Faith allows for people to believe that something is, even before it happens. Long before you even meet that special someone, there is the belief that God will send you the perfect soulmate. For Shimoye Hird and Faybian Cushine, their union was practically a match made in heaven.

They had both attended the same church for years but never exchanged words except in casual greeting. But one Sunday morning Shimoye asked Faybian to upgrade her BlackBerry service for her. He relished the idea of offering her a hand and managed to put his number in her cellphone while doing so. The pair, totally unaware of the Lord’s master plan to one day make them husband and wife, went with friends that evening to see international gospel artiste Donnie McClurkin in concert. By night’s end the seeds for their blessed relationship had been sown.

They must have heard many testimonials that tell of just knowing when you’ve found that person. There were no halos, no singing angels or a loud voice from heaven but a connection was made that morning on the staircase that kept pulling the two together.

At a prayer meeting one Thursday evening, Faybian got a hold of the microphone and asked Shimoye to marry him. She tearfully responded with a yes.

On June 1 2013, after an 18-month courtship, officiating pastor Clovis Foster led the ceremony to join the owners of Gifted Minds Kindergarten and Daycare Centre in holy matrimony at the Temple Hall New Testament Church of God.

The entrance of eight groomsmen and bridesmaids clad in gold, blue and pink ties and dresses signalled the start of the ceremony. The adorable ring bearer Jamar Hird and flower girl Olivia Bennett preceded the bride who who made her grand entrance to Shania Twain’s From This Moment.

Her make-up flawlessly done by Starllia Smith and her hair in a perfect bun by Ann-Marie Wilson, Shimoye wore an England-bought diamond embellished sweetheart gown with a matching tiara — fit for a princess. Clutching a bouquet of orchids and roses, she was escorted to the altar by her parents Sylvia and Locklesly Hird. But an eager Faybian met her half way.

At that moment, the love they shared was apparent and Faybian had Shimoye choking back tears as he said his vows. Pastor Foster declared them husband and wife and after prayers they shared their first kiss as Mr and Mrs Cushine. All roads then led to the Mona Visitors’ Lodge and Conference Centre for the reception.

The newly-weds had their first dance to Monica’s Angel of Mine. Master of ceremonies Michael Biggs made the night a memorable one and Oniel Dancers and Rohan Robinson had the entire bridal party on their feet showing off the various dance moves. The newly-weds

then cut their wedding cake created by Yvette Richards of Country Style Restaurant and enjoyed the heartfelt toasts from family and friends.

The night ended all too soon and the newly-weds bid their goodbyes to each guest.

The couple honeymooned at the RIU Hotel, in Ocho Rios.