When Irwin High School teacher Paul Powell met Deidre Davis, tutor/recruiter at University College of Providenciales, he sensed a connection that could become a lifelong one. Indeed, the friendship blossomed into something more beautiful — love — and on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at the Bridge Palm Hotel, Clarendon, the two sealed their union. Vows meets them at the altar.

How they met, as told by Deidre…

Truth be told, we have known each other all our lives; our parents are from the same community and we were raised as friends and attended the same primary school. In fact, Paul gave me a popcorn ring when I was five years old and declared that I was his wife. We were friends throughout primary school until we stopped talking. While in high school I migrated from Jamaica and we lost touch with each other. Years later, I got a friend request on Facebook and it was from Paul. We’d engage in casual conversations every now and then, during which he never failed to express his feelings for me. At that particular juncture I just wanted to remain friends. A visit to Jamaica for Christmas 2014, however, changed all of that. We sat in his car the Christmas Eve, from 8:00 pm until about 5:00 am the Christmas morning. It was then that I came face to face with everything that I was praying for. That Christmas was somewhat magical; we spent almost every day together just talking and catching up, going to gospel concerts with friends and family, all of who saw the “spark” that I still tried to deny out of fear. As the holidays drew to a close Paul asked: “What are we doing here? Are we going to try and see where this goes?” I heard myself say yes. That was the beginning of our happily ever after!

The proposal, as told by Paul…

I always knew I wanted to get married to Deidre. I’d been thinking about proposing for a while; I just didn’t know how. One night I couldn’t seem to fall asleep and about after three in the morning it dawned on me, why not propose to her at my sister’s wedding, since she was getting married in a few months and, of course, Deidre was invited. I ran the idea by my sister and her husband who were excited and in agreement. The day finally came: Saturday, August 20, 2016. I tried to keep my composure but I was so nervous I couldn’t even eat anything at the reception. When it was time for my sister to throw the bouquet she turned and just gave it to Deidre. I started to sing Tarrus Riley’s I Will Stay With You while walking towards her. By this, she was standing there wondering what was happening. I held her by the hand, told her how much I loved her, then I went down on one knee and popped out the ring and of course, while going crazy, she said YESSS!!!

Here comes the bride…

With John Legend’s So High playing in the background, the bridesmaids made their way up the aisle in stunning Grecian-style lavender chiffon empire-waist dresses escorted by the debonair groomsmen who wore light grey fitted trousers and vests with lilac shirts and ties. At the altar the bridegroom stood dapper in a light grey tuxedo, lilac shirt and tie with brown shoes.

Gorgeous in a Stella York ivory gown, Deidre appeared on her father Lloyd Davis’s arm who escorted her to her bridegroom to the strains of Major’s This Is Why I Love You. The ceremony was officiated by Pastor Errol Nelson and featured a sand ceremony to symbolise new beginnings.

The reception…

The reception also took place at the Bridge Palm Hotel where the décor was shades of lilac and silver. Master of ceremonies Lennox Christie welcomed guests and asked them to take their seats ahead of the arrival of the bridal party, who made their entrance to Bracket’s Yori Yori. This was followed by the couple’s first dance as husband and wife to Promise by Romeo Santos, featuring Usher. Post-formalities, guests enjoyed a sumptuous three-course meal and witnessed the cutting of the four-tiered lemon raspberry and fruitcake by Dayna Ho from Fine Ideas Caterers. In keeping with their faith the newly-weds brought a fitting end to the night’s festivities by singing Made A Way by Travis Greene.

The honeymoon…

The lovebirds honeymooned at Luxury Bahia Principe, Runaway Bay, St Ann.