While visiting her sister in New York, Barbados native Camille Nurse attended a small gathering for a Labor Day party – or as they call it in the Caribbean, a little “lime” – where she met Jetendra “Johnny” Sanichar. “We connected so easily, it was as if we had been friends for years,” she shares. “I remember people at the party staring at us dancing together, as if they could tell some kind of synchronistic event was taking place.” Unfortunately, the two only had one day to spend together before Camille had to return home.
They each went back to their everyday lives, speaking occasionally until they finally reconnected at the perfect time and began a long-distance relationship that quickly blossomed. “Within months of reconnecting, I could feel that this was the right time to go for it,” admits Jetendra. “I could not let the opportunity for love escape, and I have been crazy in love ever since.” Jetendra contacted Camille’s parent via Skype, intending to ask for their blessing to propose. “However, after a few connection problems and some hang ups and call backs, I announced that I would see them the next day, logged off the computer, and booked a flight,” he modestly explains of his chivalrous act.
Months later, Jetendra had secured a stunning engagement ring and asked for Camille’s hand in marriage at one of her favorite locations on the island – Animal Flower Cave. “I remember turning around to look at the cliff views I love so much and upon glancing back around, Johnny had taken a knee,” she illustrates. “It was honestly the best proposal I could have hoped for.”
The couple desired a small destination wedding even before the pandemic hit, but had a difficult time culling down the guest list because of Camille’s large family, and eventually decided that the bride’s hometown was most ideal for their celebration. “There was an energy in the atmosphere that made me happy,” describes Camille when initially visiting their wedding site alongside their wedding planner Brian Green of By BrianGreen. “Let me just say, we had an awesome planner; he took a load off of our shoulders and orchestrated the magical atmosphere.”
“Even the things we did not expect such as the rain, lightning, and thunder during our ceremony turned out to be a blessing and created such a magical moment.”
A rustic, elegant design concept in shades of French blue, blush, ivory, lilac, and grey – first introduced in their dreamy invitation suite – was arranged beautifully for the ceremony. “I indicated that I wanted the natural scenery to be a big part of the atmosphere, and Brian and our floral designer delivered!” emphasizes the bride of the décor. The aisle entrance was flanked with two oversized gold vases spilling over with live tropical florals, whilst pomanders dotted guest rows. All-white chairs faced the abundant greenery of the alfresco space, which had been further complemented by a circular arch comprised of hundreds of fresh blooms.
Though the groom was raised in the Hindu faith and the bride Christian, they steered towards a bit of a nontraditional service, beginning with Camille walking down the aisle on the arms of both of her parents and concluding with handwritten vows. She wore an A-line gown with a fitted illusion floral-embellished bodice that she had designed herself. Camille also handpicked the gorgeous flower she wore in her hair from her mother’s garden, and her aunt fashioned it into a hair accessory that paired perfectly with her romantic bridal bouquet. Her groom looked equally dapper in a crisp cobalt blue suit.
For the reception, an entrance walkway of glowing fairy lights led the way to the transparent tent, which was erected to help keep guests comfortable and shielded from sudden rain showers but still allowed for the lush scenery to be appreciated. A whimsical ceiling treatment caught the eyes of attendees as they found their seats at tables cloaked in ivory linens and adorned with lovely arrangements. “I did not want the space to be overwhelmed by flowers, so leaves and greenery were used to balance the look,” explains Camille.
Reflecting on their special day that resulted in a more intimate affair – or, a little “lime” – than they had originally imagined, the new Mr. and Mrs. share the sentiment that their expectations were still exceeded. “I am so grateful the day was everything we wanted. Even the things we did not expect such as the rain, lightning, and thunder during our ceremony turned out to be a blessing and created such a magical moment,” confirms Camille of the fairy-tale day.