Beautiful Bermuda Nuptials

"There's nothing you can do that can't be done.

"Nothing you can sing that can't be sung....

"Nothing you can do but you can learn how to be you in time.  It's easy!

"All you need is love."

Following the humorous reverse dip of the groom by the bride at the conclusion of the harborfront marriage ceremony, Jay and Alexandra strolled happily up the aisle past adoring family and friends to the joyous strains of that famed Beatles anthem to love.

Historic Tom Moore's Tavern in Bermuda proved to be the ideal setting.

While most wedding ceremonies involve months of planning, Alexandra began planning this event as a child.  Her parents David and Libby would take Alex, who many of us now call Sasha, and her sister Whitney to Bermuda every summer to stay at a pastel cottage overlooking the clear blue sea.

From that early age, Alex had in her mind that she would have "Uncle Kenny," a Bermuda local who ran the concession stand at lovely Tobacco Bay, be in her wedding party.

Unfortunately, her beloved father David passed away recently, but he undoubtedly smiled down from heaven knowing his oldest daughter selected his favorite restaurant as the setting to marry our son Jay.

Uncle Kenny stood in for David to walk her down the aisle.

The intricate planning and preparation that went into this affair cannot be overstated.  Everything from 3-D invitations personally hand-crafted by the engaged couple to planning for croquet and bar-b-q with a bay view at the resort to a cake topper featuring a bride and groom with a classic MG was perfect.

The bride and groom surprised all of the guests with individualized gift bags featuring special handwritten messages inside glass bottles, hand fans, "hangover kits" and mini-bottles of Goslings Bermuda Black Seal and Gold Seal rum.

The wedding couple's mothers and sisters, plus our granddaughter Emma, were each given colorful kimonos.

Jay and Sasha gave special gifts of earrings for Julie and cuff links for me with matching copper shells.  Three similar shells are featured on the family crest for my mother's side of our family tree, leading me to hold up the sleeves on my French cuff shirt --- which Jay had asked his mother to surreptitiously buy me as a surprise --- and declare them to be the Strickland Arms (inside joke).

The non-denominational service conducted by Alex's divinity college friend Viraj was upbeat, with most of the small crowd in attendance actually participating in some way.

It was a very special occasion.

Afterward, we enjoyed a marvelous reception, with a delicious meal, open bar, several toasts and lots of dancing to a play list curated by Jay and DJ'd by his cousin Jered, who also served as Best Man.

Wedding Photography by Jay's long-time friend, ubertalented Claire Oring of Oring Studios.