Yanique and Omoi's modern-day fairy tale began in an online chat room in January of 2002. They spoke casually for a while, but eventually lost contact with each other. Three months later they reconnected when Omoi revisited the chat room. "We later exchanged numbers and spoke to each other quite frequently. Though she was dying for me to take her out, I promised her that I would do so as soon as I had bought a car," shared Omoi. Later that year Omoi bought his car and kept his promise to Yanique when he took her out that Christmas Eve for a romantic dinner on the beach where they also shared their first kiss; right there under the stars.

As the couple was getting to know each other Yanique's mother, Merna, told her she had found her perfect match; a young man called Omar. It wasn't until much later that Yanique would learn that her mother was in fact referring to Omoi, and that it was his mother who had suggested she be named Yanique. "The little boy used to come to the supermarket where I worked, and no matter where I was, I would have to stop what I was doing and go to him," recalled Merna. "He used to sit in my lap and cling to me until his mother was ready to leave," she further stated. "Of course both of us were in awe at what seemed to be such an amazing case of serendipity and (it seemed like) God's way of saying 'I made this girl just for you'," shared Omoi. The couple dated for 10 years before Omoi proposed on January 15, 2011.

The Wedding

The couple opted for a traditional ceremony at the University Chapel on August 5, 2012, officiated by Dr Eric Nathan. The bride was escorted up the aisle by her parents Merna and Calbert Powell, to Canon in D Major by Johann Pachelbel. She wore a pearl white chiffon gown with flattering ruching, which she accessorised with a traditional veil. The Salon Innovation team did her hair and make-up, while Kimberly Patterson did her bridal party's make-up.

Her groom and his groomsmen were nattily attired in suits designed by Dexter Huxtable Spokes Apparel.

Guests were then invited to make their way to Mona Visitors' Lodge, which was decorated by Tai Flora Luxe, for the reception. The reception incorporated a tribute to Jamaica's golden jubilee with a selection of cultural, folk, festival songs, and roots rock reggae performed by Paulette Bellamy and band as the guests awaited the arrival of the bridal party.The newly-weds made their entrance after guests watched a vignette of their journey to the altar. "I really think this was well received by the guests, and it really set the tone for the rest of the evening," shared Omoi.

The couple performed their first dance to I Gotta Feeling by Black Eyed Peas and later surprised guests by performing a second dance to Fly Me to The Moon by Frank Sinatra

The unique four-tier black and white fruitcake, with a contemporary shape and a subtle vintage pattern, was designed by the bride and created by Ali's Sweet Fantasy. The couple honeymooned at Sandals Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios.