Leap Of Faith
Love demands not just patience, but also the courage to take chances. The love story of dental surgeons Aneissa Mair and Kester Reid embodies taking a leap of faith. That leap was rewarded on February 23, 2025, when they exchanged vows at the University Chapel, on the campus of The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona.
Their paths would cross in October 2022 when Aneissa met Kester at the Kingston Public Hospital, where she was completing her internship.
“I found him to be smart and witty. We would interact professionally. However, it was not until the end of my internship that we started interacting more on a personal level,” Aneissa told Tuesday Style Vows (TSV).
Indeed, the more they got to know each other, the more feelings started to develop. While there was no outer indication of a mutual attraction, their feelings refused to evaporate. Left unchecked for a brief period, it would be the sage advice of a friend that would ultimately make the difference.
“I suspected that he might’ve had a crush, but there was never any admission of feelings. I had told a mutual friend about my feelings towards him, but was unaware of how he felt. The friend basically told me to shoot my shot because he was always asking about me and she was pretty convinced the feelings were mutual,” Anessia recalled. “That led me to reach out to him and confirmation was received. We began communicating more often, until he eventually asked me out. Our feelings grew stronger and the rest, as they say, is history.”
What cemented Kester as the ideal match for Aneissa, in her mind, was his constant encouragement and selfless attitude.
“He was very intentional about our relationship and I could tell that he wanted me to be the best version of myself. This showed me how much he not only cared about the relationship but also my well-being,” Aneissa said.
Two years after they first met, Aneissa would be swept off her feet with a memorable proposal on October 13, 2024.
“Kester was to linked up with a friend who had migrated and was a trip home. Half-an-hour before he was to meet the friend, he called me and told me to get ready, he’s picking me up, and he thinks I should meet the friend. Based on where he had indicated the meeting would take place I found the route he took somewhat strange,” Aneissa recalled.
“When we got to the friend’s house, I walked in, saw our closest friends, and received flowers! I was then serenaded by Kester, on the violin, who arranged a medley for the occasion. He then popped the question. It was a wonderful surprise.”
Four months later, their dream wedding unfolded in the chapel expertly decorated by Divine Events.
For her special day, Aneissa wore a Mikado satin A-line gown from Bella Bridal. As with the proposal, music played an integral part: The ceremony consisted of a string quartet, organist and live singer.
To the stirring tones of My Song by H.E.R., Aneissa walked up the aisle, ready to commit her future to Kester. “When I walked up the aisle and saw Kester, my eyes welled up with emotion. Plus, glancing to the side and seeing all three of my bridesmaids tearing up with tears of joy, as well, made me even more emotional,” Aneissa said.
The wedding reception followed at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel, where guests enjoyed a lavish banquet. This was followed by the cutting of a two-tier carrot cake with cream cheese frosting by Marcia Lyew. The couple shared their first dance as newly-weds to the Luke Burr cover of Bob Marley’s classic Is This Love, marking a new chapter in their lives.
A honeymoon is planned for a later date.
Photos: Joel Photography
Captions
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Aneissa (second left) and Kester (third right) sign the marriage register guided by Pastor Samuel Lewis (right) and witnessed by maid of honour Aneath Mair and best man Jelani Bogle (second right, hidden).
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Aneissa and Kester take part in the tree-planting ceremony.
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Relishing the moment with Aneissa (bottom row, left) and Kester (bottom row, right) are maid of honour Aneath Mair and best man Jelani Bogle.
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Introducing Mr and Mrs Kester Reid!
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Celebrating with Kester (fourth left) and Aneissa (fourth right) are the bridal party (from left) Arun Ramaiah, Ian McKenzie, best man Jelani Bogle, maid of honour Aneath Mair, Janay Duncan and Ashleigh Thomas.
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The look of love…
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Kester and Aneissa cut their Marcia Lyew-provided wedding cake.
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The newly-weds Aneissa and Kester share a warm moment after the ceremony.
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Kester and Aneissa take their first steps to forever.
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Aneissa and Kester share their first dance to Luke Burr’s cover of Bob Marley’s classic hit,
Is This Love.
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Conveying their congratulations to Aneissa and Kester are Kester’s family (from left) dad Walton Reid, sister Allele, and mum Joan.
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Kester and Aneissa (centre) share a moment with her family (from left) mother Antoinette Paul, sisters Alonyah Walker and Aneath Mair.
