: Karen & Harry
Occupations: Sales Manager & Elevator Technician
Wedding Date: July 28, 2018
Wedding Location: Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Tell us how you met. Harry & I met in 1999. Yes, we were together almost 20 years before tying the knot. We had both come out of relationships and decided that we were not going to get serious with anyone. We were just looking to date and enjoy life. My friend said that she knew someone I may like and at the same time her husband was telling Harry, “I know a girl you may like” – fate? Possibly! Needless to say, we met at our mutual friends house and the rest as they say is history.
How did you know they were “the one”? I loved his smile, and the way he made me feel, by always putting a smile on my face. In 2017 we were vacationing in Jamaica and went to Church together. After mass ended he looked at me and said “it’s time to get married”. I joke sometimes that the lord must of spoken to him.
What was wedding shopping like for you? Because we had been together for so long and we were doing a destination wedding, we wanted to do it right. My initial shopping started at Kleinfeld Canada. I was surrounded by close friends, family and my wedding planner but I found the process so overwhelming. A few weeks later I found my dream dress in a local mall. The dress was off-white with just the right amount of embellishments and hugged my curves perfectly. As for Harry, his outfit was custom designed and fit him perfectly. He wore an off-white suit with gold accessories and shoes. We were both in shock when we saw each other for the first time during the “first look”.
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? We were both born in Jamaica so it was only fitting to get married there. Our decor was influenced by Western weddings as we’ve lived in Canada for most of our lives. But the food had to be 100% authentic Jamaican cuisine. This was extremely important to us because we had a large amount of locals attending the wedding. We spent considerable time finding the right caterer and also had a close family member do the food tasting on our behalf because we were in Canada.
Wedding Party gifts: Personalized Alcohol Flasks.
Favorite item on the menu: We loved everything!
First dance song: “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
What is your best memory from your wedding? Seeing 150 close friends and family join us from all over the world to celebrate our big day. Also having our blended family there by our side to be a part of our union.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Never give up! We’d been together for almost 20 years before getting married. There were many ups and downs over the journey but our faith and genuine love for each other kept us together.
Vendors:
Destination Wedding Planner: In My Elyment ~ Event Planning & Design
Photography: Merrick Cousley Photography
Invitations: Stephita Wedding
Caterer: Essence Catering
DJ: Renaissance
MC: Hhoman Pink
Reception Venue: Villa Viento
Ceremony Location: Our Lady Of Fatima Roman Catholic Church
Cake: Cakes by Noida
Dishware: Concepts 2 Creation Jamaica
Videographer: Elite Media Concepts
Decor & Florist: Plush Touch
Church Musician: Dr. Crooks
Hair & Make-up: Merlee & Visetta
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