Chester Francis-Jackson, Contributor

After a near three-year courtship following their meting on the job at Hedonism III, Paul-André Reid II and Michelle Elaine LaPorte returned there to make it 'official', by tying the knot in a warm and intimate ceremony on Saturday, May 16.

Suffice it to say, it made for a simply marvellous wedding ceremony and celebration. Hedonism III is known and celebrated internationally for its fun-filled activities and racy entertainment that has earned it an even more enviable reputation of being one of the hippest hotels anywhere in the world. That reputation has come about primarily due to its staff, both those who interface with guests and those behind the scenes.

Now, as the moderator for the Hedonism Resorts website, a position that has earned the title of Web Mistress, LaPorte not only interfaces with guests in cyberspace, but also daily, from their arrival to their departure. A glamour-girl who first hit the national spotlight some years ago as one of the hottest contestants in the annual Pulse Fashion Model pageant, the absolutely gorgeous diva has, since her debut, worked internationally and nationally as a model and entertainer. She then pursued a career in the hotel industry which has seen her working in a number of leading resorts before joining Hedonism III as its cyber diva/manager.

Prowess and talents

It was while at Hedo III that she first met the dynamic Paul-André Reid, known to his friends as 'Blaze'. The multi-talented entertainer had just started working at the resort as an entertainment coordinator, and she was not only smitten by his strong good looks, but was even more so, his prowess and talents as a dancer and performer. In today's language, however, the fabulous LaPorte would be regarded as a cougar: you know, the current phrase which is used to describe older women who date younger men. And being mindful of this, she kept her polite distance.

'Blaze', on the other hand, had no such reservations, as from the moment he laid eyes on the stunningly statuesque, head-turning leggy one, he too was not only smitten, but decided that he would spend the rest of his time pursuing her affections. And so, the two began dating, their friends mindful of their age difference, urged caution. Caution was thrown to the wind, when following in the wake of torrential rains two years ago that flooded the Runaway Bay neighbourhood, marooning some homes and leaving LaPorte stranded in her seaside home, Blaze braved the flood and swirling waters to make his way to her home, and literally rescued her by taking her on his back to safety!

Whatever reservations friends and or family held about the relationship dissipated when LaPorte told the rescue story. Blaze was soon cast as the knight in shining armour. And so it was no surprise to anyone who knew them, when they both announced their engagement in 2008 and that they would marry in May of this year.

Scheduled for a late afternoon commencement atop the Scotch Bonnet Jamaican Restaurant, overlooking the azure of the Caribbean Sea, a downpour in mid-afternoon saw the wedding ceremony being transferred to the Italian Pastafari Restaurant. In the downpour and curious stares of guests who braved the rains to get a glimpse of the lavish wedding party, it all made for a fabulously warm occasion.

With the Pastafari decorated in shades of lavender, silver and periwinkle, and taking on an air of charm, the groom, looking like a GQ model, his bestman and brother, Oran Reid, looking equally spiffy, guests and family crowded in to await the arrival of the bride. And when she did, there was a collective gasp and oohs and aahs as she made her appearance, as regally stunning as ever, in a Mera Lui ensemble. The groom, pleased as punch, beamed ear-to-ear, as she glided down the 'aisle' to join him for their wedding ceremony.

Charmer

Conducted by the Rev Millard Edwards, the ceremony was a charmer, in that it was done with ease of manner and devoid of the air of pomposity affected by some of those who minister on these occasions. And the couple, as if taking their cue from him, was equally at ease and relaxed as they exchanged their vows. And when they sealed their commitment with their first kiss as Mr and Mrs Paul-André Reid, the applause that followed was not only heart-warming, it was pretty nigh melodic.

The reception followed almost immediately. The beaming bride and groom taking pride of place at a table set on an elevated platform accompanied by bestman and maid of honour Lisa McHayle. The MC, Claire 'Spike' McHayle, effortlessly guided the proceedings with consummate ease. But what a reception!

The bride's veil caught fire, from one of the candles that accessorised the lavish decor, but that did not get in the way of the celebrations. The groom and his bestman looked almost like identical twins, causing one guest to plant a congratulatory kiss on the cheeks of the latter by mistake. There was an open microphone that allowed for friends to toasts the newlyweds and when one fetching couple made its way to toast them there were shouts of double wedding, causing the couple to muff their toasts. But in the middle of all that and pouring rain, it was one marvellous do.

Worthy fare

It rained champagne on the insides, the feast a most worthy fare for the occasion. But topping it all was the outpouring of love and affection that came from those in attendance in the many toasts to the newlyweds. It made for a most endearing start to the couple's married life.

Among those in attendance were the groom's family - parents Paul and Donna Reid, sister Myeia Reid, grandmother Eugenie Reid, aunts Annette Edwards and Dion Rogers and cousin Christopher 'Crazy' Foster. From the bride's side, mom Allison McHayle, grandmother Gwendolyn Watson, and family friend, Kaydiann Powell.

Also in attendance were Kevin and Cecile Levee, Odette Rose, Cleveland and Daisy McTaggart, Richard Bourke, Wayne Nasralla and companion, the lovely Maria Francis, Dr Patrick Wheatle, Joe Adducci, Joseph and Janice Kalynuik, Sam James Jr, Sophia Leahong, Freddie James, Knut Borstad, the lovely Leejay Williams, Kevin Johnson, the fabulous Jennifer Izzo, Ted Kieran, Celine Drummond and Steven Pottinger. Jetting in to share in the occasion were José 'Pepe' and Ann Margaret Olmos, Jessie and Mary Self, Ray and Cinderella Branch, La'Nae Brooks, Matt and Mara Vasile, Bill and Nina Hansberry, Joe Pompei, Mark Stiegelbauer, Tanisha Stills, Elmore 'Skip' Edwards Jr and Jeremiah Wycuff, plus a number of others.

The couple honeymooned at Couples Swept Away in Negril and Sandals Whitehouse, followed by a family reception in Mandeville after their honeymoon.