Unforgettable, My Love Has Come Along

by Ann Marie Bryan

  Here I began my walk of a lifetime.

  My eyes were on Orane, well, his back. He was still standing before Reverend Fuller.

  I urged him in my spirit to look at me…to steal a glance down the aisle.

  He knew my music. He wanted to look down the aisle. It was in his posture, a slight turn, even slight impatience. But, he did not! In the briefing session prior to our wedding rehearsal, Reverend Fuller told Orane that he would be the last to see the bride. Reverend Fuller stood erect making sure that Orane kept his end of the bargain.

  The aisle seemed longer than I had imagined it.

  Smiling, I walked through many happy faces, all smiling and mouthing words of encouragement. The images of their smiling faces are etched in my memory forever. I made spontaneous outbursts of greetings as I laid eyes on guests whom I had not seen in years.

  Then, three-quarters of the way up the aisle… Orane turned, smiled at me and began to walk towards me. I returned his smile, swept up and consumed by his gaze. My heart skipped a beat, many beats. He mouthed, “Wow!” and my smile widened. He was completely captivated by my graceful beauty. I was impressed by his debonair good looks. He was impeccably dressed in a double-breasted, non-vented, black tuxedo, quintessential white tuxedo shirt, black bow tie and black dress shoes. A white satin pocket piece and red rose boutonniere completed his dashing attire.

  Orane acknowledged Mr. Mohan and then smiled at me. Mr. Mohan seemed more than ready to give me away. It could have been my imagination but I detected a bit of joyful eagerness as he shook Orane’s hand.

  “You are beautiful,” Orane whispered. Our eyes pierced each other as I enthusiastically slipped my hand through his arm.

  “So are you,” I mouthed, giggling softly as he took a steadying breath.

  We moved forward in unison, passing the bridal party and their welcoming smiles and came face to face with Reverend Fuller. He was dressed in a black shirt, gray pastoral robe and accompanying red scarf.

  Reverend Fuller smiled, acknowledging us.

  “Let us worship God,” he declared. “I welcome you to this celebration, the marriage ceremony of Orane and Annalisa. We give thanks to the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth. Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.”

  Reverend Fuller prayed and we sang “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” a hymn written by Thomas Obediah Chisholm. Orane and I smiled through the entire song, remembering God’s faithfulness to us. During the singing of the hymn, Melissa was in full flight in her role as maid of honor. She mopped away sweat from my face and shoulders.

  The first scripture reading, Psalm 91, reminded us of God’s love, covering and protection. During the second scripture reading, Psalm 136:1-6 and 23-26, the congregation read, the end of each verse, “For His mercy endures forever”.

  Reverend Fuller asked our guests to be seated before continuing. “We have come together this afternoon to witness and bless the union of Orane and Annalisa as they are joined in marriage. In marriage, they will share their dreams and goals, and their weaknesses and strengths. In marriage, they will share the joys and sorrows of life. In marriage, they will share all their emotions and feelings…”

  Stillness aptly described the change of pace in the sanctuary; a reverent silence to appreciate the significance of the moment.

  “Who gives this woman to be married?” Reverend Fuller asked.

  “I do.” Mr. Mohan joyfully stepped forward from the pew. He had a noticeable bounce in his steps. I eyeballed him crazily, warning him, that this was the moment to be choked up. His eyes widened followed by a blank expression and we both burst into laughter. Our guests cheered as he gladly placed my right hand in Orane’s hand.

  At Reverend Fuller’s prompting, Orane and I turned to face each other, holding hands and smiling.

  “Orane and Annalisa, as you seek to be joined in marriage,” Reverend Fuller said, “I am required by law to ask you—Is there any reason why you should not both be joined in marriage? Please declare it now.”

  Reverend Fuller paused.

  We smiled and held our peace.

  Reverend Fuller turned his attention to our guests. “Also, if there is anyone who can show just reason, why Orane and Annalisa should not be married, declare it now or forever hold your peace.”

  Everyone held their peace!

