WITH SO much negative talk about the institution of marriage, it came as a surprise that such a large number of people turned up at the Hilton Kingston Hotel Ballroom, for their fourth annual Wedding Showcase held on Saturday.
An excellently decorated ballroom at the Hilton set the pace for what was a fun-filled evening of exhibitions from various stores that cater for weddings who had set up display booths. The ballroom of about 200 white covered chairs was packed to its capacity, with quite a few persons standing.
Whether it was to prepare for a wedding, see the displays or just to enjoy an evening out, all members of the family came to support this event. The displays included samples from fashion houses, which showed bridal gowns, tuxedos and fashion for the bridal party.
Beautiful decorations, of tables, candles, cakes, utensils and wines glasses, were also on display. Lavender and white, gold and white and green and white seemed to be the combinations of the day.
Photo studios exhibited their best wedding photos and beauty salons gave hairstyles and manicures. While his and hers wedding bands were shown, honeymoon packages were on display as well. There was a buzz of activity from the booths and people signed up with Hilton for their special day.
The Wedding Showcase was a well-organized event which had the masters of ceremonies Fae Ellington and Dervan Malcolm ensuring that the audience did not experience a dull moment. Their stage antics ranged from snide comments to impromptu duet performances of Jamaica wedding songs 'Fi mi love have lion heart' and 'It was under the coconut tree,' which was played on keyboard by Peter Ashbourne. The audience delighted in these moments of merriment. Hilton went all out to ensure that their potential clients were impressed, and that they were. Two couples from the audience were selected and were treated to a meal of smoked salmon, rum and raisin cheese cake served with some bubbly.
With Fae interjecting comments about the smell of the food and her wish to have some, the audience watch as the four were treated to the white gloved service of two waiters, Hilton style. The crowd was once again impressed by the professional display of the waiters.
As a treat for the ladies, the male group QT mesmerized them with their fabulous harmony and slick attire. The group of five donned cream jacket suits and led the screaming ladies into a frenzy with their wedding song 'So in love' and some old hits that followed.
The Wedding Showcase was a two-day event which had different entertainers for both days.
