After 30 years of friendship, the couple now known as Dr and Mrs Charlton Collie, both well-known in the financial sector and the medical and political fields, respectively, tied the knot in a candlelight ceremony on Friday, March 9. An unusual day of the week one might say for a wedding, but when the groom is also celebrating his birthday, it was a fitting way to celebrate both occasions. And celebrate they did.
The wedding was solemnised at the Providence Methodist Church in Liguanea with the blessing of Reverend Bosworth Mullings.
Dressed in a white strapless organza gown with a flowing train, the radiant bride joined the groom at the altar where they declared their commitment to each other for now and the future. The lighting of candles after the nuptials signalled the coming together of the couple and their families.
With the liturgical aspect over, it was on to the reception where the real delights of the wedding unfolded.
The well-manicured lawn of the couple's home was masterfully transformed by florists Best Buds into a beautiful garden. Iridescent lights added to the allure of the garden and brought together a scene reminiscent of Hope Gardens in its heyday. The centrepieces on the tables were vases in a pool in which swam gold fish beneath beautiful floral arrangements.
The bride and groom were serenaded by Jamaica's well-loved crooner, Boris Gardiner, and the guests were thrilled by his wide repertoire. Scrumptious hors d'oeuvres were enjoyed as the guests, including former Prime Minister Edward Seaga, Juliet Holness, wife of Opposition Leader Andrew Holness, and parliamentarians, enjoyed the twilight ceremony.
The story of Claudette Crooks and Dr Charlton Collie began when the two met on the Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies as students. Love did not bloom in the beginning, but a lifetime friendship was created. As the good doctor made his way up the career ladder to become one of Jamaica's best consultant physicians and pulmonologists and Claudette a financial expert and president of MoneyMasters Limited, love blossomed and culminated in marriage. It was a wonderful, unforgettable evening for the guests who left satiated with the music, the food and the love which exuded from the union of the couple.
- Contributed