  Reverend Fuller smiled at Orane. “Do you Orane take Annalisa to be your wife, to love and cherish, to respect and care for, in sadness and in joy, in sickness and in health, to have and to hold from this day forward?”

  “I do!” Orane responded smiling.

  “Do you Annalisa take Orane to be your husband, to love and cherish, to respect and care for, in sadness and in joy, in sickness and in health, to have and to hold from this day forward?”

  “I do!” I eyeballed Orane then broke into a wide grin.

  “We can’t hear you,” someone yelled.

  I looked toward our guests and said loudly, “I do.”

  Laughter erupted and our guests cheered heartily.

  Reverend Fuller smiled broadly, before saying, “Orane, please repeat after me,” he said.

  With a gentle smile, Orane gazed at me and declared, “I, Orane, take you, Annalisa to be my wife. And these things I promise. I will be faithful to you and honest with you. I will respect, trust, help and care for you. I will pledge my love and devotion to you through the best and worst of what is to come for as long as I live.”

  Led by Reverend Fuller, I made my declaration. “I, Annalisa, take you, Orane to be my husband. And these things I promise. I will be faithful to you and honest with you. I will respect, trust, help and care for you. I will pledge my love and devotion to you through the best and worst of what is to come for as long as I live.”

  Melissa eagerly presented our rings.

  Before blessing the rings, Reverend Fuller boldly declared, “These rings are symbols of the vows that you have taken. They are circles of wholeness, perfectly formed. These rings mark the beginning of a long journey together, filled with wonder, surprise, laughter, tears, celebration, grief and joy. May these rings glow in reflection of the warmth that flow through the wearers, Orane and Annalisa.”

  My heart fluttered and I felt weightless as Reverend Fuller asked Orane to place the ring at the tip of my ring finger. Under his guidance, Orane thoughtfully stated, “I give you this ring as a token and pledge of my constant love and of my fidelity.”

  I smiled pleasantly at him and responded, “I accept this ring as a token and pledge of your love. I will wear it proudly as your wife.”

  With that, Orane slipped the ring on my finger. My entire body felt warm and glowing as I glanced at the symbol of our love and union.

  The sanctuary was noticeably quiet.

  Then it was my turn.

  I placed the ring at the tip of Orane’s ring finger and boldly declared, “I give you this ring as a token and pledge of my constant love and of my fidelity.”

  Orane sounded a tad bit choked as he responded, “I accept this ring as a token and pledge of your love. I will wear it proudly as your husband.”

  No tears, my eyes cautioned him before I gently pushed the ring on his finger. He smiled perceptively while our guests applauded.

  Warmth radiated from us and our hearts were glad as we held hands and faced Reverend Fuller, who encouraged us to grow together in love.

  Now for my favorite part of a marriage ceremony!

  This time it was my marriage ceremony.

  I smiled at Orane as Reverend Fuller uttered the words, “Let us pray.”

  We kneeled on the long cushion provided at the altar and Reverend Fuller rested his hands on our heads and prayed for God’s blessing on our union.

  We stood up and faced our guests, as husband and wife.

  Reverend Fuller joyfully declared, “As you have pledged your commitment to each other in the presence of God and this congregation, according to the laws of Jamaica, I do by virtue of the authority vested i
n me, pronounce you man and wife.”

  Sounds of joy resounded in the church as our guests clapped, shouted and hooted. Orane pressed his forehead to mine and we smiled excitedly at each other. Hmm, we’ve come a long way.

  Reverend Fuller declared with fervor, “Who God has joined together, let no one separate. Orane…you may kiss your wife.”

  Silence descended!

  Orane was all smiles! Man about town!

  Me!

  Shyness overtook me and my eyes pleaded with Orane to play nice as my heart thudded in my chest. His eyes twinkled with mischief as he slowly and deliberately lifted my veil. He was totally amused and so were our guests. A thousand goose bumps hit me as his eyes dropped to my lips. His arms formed a bow around my waist as his lips brushed mine gently but passionately.

  We grinned at each other and hugged.

  As if that was not enough, Orane took hold of my veil and began to cover then uncover my face for another kiss.

