BY GEORGE HENRY, STAR Writer
Marva and Toney Simpson after they tied the knot. - GEORGE HENRY
MALVERN, ST. ELIZABETH:
WHEN THE WEDDING bells rang for Marva Williams and Toney Simpson on their big day, May 13, it was not only one of the happiest moments for the lovely couple, but it was also a time of celebration for all their many friends, family and well-wishers.
The couple decided to get married in front of 280 specially invited guests at the Shiloh Apostolic Church at Prospect in Manchester. The ceremony which was presided over by Bishop Lee Walsh was short and sweet. It brought broad smiles and sometimes laughter on the faces of all who occupied the seats in the building.
One could not allow the couple's wedding thought on the attractive programme to go unnoticed. It read: We thought about it, we prayed about it, we dreamt about it, we anticipated it. And today, a thought realised, a prayer answered, a dream comes through, an anticipation fulfilled.
Those words sat well with all who were there. The guests all wished the couple well before, during and after the function at the church. When the reception which was held at Beadles Hall in Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth was over, the feeling of love and the best wishes were the same.
SPECIAL MOMENT
It was joy to the couple when the pastor asked Mr. Simpson to place the wedding ring on the married finger of his bride Marva. He smiled and slowly placed it there as the cameras flashed and snapped them both to remind them of the happy moments they both shared on their special day.
When they were pronounced man and wife by Bishop Walsh, it brought not only smiles on the faces of the guests, but laughter as well. One of the broadest smiles came from the new husband Toney, who was obviously happy to know that all the plans he made for the big day came through well.
As usual, the crowning moment of the ceremony and signing of the register, was the kissing of the bride by the groom. That was met with loud cheering from the crowd, as it could be the first and last time they might be seen doing this in the public.
The reception hall was beautifully decorated with balloons of red, white and blue all over. The tables were covered with white table cloth, adding to the ambience in the facility.
The MC for the function Elder Hopeton Mattis added life to the proceedings with his many jokes and other words of encouragement for the newly wedded couple. By the time that segment was through at about 7:30 p.m., all were satisfied and the expressions of love continued for the lovely couple.
One of the highlight of the reception was the continuous knocking of glasses by the many guests. Each time they knocked, almost instantly, the couple kissed, to the joy of those looking on. The couple was not tired of doing so, as they showed that they were well up to the many requests and at times kissed for lengthy periods.
During the groom's short reply, Toney thanked God for his beautiful wife, saying that he did not choose Marva by himself, as she was chosen by God for him. He thanked all for being a part of his big day and promised that he would cherish and love Marva for the rest of his life.
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