WESTERN BUREAU: Dr Paula Stephenson sparkled in an utterly sophisticated, ivory Victorian-inspired corseted dress, adorned with rosettes studded with Swarovski crystals, as she exchanged wedding vows with her soulmate Dr Sunil Stephenson on Saturday, December 12.

The dress, designed by Monique Lhuillier, designer to stars Drew Barrymore, Eva Longoria, Teri Hatcher, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Katie Holmes and others, was breathtaking as she entered the 17th-century Mt Zion United Church in Montego Bay to meet the handsome young surgeon who had popped the question on Valentine's Day.

Family, close friends and colleagues turned up from all over the world to witness what many Montegonians have declared 'The Wedding of the Year'. It was painstakingly designed by Blooming Designs wedding guru Paulette Henry, mother of the bride.

Henry has been planning this special day for her daughter for 10 years. The bride's favourite colour is teal.

"A royal peacock theme was in order," said Henry, as she spoke glowingly of Paula, who met her husband while working as an intern at the Cornwall Regional Hospital in 2006.

six-tier cake

Family friend and pastry chef, Rose Lee, complemented this fairy-tale wedding with a six-tier 2010 edition, French-style cake that featured a Mona Lisa Medallion as its topper.

All elements of this wedding were in perfect harmony: From the pulsating rhythm of songbird Karen Smith, to the musical prowess of Audley Scott, guests were taken on a journey by the Herbert Morrison choir, cabaret's magnificent Alecia Flemming, party band Pace, saxophonist David Cunningham, steel band Watchya and Half Moon's Myrtle Dwyer.

The Henrys were ably assisted by Half Moon's Racquel Bernard, Andrea Smith, Coletta Collins, Suan Chan and the Blooming Designs team, who created a day made for royals. The ceremony was officiated by the Reverend Egbert Harvey.

The bride's father, Arthur 'Chappy' Henry, couldn't have been happier, and the groom's mother, Joan McGibbon, toasted the evening of pure bliss.

The bridal party included Alicia Henry, sister of the bride; Karlene Scott and Rashida Erskine; Omar Stephenson, brother of the groom; and Drs Kwayne Whyte and Machel Stubbs, while emcee extraordinaire Leighton McKnight had the audience bursting with laughter.

Photographer Jamaican Dwayne Watkins flew in from Florida to capture the affair.The reception was held at Half Moon hotel.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com

Rose Lee's six-tier cake was a hit with the bride and groom. - Janet Silvera Photo

From left: Best man and brother of the groom, Omar Stephenson; groom Dr Sunil Stephenson; ring bearer, young Tafari Stephenson, and groomsmen, Drs Machel Stubbs and Kwayne Whyte, are in perfect harmony with the skyline. - Contributed Photos