  Laughter exploded from our guests.

  Reverend Fuller smiled at us. “Submit to each other, love and respect each other. God gave Christ as the foundation for your marriage. Accept each other, just as you are. Let your marriage be for the praise and glory of God. Let your marriage be a blessing to the two families that have come together. May God bless you.”

  He then invited us to join him on the altar, announcing, “Today Annalisa and Orane have decided to commemorate their marriage through the celebration of the Sand Ceremony. This ceremony symbolizes their inseparable union into a new and eternal relationship, sealed with the love and blessing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

  At the communion table on the altar, Orane stood before the vase containing red sand and I took up position before the vase with the gold sand. The red and gold sand represented our wedding colors and the white sand in the center vase symbolized Jesus Christ, the rock of our salvation and the solid foundation that would hold our marriage together.

  Simon and Anaya read as Orane and I poured sand from our individual vases into the center vase.

  Simon: “Today as Annalisa and Orane chose to represent their love in this special ceremony, they will each take their separate glass of sand and together pour the sand into the center glass, declaring to each other.”

  Anaya: “You are my love for eternity.”

  Simon: “You are my love for eternity.”

  Anaya: “My heart is like these grains of sand merging together with yours.”

  Simon: “My heart is like these grains of sand merging together with yours.”

  Anaya: “I am yours.”

  Simon: “You are mine.”

  Together: “Just as these grains of sand can never be separated, so they symbolize the eternal bond in Christ that will hold them together. They are together like the sand and together they are ONE!”

  Our guest clapped enthusiastically, appreciating the dramatic reading.

  “It’s time for your signatures,” Reverend Fuller said, placing the marriage register on the communion table.

  Orane and I signed the marriage register, witnessed by Ridley and Melissa. During the signing, the pianist and flutist, beautifully Unforgettable, My Love Has Come Along played “The Prayer,” a song by Donnie McClurkin and Yolanda Adams. Then, sounds of joy reverberated in the sanctuary as Davidic Performing Arts Ensemble, danced superbly to the song, “You Remain Faithful” by the Omega Forbes Family and Friends Chorale.

  Our guests broke in loud applause and cheers as Reverend Fuller congratulated us and I joyfully accepted our marriage certificate. I grinned and gave it to Orane for safe keeping.

  With great fanfare Reverend Fuller announced, “Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Orane Conway.”

  Amidst cheers of joy and laughter, the recessional music started. Orane and I proceeded down the aisle followed by our smiling bridal party. We exited the church and formed a receiving line to greet our enthusiastic guests.

  Screams of joys and laughter echoed as we accepted the hugs, kisses, words of congratulations and blessings that came from the interaction with our guests.

  CHAPTER 35: THE RECEPTION

  Heavenly Bliss!

  As we drove from the church yard, I nestled comfortably in Orane’s arms, basking in the enchanting moment.

  “Mr. Somers, please close your ears.” Orane’s request forced me back to earth.

  “Never mind me Sir,” Mr. Somers said, chuckling with understanding. With arched eyebrows, I turned to face Orane. His molten chocolate eyes locked into mine. We were nose to nose.

  “You’re Mrs. Conway now,” he whispered softly. “It’s time to do good things.” My lips parted softly to respond but no words came. Leaning forward, he pressed his lips to mine for a quick kiss. Blood rushed to my cheeks as he lifted his head. I could feel his breath on my lips as he whispered passionately, “We’ll pick up later.”

  A soft smile pulled at the corners of my mouth as I touched his face with not-too-steady hands. “You are a bad man, Orane Conway.”

  “Bad? Take it back,” he said, tickling me.

  “Help!” I screamed with delight, begging for mercy. “You’re ruining my dress.”

  He would not let up. “Take it back.”

  I squealed even more. “I take it back.”

  “Good!” He chuckled softly. “Your veil is…”

  “Don’t even mention it.” I pursed my lips. “I’m going out there looking all tattered.”

  He caressed my cheek. “I don’t know what came over me. I’ll be a good husband.”

