A great love story
Published:Tuesday | February 13, 2018 | 12:00 AMJanet Silvera
WESTERN BUREAU:
Last Saturday afternoon, Kate Searby and Grant Garton laid the first block of their love story, after 'pouring the cement' three years ago.
Searby, the granddaughter of the late John Rollins, founder of Rose Hall Developments, and Garton, a software sales expert, tied the knot in front of a large group of family and close friends on Half Moon's Royal Pavillion beach.
Followed by a reception ceremony at the historic Rose Hall Great House, the couple closed the night watching fireworks give life to a dark Jamaican sky.
The couple's fire was first lit by a 'snowmaggedon' that crippled movements in Washington, DC, in 2010.
"We met at the iconic bookstore, Kramer Books, in DuPont Circle," Serby shared with Outlook. "We talked, and later that evening we had drinks, which then led to dinner. I found him so kind, smart and handsome."
They dated briefly, and shortly after Searby moved back to San Francisco because of family commitments. The couple lost touch, and five years later, Searby returned to Washington for a wedding and decided to rekindle the magic.
After six months of dating, Garton packed his bags, resigned his job, and with his rescue dog, Bob, drove across the country to be with his soulmate.
"He had a rescue dog, which signalled to me that he had a kind heart, because I had a rescue dog, too. I fell for him," revealed Searby.
Last Saturday as they exchanged vows, Garton looked into his bride's eyes and said, "Since we have been together, you have made me feel more complete, more alive, and shown me the true meaning of happiness. You are a kind, adventurous and gentle soul. I am a better person with you by my side.
"Today, in front of our friends and family, I make the most sincere promise one heart can make to another. I vow to be your constant love and support, your devoted partner in life. I vow to be your home, your comfort and calm. I promise to do the cooking if you promise to load the dishwasher. I'll follow you everywhere and anywhere ... even to a Duke basketball game."
SEARBY'S VOWS
Searby looked as lovingly into her groom's eyes and said, "Grant, you are the loveliest, tenderest, most beautiful person I have ever known - and even that is an understatement. My heart is, and always will be, yours. I fall more in love with you every day."
She described him as her home and best friend. "You are my partner in crime, and one true love. I'm astounded by your integrity, kindness, intelligence and generosity. You make me laugh like no one else can, and inspire me to be a better person. Saying 'I do' means saying 'I will'. I will love you unconditionally every day of my life. Together, we will build a home filled with love, laughter, compassion and peace. I will celebrate your triumphs and comfort you in times of sorrow."
She then called him her great love story, "And today we're writing the first chapter".
WEDDING FESTIVITIES
Chapter one consisted of six days of wedding festivities. "We really wanted our friends and family to get to experience many different venues and activities in and around Montego Bay, so they'd fall in love with it just like we have."
On Wednesday, they opened with a family dinner party at Sugar Mill; followed by a catamaran cruise and welcome cocktail party at the Copperwood home of her grandmother, Michele Rollins.
There was bridal breakfast at Half Moon Hotel; rehearsal dinner at White Witch; and a private sunrise meditation class overlooking the sea for the bridal party.
Searby has been coming to Jamaica since she was four years old, and said that for all her life this was where she wanted to get married, "Because there is nowhere else in this beautiful world that I love more than Jamaica."
The couple is spending a honeymoon at the fabulous Rock House in Negril before two weeks in South Africa.