I can honestly say I’ve been to some parties in my life but have never witnessed one so well deserving and so elegantly prepared and performed as the renewal of vows between Alex and Ronald O’Neil’s was on Saturday 11^th August, being their 40^th Wedding Anniversary.

I mean Elmslie Memorial Church was so professionally and elegantly decorated by Lloyd Mcfield (Tony) and Mrs. Simone Whittaker, it was breathtaking for most of us.

The Church was absolutely packed with members of family locally and from abroad. I am told that 29 members came from overseas for the occasion.

It was really an eye opener as I witnessed the beautiful ladies (young and not so old) dressed in the latest fashions. They were absolutely beautiful. Alex’s dress was beautiful and I am sure a little different from the original wedding gown she first wore at her wedding 40 years ago. So were the beautiful bridesmaids and cute groomsmen. They made all of us sigh and gasp with their beauty and perfection.

To start the ceremony off a beautiful dance was performed by Linda McField one of Elmslie’s beautiful young members and dancers.

I must say Alex’s Mom, Ms. Maizie, and the rest of the family must of all cried with tears of joy as they witnessed the whole ceremony. (I know I did).

Rev. Hazel, Minister of Elmslie Church, together with Rev. Bloomfield officiated at the ceremony – Rev. Hazel in his appropriate all white gown performed the ceremony.

The whole ceremony was magnificent and like I said before our eyes were popping by the beautiful styles of everyone present. I certainly hope they took pictures of those beautiful girls in their gorgeous outfits.

After the ceremony we all followed the crowd down to the Marriott Hotel and there again the ballroom was packed to capacity for the most delicious menu I have ever had at an affair such as this. They really catered so professionally and with such a variety of food and so delicious to our taste buds. The service was excellent and the seating of everyone was again done so professionally. Of course we couldn’t have a delicious meal without a delicious dessert as well especially cassava cake and fruit cake as well. – ummmh!

Emcee for the evening’s celebration was the Dr. the Hon. Linford Pierson, together with many other speakers including MLA Kurt Tibbetts ex Leader of the PPM. They all spoke with many compliments for Alex and Ronald and Shedden Road residents in general.

I can really say it was a fantastic, well prepared and beautifully arranged evening for all present. The Marriott was packed to capacity as I have said before.

Congratulations to Alex and Ronald on your 40^th and to the many people involved in the preparations I congratulate you all. It was fantastic – never before seen or witnessed.  I’m so happy I was a part of the celebrations. Thank you both so much for your invitation.

And I have to say something about the programme. It was beautifully designed and printed. (See photos) The front cover was a close-up of Elmslie Church front doors and they actually opened up to reveal some of the original wedding photographs of Alex and Ronald. Very cleverly done.

Joan Wilson