  “Yes you will! Stop!” I yelled, grinning as he began tickling me again. “Keep your hands to yourself.”

  He laughed softly. “You won’t be saying that later!”

  I pointed a finger at him. “You’re a bad, oops I mean, great man.”

  “Let me help you,” he offered smiling. “I do not want anyone to think you couldn’t wait to handle your business.”

  “You mean, you couldn’t wait,” I grinned, moving away as he reached for me.

  “Your veil needs fixing.”

  “I wonder why.”

  “Come over here woman.” He chuckled and pulled me in his arms.

  “Okay!” I said with childlike innocence.

  I burrowed into his side and snuggled comfortably. Awww! I like it here.

  The evening was warm but beautiful as we began our photography session. Shortly thereafter, I was literally asking the Lord for patience. With all of his amazing talent and careful set up, Mr. Kennedy took too long to take each picture. My smile turned into a grimace by the time the picture was taken.

  Kris Martin better arrive sooner than later! Kris, our initial photographer, indicated that he had another event on that day but promised that he would be with us by the time of the reception.

  “Mr. Kennedy, I know we need formal pictures but please take spontaneous shots too,” I volunteered mildly.

  “Yes Mrs. Conway.”

  We all chuckled. All understanding.

  Mr. Kennedy was bent on doing his own thing. He promptly asked me to fall into Orane’s arms for a kiss while the bridal party reacted spontaneously. Cool idea! After our photography session, we freshened up then headed to our reception.

  Lush greenery was everywhere as we approached the Grand Persian Hall. Beautiful large floral arrangements stood on the steps leading to the Garden Terrace, overlooking the property, where our guests were treated to hors d’oeuvres—smoked marlin pate on toast points, miniature fruit kebabs and an assortment of cold beverages. As our guests mingled, they were entertained by Mr. Joseph Devon, a pianist.

  I exchanged pleasantries with our bridal party and a few family members then glanced inside the hall.

  Magnificent and super romantic, aptly described the postcard-perfect decor of the Grand Persian Hall. My vision had become a reality through the talented hands of Suzanne Hugg, our decorator. Definitely worth her weight in gold!

  The architectural style of the hall brough
t the desired lightness, grace and splendor for our celebration. Its huge white columns set the scene for grandeur. The walls were draped with white sheer material, mixed appropriately with panels of sheer apple red and gold fabrics.

  Behind the head table was a backdrop made of gold fabric layered with panels of apple red, gold and white sheer fabrics. These panels were tied at the center with gold and red heart-shaped metallic accents that glowed from the lighting behind the backdrop.

  Our guest book rested on a table just outside the entrance of the Hall. On the right side of the entrance door was a cascading waterfall with lights that gave the lush greenery several different shades. Across from the waterfall, the canvas painting from my bridal shower was mounted on an easel. Green palms with miniature white lights were well placed.

  “Good evening ladies and gentlemen, I am Selvin Bassick. I am your capable Master of Ceremonies for this wonderful occasion. Welcome to…”

  My happy grin froze as Selvin’s voice jolted me back to the present. He introduced the bridal party and each couple entered amidst great fanfare.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, please stand and welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Orane Conway.”

  We entered smiling, amidst applause, shouts of joy and happy faces then took our places at a round table slightly elevated between the two rectangular tables seating our groomsmen and bridesmaids. The tables were beautifully decorated with gold and white table cloths. A beautiful large fresh floral arrangement dominated by red and gold roses, rested at the top of our table.

  We were hardly seated before our guests started knocking their wine glasses.

  “Orane and Annalisa,” Selvin called out to us as we tried to ignore the request, “You know what that means.”

  We gave in and kissed, much to the delight of our guests.

  Bishop Jonathan Barker blessed the dinner and cake and we were treated to cream of pumpkin soup and bread roll. The tasty entrée included chicken florentine stuffed with callaloo, snapper fillet in spicy cream sauce, seasoned rice and a medley of steamed vegetables. An assortment of cold beverages, sparkling wine, blue mountain coffee and a variety of gourmet teas were made available to our guests.