Felicia Barlow & Paul Clar
Our Story
We met back in 1985 when working at Marquee HBO. Having similar senses of humor and completely “getting each other”, we were first friends and then began dating in 1986.
We dated for about 2 years before circumstances split us apart. We stayed friends for awhile and one day, just lost touch. Although we both remained in the same area of Maryland, we didn’t know each other for more than 18 years!
In 2006, tragedy brought us back together by the shear hand of fate...or destiny, if you believe. Felicia sent Paul a sympathy card after reading of his loss in The Washington Post. This began our reconnection and rekindled love that even we still find unbelievable!!
On our second trip to Couples San Souci, Paul proposed. That was September 6, 2008. We couldn’t think of anywhere else to get married but Jamaica!
Our Wedding
Our wedding took place in the lovely outdoor Bayside gazebos that sit directly in the ocean at Couples Tower Isle in Ocho Rios, Jamaica on Saturday, November 7, 2009 at "sunset."
Our dream island ceremony was rained out by Tropical Storm Ida, but the waves lapping against the sides of the gazebos, the steel band playing in the background, and the five wild white doves that flew over just before the ceremony reminded us that all is perfect as is. Besides, Felicia, had the Bayside on her vision board nearly 2 years ago, so intuition played a major role!
We were also so very blessed to have our very own Rev. Jim Webb from the Takoma Park Chapel officiate our wedding. He performed the spiritual ceremony and Rev. Andre John performed the legal ceremony. Family from both sides did special readings, and Felicia's two dads served as "ring bearers".
Our Reception
The steel band continued to play, offering up Felicia and Paul's chosen first dance, which was ironically, Stevie Wonder's "You Are the Sunshine of My Life". More intuition at play here!
A cocktail party in the Piano Bar immediately followed, complete with Mento band, open bar, hors d’oeuvres and champagne.
All then enjoyed a private dinner reception in the Verandah restaurant overlooking the beach. A special menu from the resort's elegant Eight Rivers was prepared complete with souvenir menu, a greeting from President and Mrs. Obama, and a Marley shooter champion round.
Paul showed off his mad skills, singing and dancing his way into Felicia's heart with his own rendition of James Brown classics. He also orchestrated their 37 guests into a sing along to many of their favorite classic soul and reggae songs, provided on their own CD.
A Special Message From Us
We extend our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all of our friends and family who traveled with us to Jamaica to celebrate our union. We were both overwhelmed with love! Every time we looked around, there was a familiar and happy face greeting us and making our "weddingmoon" so very special.
What a year this has been! We were so pleased to see many of you in March at our engagement party; then the festivities picked up again in August with a luncheon hosted by Cid Collins Walker; a Leopard print inspired bridal shower thrown by Jennifer Kalita and Laura Spaid; and a Ladies Night that began at Xpose Fitness where we all learned some new moves, to those 8 bridal flamingos lining Felicia's walkway for a fun house party.
If we're honored with a gift from you, may we respectfully request a gift from this site, as we are in the midst of combining two households into one. We've taken the special trips and would love to share the details!