How They Met…

True love is often said to prevail through all challenges, bringing together two destined hearts regardless of race, religion or cultural background. So starts the globe-trotting love story of New York-born Samson Tirfagnehu and his Jamaican belle, Jodi-Kay Watson, as they shared with Vows how their decade-long courtship withstood the test of distance and time.

When Jodi-Kay Watson answered a knock on her dormitory door in 2004 on her first day at Florida International University (FIU), little did she know that her journey to find love was beginning. On the other side of the door stood her then resident assistant, Samson Tirfagnehu, ostensibly to glean how Watson was settling into her freshman year. Through dorm interactions and a shared hospitality programme, the two became fast friends, with Tirfagnehu playing the role of the protective “big brother”. Indeed, the pair became inseparable to the point where friends would ask where her “husband” was whenever she was spotted without him.

For winter break that year, Tirfagnehu found himself longing to call Watson, who had returned to Jamaica for Christmas celebrations. It wasn’t until they were reunited that they admitted that they truly missed each other.

“The fun spirit in her is definitely what got me attracted,” Tirfagnehu told Vows.

For the blushing bride it was her groom’s level of responsibility for those closest to him that sparked her interest.

Built upon the tenets of friendship and respect, their deep love for each other blossomed into a true connection.

The Proposal

After having to ask Jodi’s parents separately for her hand in marriage and getting their approval, the next step for Tirfagnehu was deciding the perfect moment to pop the big question. Here’s what he shared with Vows.

“Jodi’s birthday is October 7, so I decided to propose on the day before her birthday so she could say she was engaged at 25. I took her to Disneyland; it was just a perfect day to walk around the theme parks. So there I was walking around in the park with this big ring box in my pocket, waiting for the right moment. We were hot and Jodi got miserable, saying she wanted to leave. I started to doubt it was going to materialise. Eventually we went back to the house and made reservations for dinner. She was getting ready to go out for dinner and I was still determined to get it done, so I walked into the living room and started hurrying her along. Eventually she walked out and there I was on one knee, ring in hand, and the song we would dance to on our wedding night was playing in the background. She stops and goes, ‘Are you really doing this right now?’ And I just popped the question, ‘Will you marry me?’ And she replied, ‘Of course’. She was in love with her ring which was an oval 1 carat diamond ring. “

#TheJSJourney

The bride’s sister, Tanya Watson Francis, was the wedding co-ordinator extraordinaire who turned the couple’s travel-themed wedding in Jamaica into a reality, liaising with the couple who both work in the hospitality industry and live in Orlando, Florida. Emerald and gold were incorporated into every aspect of the nuptials, reflecting the couple’s admiration for the beauty of the Earth and their love for the sunny Caribbean.

#TheJSJourney, as the social media savvy duo dubbed their multicultural union, took off with their guests, forty strong from the United States and Ethiopia, receiving their “itinerary” in the form of special packages from the bride and groom. The bridal party, who stayed at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, joined their friends and family on Thursday, September 4 for a white-themed affair that also doubled as a celebration for Samson’s parents’ anniversary on the Friday.

At first, Saturday September 6 bore no real significance to the couple, as their original plan for a wedding that fell on the (US) Labour Day weekend was pushed back. Although not avid followers of numerology, they took it as good luck that their proposal date and new wedding date both added up to the number 29.

Samson Tirfagnehu and Jodi-Kay Watson tied the knot at St Andrew Parish Church in Half Way Tree in a traditional Anglican ceremony. Upon arrival, guests received intricately designed “passport” programmes to take them through the afternoon’s proceedings. Attendees stood as G. George Watson ushered his youngest daughter Jodi-Kay up the aisle to the singjay Ruth Royes’ rendition of One and Only by Adele.

The bride elicited nods of approval in her gorgeous lace and crystal-detailed gown from Elie Saab which she wore with Badgley Mischka heels. In her hand she clasped a bouquet of white roses. Her make-up by Loni Jones was just right and her cascading curls by Kera’s Hair completed the look. Her focus, however, was on her soon-to-be husband who stood dapper at the altar in his black tuxedo.

Right Rev Robert Thompson, Anglican Suffragan Bishop of Kingston who christened and confirmed Jodi-Kay, officiated. He shared with those gathered that he had received the blessing to conduct the union from the pastor at the church the couple attended in Orlando. Both Samson and Jodi-Kay were overcome with emotion during the simple ceremony, shedding tears as they exchanged their vows.

After the signing of the register and another musical interlude by Royes, family and friends gave the newly minted Mr and Mrs Samson Tirfagnehu a standing ovation.

Jodi-Kay shared with Vows that many of their guests were surprised that they had chosen to get married in Kingston as opposed to one of the tourist hot spots on the island. But for the blushing bride, the city had a special place in her heart.

“You guys are going to come to my home,” Jodi-Kay told her guests. “This is where I grew up.”

This was the inspiration behind their traffic-stopping, impromptu photo-shoot at the iconic Clock Tower in Half Way Tree.

The Reception:

From the hustle and bustle of Kingston to the serenity of Boone Hall, nestled at the foot of Stony Hill, the new bride was able to show her guests and her husband the many sides of Kingston and indeed Jamaica.

Boone Hall Oasis was the perfect location for the nature-loving, laid-back couple to have their reception. In the enchanted garden with the twilight as their backdrop, the wedding party took their official photos. In keeping with the designated colours, the bridesmaids were stunning in emerald one-shoulder Alfred Angelo gowns, while the groomsmen were dashing in their black suits with gold and emerald bow ties.

Under a cloth-draped canopy and dimly lit lanterns, Dwight Ross became the “captain” of the rest of the evening’s proceedings. Boarding passes in hand, the guests were seated around tables named after destinations that the couple plan to visit. These destinations included Barcelona, Shanghai and Abu Dhabi.

The newly-weds agreed that Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was top of their list. Samson’s father is from Ethiopia.

The centrepieces captured their travel theme in essence with framed road maps, fun facts on each city, and timeless orchid arrangements all basking in the warm glow of a few tea-lights.

The menu catered by the award-winning culinary team at Boone Hall was a fusion of Asian-Jamaican fare. The couple’s mothers then unveiled their travel-inspired three-tiered wedding cake. But at the bride’s special request they sliced an amaretto cake.

The thoroughly modern couple introduced techy yet practical ideas throughout their reception. Guests created instant memories at a booth set up by Photo Affair, complete with eccentric wedding props and signs. For those capturing the moments with their mobile devices, a station was provided with chargers for various models of iPhones, BlackBerrys and Samsungs.

After a night of “in-flight entertainment” that included saxophone interludes, laughter and dancing, the newly-weds enjoyed a weeklong honeymoon in Montego Bay before returning to Orlando, Florida.

Photographer: Lionel Rookwood

Special thanks to Prudence Simpson of the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel the destination of choice for the overseas guests