One of the dearest people in my life got married recently and I could not be happier. Sean Williams is a young man who (with his mother’s permission) I consider the son I never had. He was first my student at UVI, then my engineer when we both worked in radio, but most importantly, he was one of my primary care-givers before, during and after my illness. I am forever in his debt. So when he fell in love with then Tamika Thomas, I was thrilled. To be able to witness their nuptials was one of the singular joys I experienced this year.
The ceremony was held at Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral and officiated by Revs. Neil Scantlebury and Neville Williams. On arrival at the church we were pinned by Yvonne Freeman, who was there with her husband, Harry. The sanctuary was beautifully decorated by master floral stylist, Felipe Ayala, who also designed the bouquets, which highlighted the rich orange color worn by the women in the bridal party, as well as the mother of the bride.
While Sean waited nervously for his bride to arrive, there was a lot of joking around with his brothers as well as the officiants who seemed to be teasing him that Tamika wouldn’t show up. But when the processional began with Sean’s parents, Carlton and Eleanor Williams, followed by Tamika’s mother, Lauren Thomas, being seated at the front of the church, we knew that she had indeed arrived.
The bridal party included Tamika’s sisters, Tausha Thomas-David and Tamra Thomas, as matron of honor and maid of honor respectively, as well as bridesmaids, Ananta Pancham, Victoria Reed, Jamila Thomas, Risha Allen, flower girls, Jalila Thomas and Nevaeh Ward.
The best man was Sean’s best buddy and brother, Deon “Crispy” Williams, and the groomsmen were Maccus, Mal and Dave Williams and Justin Edwards. The adorable ring bearers were Tausha’s son, Jauvani David and Immanuel Christian. Priscilla Reed served as the usher.
When the doors of the cathedral opened, the beautiful bride was escorted down the aisle by her Dad, Kenneth Thomas. She was radiant and kept her eyes on her groom all the way to the altar.
The reception was held at Walker’s By The Sea with Chef Wendell Walker placing his culinary stamp on the sumptuous meal. I was pleased to share a table with Sean’s auntie, Sheila Matthew who flew in from Florida for the special occasion.
Among those in attendance were Donald and Minola Matthew, Phroma Riley, Carlton Matthew, Sandra Reed, Elfreda Southwell, Marilyn Daley, Leo Moron, Nancy Camacho, Wayne Adams, Curtis Matthew and Darryl Edwards.
We wish Sean and Tamika a long and happy marriage filled with peace and pleasures.
Main Street in Charlotte Amalie was recently shut down very early one afternoon so that a special street party could happen. Breitling held an unveiling party for their new Chronomat 01 watch and the theme for this event was all about aviation. There were people like sand on Magens beach, as throngs descended on the Main Street boutique to catch a glimpse of the newest “bling” on the block.
At opposite ends of the cordoned-off street were young men and women dressed in flight wear posing in front of flats with pictures of the new watch set up next to models of fast planes. Directly above the store and way above the heads of the milling crowd, a video presentation of the new product played on a continuous reel.
A few of us took the time to watch while most others, oblivious to the changing pictures above them enjoyed the festive atmosphere and imbibed the free-flowing drinks and delectable hors d’oeuvres being passed by the wait staff.
Entertainment for the crowd was provided by Robert Leonards’s On Target, who had the crowd dancing in the street to a wide variety of musical selections including holiday fare.
On Target will be at the Farmers Market at Yacht Haven Grande this Sunday, Dec.19 to provide the musical entertainment for vendors and shoppers alike. Stop by between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to pick up your holiday ingredients, as well as those gift items for friends and family. See you there.
We wish you and yours the happiest of seasons. SCENE……….!
Please send your invitations to public and private events to june.archibald@gmail.com.
