It was love at first sight for Jeanne Delores Roberts and Jay Christian Johnson when they met in March 2002 thanks to the efforts of a mutual matchmaker friend. It took five years but Jay finally proposed in August 2007 at a major league baseball game. His proposal was captured on a “kissing cam” and thousands cheered as Jeanne happily agreed to become his wife.

The decision to hold the ceremony at The Cloisters, a majestic 14th century French monastery on Paradise Island was an easy one. “It’s magical and beautiful,” Jeanne exclaims. The bride’s uncle performed the ceremony under a chiffon-draped pergola dripping with pink, green and ivory roses, feathery hydrangea and stargazer lilies. Guests sat under two decorated tents and kept cool in the Caribbean heat with bottled water, moist towels and handheld fan programs.

Bridesmaids were alternately dressed in gowns of soft pink and sea green. The flower girl fit in perfectly with the romantic surroundings wearing a sleeveless satin dress with a tulle overskirt filled with rose petals that danced as she walked down the aisle. The bride looked model-gorgeous in her silk and satin custom-made mermaid-style gown designed by Lea-Ann Belter. Jimmy Choo shoes, family jewels and a Toni Federici chapel-length veil completed the bride’s elegant look.

After the ceremony, the 300 guests were shuttled to the Atlantis Resort for a cocktail reception. During dinner, guests feasted on grilled chicken, lamb chops, petit beef filet, lobster, shrimp, crab claws, swordfish, mahi mahi and sushi. Tables were dressed in green cerise matte satin cloths with pink orchids tucked into silky green napkins. Pink and green lighting added to the ambience.

After the newlyweds’ first dance to “Adore” by Prince, they cut the ivory-frosted wedding cake that was adorned with a sash of cymbidium orchids. Then guests were surprised by a junkanoo rush, an energetic, colorful parade of brightly costumed musicians gyrating and dancing to the rhythmic accompaniment of drums, trumpets and trombones, reminiscent of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras. A 10-day honeymoon in Negril, Jamaica extended the couple’s island romance and was a fitting conclusion to their exciting celebration in paradise.

LOCATION:
Ceremony: The Cloisters, Paradise Island, Bahamas
Reception: The Atlantis

WEDDING PLANNER: Jeanne Gore Robert

PHOTOGRAPHY: Kevin V. Williams of the Bahamas
wwvacations@gmail.com

INVITATIONS: Sandi Spells Design
sandispells.com

WEDDING PROGRAM: Kimberly Buchanan kbcoms@msn.com

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