Jamaican celebrity chef ties the knot in New York
Published:Tuesday | May 17, 2022 | 12:05 AMAnthony Turner/Gleaner Writer
New York-based Jamaican celebrity chef-event promoter Omar Walters beamed a million-dollar smile as he proudly proclaimed ‘I do’ three Sundays ago to his blushing bride Sade Brown at the posh Estate at Florentine Gardens in River Vale, NJ. The nuptials took place before 200 family, friends and wellwishers.
Walters, who is the son of socialite Maxine Greaves and attorney Paul Walters, is no stranger to the limelight. Since becoming a full-time chef, his services have been in demand by celebrity clients like R&B superstar Monica, Brandy, Kyle Lowry, Angela Simmons, Sheensea, Karen Civil, and Ty Hunter. In 2019, dancehall superstar Buju Banton jetted him to Jamaica for his historic ‘Long Walk To Freedom Official After Party’ in Kingston. The self-taught chef has also brought visibility to Brand Jamaica on network television, most recently on an ABC TV feature that presented Jamaican/Caribbean dishes that he prepared at his Omar’s Kitchen in Manhattan, NY. Last year in NYC, he was the recipient of a Culinary Award of Excellence at the Young Gifted & Black Entrepreneurial Awards ceremony.
The bride, a registered nurse by profession, was fashionably late for her special day, but the extra time afforded guests the opportunity to peruse the Estate at Florentine Gardens, which is nestled on four acres of meticulously manicured grounds. Upon arrival, guests had the option of valet parking. Inside, a grand lobby with a stunning crystal chandelier, majestic fireplace, sweeping mahogany staircase, and a baby grand piano greeted guests while the Grand Ballroom, where the reception was hosted, featured a breathtaking 10-foot crystal chandelier and a magnificent Juliet balcony, from where Sade tossed her bouquet. The venue was reportedly decorated with 2,000-plus red rose petals that created the perfect ambience for the romantic wedding.
Around 6.30 p.m., with the falling sunset caressing the pristine blue skies, Walters made his entrance into the outdoor garden ceremony with Yellowman’s I’m Getting Married blaring from the speaker boxes. This got the party atmosphere started, with everyone dancing in the aisles. Sade, flanked by dad Karlos Brown, made her grand entrance to Sam Smith’s romantic ballad Latch. Her outfit, an eye-popping, off white, off-the-shoulder fit-and-flare gown made with matching trail, sizzled, while her beau looked smart in black slacks and a white jacket accented with a black lapel. The bridal party outfits also wowed.
The nuptials were festive. As one guest opined, “It was like a movie!”
The event was punctuated with glitz, glamour, excitement, and an abundance of love, with family represented on both sides of the aisle with Omar’s family matriarch, grandmother Merril Miniffee Greaves among the cheerleaders. DJ Cali B and DJ Kdawg drove guests to evangelical frenzy on the dancefloor with clever mixes of dancehall, reggae, and R&B, sprinkled with a pinch of soca and Afrobeats music.
The tantalising menu featured a combination of offerings for vegetarians as well as non-vegetarians. Seafood was plentiful, with guests gorging on crab crusted fillet of salmon; French-cut breast of chicken, stuffed with spinach cheese and Chateaubriand of beef. The four food stations for appetisers included poached pear with goat cheese, a banquet of baby greens, caramelised walnuts and balsamic black pepper vinaigrette. Warm chocolate lava cake, New York style cheesecake and Tahitian vanilla crème brulée were served for dessert. The liquor ... let’s just say it flowed like a river at the open bar, which was stocked with Hennessy, Grey Goose, Martini & Rossi and other top shelf brands for the sophisticated palate.
The 35-and-under crowd partied like it was 1999. EZ Pass was smooth as velvet, doing MC duties for the night. Everyone had a grand time, and Omar’s dad, Paul, had the last word, giving his son some potent advice: “Happy wife, happy life.”