Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

Except for the wedding bands and the groom's tuxedo, the nuptial of Anchovy, St James, residents Kevin Morgan and Odette Lynch was a gift that came courtesy of sous chef at Granville Heart Trust/NTA, who had the staging of a wedding as the final project.

Asked to select a project, which is made up of Level Two Learner, the sous chef developed a concept, which was named the Wedding Blitz. The project was designed to stage a real wedding, inclusive of all the elegant trappings, at no cost to the couple.

"To get the couple for the wedding, we put out an advertisement in the newspaper, asking couples, who wanted to get married but could not afford it, to say in 250 words why they should be selected for this project," said Raphilette Wright, who coordinated the project. "Kevin and Odette won from among the three couples, who responded to the advertisement."

The wedding, which turned out to be quite a glitzy affair, took place at picturesque Ruins at Knockalva Heart Academy, in Hanover, where the couple exchanged traditional wedding vows in front of family members, executives of the Heart Trust/NTA and the 16-strong sous chef group.

"It went extremely well, and was definitely a major success for the group," said Wright. "These are the kind of projects we encourage our students to do because in addition to being a real-life experience, it is also a part of our community outreach."

In addition to planning the wedding and performing the supporting services, the sous chef also went out and solicited sponsorship support for photograph/videography, gift packages and honeymoon accommodation among other services.

The sponsors included

• Photos by Di Photo Shop at Bay West Shopping Centre.
• The Ruins at Kenilworth Academy
• E-nvite: HCIT Montego Bay Freeport
• Weddings Guests Invitations: Sous Chef Learners

Honeymoon accommodation: The Cardiff Hotel and Spa

Attraction: One day pass - Dolphin Cove

Ebony Park: Gift basket

Bride's Hair GeGe's Hair Care, 42 Barnett St

Make-up: Nickay Samuels - cosmetologist

Transportation of bridal party: Dwight Clarke, Maintenance Supervisor - Kenilworth Academy