Gabriela and Luke
Wedding Reception at Joseph’s Restaurant, Maraval.
Photography by Gary Jordan

How did you and Luke meet?

(Gabriele) Luke and I first met when we were around fourteen years old, and didn't think too much of each other right off the bat! Later on, as teen life took its turns (we were around seventeen years old), our groups of friends came together and we started seeing a lot more of each other. Attraction grew, and one night at a Coconuts party, I devised a cunning plan to have Luke pretend to be my boyfriend to save me from an unwanted admirer. It turns out that Luke is one hell of an actor, and that night we had our first kiss as he swept me off my feet. And I've never touched ground since! 

Which country are you both from?

My father is of British descent and my mother is of Venezuelan descent, and they have now been married for over thirty years. I was born in Venezuela because of my mother's heritage but have always lived in Trinidad. Luke was born in Trinidad to a South African father and a Trinidadian mother who have also been married for over thirty years. 

In what ways are you alike/different?

Just like any couple, we have our fair share of differences, but we try to keep them constructive and to use them to challenge each other in ways that would enhance our relationship and ourselves. Our similarities, such as our deep appreciation for art and music as well as our love for travel and new experiences, gives us common goals to work towards and encourages us to push each other. 

How did he propose?

On the night of our ten-year anniversary, Luke surprised me with a romantic dinner, and a night at the Hyatt Regency. We sat outside on the waterfront overlooking the harbor. It was a beautiful Wednesday night in December, my favorite month of the year, and the setting was utterly romantic. After a delicious dinner, Luke suggested a stroll along the waterfront to enjoy the scenery.

Before I knew it he was down on one knee, plucking the most beautiful ring I'd ever seen, out of his guitar pick holder, asking me to marry him!

Now, one would think that I should expect such a thing to happen on our ten-year anniversary, but Luke had me totally fooled. Like I said before, he is one hell of an actor!

Where was your wedding held?

The wedding ceremony was held in my Parish at St. Ann's Church, a quaint yet beautiful location with stunning stained glass windows that stream coloured light in an ethereal glow. Luke's parents got married at this church, adding to its sentimental value.

The reception was held at Joseph's restaurant in Rookery Nook, Maraval. The architecture at Joseph's creates a very fresh, open feel and yet provided the intimate mood that was so important to us with its lush decor.

What was your wedding theme? Why did you decide on that theme?

Being a yoga teacher, I have a deep love for Indian and Asian culture; its vibrant colours, its attention to detail, its respect for nature, its reverence for beauty. This inspired my choices in colour, fabric and flowers. Fuscia orchids adorned each table that was in turn draped in a teal sari silk while gentle twinkling lights illuminated every tree.

The bridesmaids’ dresses were like polished jewels, their colours ranging from a sea blue turquoise to a rich purple magenta. Five of them wore gowns made of raw silk, the other five wore dresses made from saris. 

What were the aspects that made your wedding unique?

Our wedding was truly unique, from the chosen date (New Year's Eve!), which allowed us to have all our loved ones around not only to attend our wedding but also to bring in the New Year.

Not to mention the raucous first dance – a bouncy rock song with a comically choreographed back-up dance performed by the groomsmen. It just so happenned that our wedding fell on a blue moon, which we like to think of as a reminder that a love like ours does not happen every day.

Also, the music in the church was very special. An extremely talented family trio, The Cartar Family, conducted it. Accompanied by violins and acoustic guitars, they brought everyone to tears with their rendition of All I Ask of You, and then rocked the house with a flamenco version of Stairway to Heaven as the exit song.

We tried to think as far out of the box as we could in all aspects of the wedding, so that we could bring our own personal style to the table while still being respectful of the institution we were entering.

Your dress was gorgeous. Where did you get it? And what were the factors that influenced your choice?

I wanted to experience the thrill of shopping for my wedding dress, and so I went to Miami in search of the perfect one. I enthusiastically ventured out with my best friend to explore my options, with no preconception of what style I was looking for. After two whirlwind visits and many dresses later, I finally found the one. That is, until I looked at the price tag! I was destroyed that I had found the perfect dress and I couldn't have it! I returned home utterly deflated and totally empty handed. 

I found a picture of the dress online and tearfully showed my mother, and like the godsend that she is she exclaimed, "I can make that!" And that is how my beautiful dress came to be. She spent several arduous months trying to figure out a pattern, how to do the embroidery on the top, and how to make that skirt! Only a mother can put out that great effort and produce something so spectacular in its own right – a close representation of the original dress that I tried on, but infinitely more meaningful. (Not to mention a fraction of the cost!)

Was your wedding everything you imagined?

The most important thing Luke and I decided, early on in the planning, was that this day was going to be a true representation of ourselves as individuals and as a couple. With the help of my mother and in-laws, two of my closest friends that played the role of wedding planner and dress consultant, and of course my ever watchful and supportive father, our vision was realized.

My advice for brides-to-be is to stay true to yourselves. Don't get caught up in themes and doing everything by the book. Let your wedding be an expression of all your quirks and whimsies. That way you can sit back and enjoy the ride because it won't matter what everyone else thinks.

If you can be truly open hearted in your decisions, it can only create something beautiful and unique. Best of luck, and most of all, Enjoy!

Recommended Vendors:

Venue: Joseph’s Restaurant, Maraval, Trinidad, W.I.
Wedding Planner: Sarahna Wilcox (868) 497 4920
Photographer: Gary Jordan www.garyjordan.com
Decorator/Florist: Derrick Lee (868) 685 1553
Live Music: The Cartar Family
Hair / Make-up: Emily Quesnel