Two young Brooklyn residents of Vincentian and Guyanese parentage on Sunday tied the knot in an elegant and solemn ceremony at the Grace Church in New York at 802 Broadway.
Lesa Ginal Bowman, whose parents — Lenford “Brother B” and Sandra “Peggy” Bowman, of Rose Bank in St. Vincent and the Grenadines — and Rameshwar “Keshaun” Ramnauth — whose parents, Dhaneswar and Anjalie Ramnauth, are natives of Port Mourant, East Berbice/Corentyne, Guyana — entered into marital bliss after meeting, for the very first time, 12 years ago.
The newly-wed then hosted a sumptuous and elegiac reception for 289 family members and guests at Leonard’s Palazzo on Northern Boulevard, Great Neck, Long Island.
“I want to say thank you,” the groom’s father told guests. “It’s a special day for me and my wife. I hope they have a happy and prosperous marriage.
“One down, one more to go,” added Ramnauth to loud laughter, intimating that he has another child awaiting marriage.
Standing before the bride and groom, Bowman, with his wife at his side, read from a prepared statement.
“Your life together is just starting, and it will take many turns along the way,” he said. “You will have your glory days, and you will have your sad days.
“However, if you have each other, you will have all you need,” Bowman added. “Cling to each other, communicate with each other, and make each other number one in your lives. With these tools, you will have a successful marriage.
“May the future bring you happiness, wisdom and children, so I can be a grand-father,” he continued to laughter. “But, in all seriousness, I give you my wholehearted blessings, and I know both of you will last a lifetime together. I am so happy this day has finally come.”
Choking up, Maid of Honor, Julie Mahes, whose father hails from Rose Bank, said she and the bride have been “inseparable for the last 32 years.
“She has been a monumental presence in every step of my life,” Mahes said. “She’s compassionate, loving.”
Best Man Pavin Gayadin, the groom’s first cousin, thanked Bowman for allowing Lesa to marry Rameshwar.
“Lesa, continue to love and keep ‘Keyshaun’ grounded,” he said. “Communication is the key for a good relationship.”
Rameshwar’s aunt, Mable, said Lesa was not only beautiful outside but “more beautiful inside.”
She said she was 17 when Remeshwar was born, adding: “A guy who loves his mother will love his wife more. I love you Lesa.”
After dinner, the couple and guests partied late into the night to sweet Caribbean vibes.
