When Bobby Pickett, a US Army veteran now working with the Federal Government, met celebrated Olympian, physical therapist and children’s coach Sandie Richards through mutual friends, it was the beginning of a love story that would lead them both to Richards’ birthplace — Jamaica — where on Saturday, November 5, 2016 they became husband and wife.

Sandie Recalls When

After meeting through mutual friends, Bobby and I developed an amazing connection and fell in love. We would talk daily and I could not get enough of the conversations we shared. I loved talking and spending time with him. He could always cheer me up and put me in the best mood when I felt down. He cared for me completely and did it all without ever complaining or asking for anything in return. That’s when I knew I had a partner for life. That’s when I knew I wanted to spend my life with him.

The Proposal, as told by Sandie

I remember it only too well. I was returning to Austin, Texas after a rough family trip to Jamaica. I wasn’t in the best of moods. He had agreed to pick me up at the airport in Austin, Texas. After I arrived at the airport, he asked, “Will you marry me?” I was so shocked because there were no clues or signs that he was planning to propose. I was at a point in our relationship where I was just content with spending time together and being with him. But of course, I screamed, “Yes!”

The Ceremony

The ceremony was held at the Jewel Dunn’s River Beach Resort & Spa in Ocho Rios, on the deck that extends into the ocean. Sandie fell in love with this location almost immediately.

Here Comes

The bride, stunning in a strapless, white Sophia Tolli gown which featured a beaded bodice and a short train, was escorted up the aisle by her ‘American mum’ Terry Crawford. The groom was flanked by his groomsmen, all dapper in suits from JoS A Bank.

The track star-studded bridal party included matron of honour and former US track star Sandra Farmer-Patrick; maid-of-honour and former Jamaican athlete Juliet Campbell; Australian Olympian Cathy Freeman; Vanessa Messam, sister of the bride; Andrea Thomas, Jamaican Olympian; and friend of the bride Jessnia Aponte.

The groom’s brother Thedis Pickett was the best man. Other notables in attendance included former Gucci International model Nadine Willis; Mike Henry, MP for Central Clarendon and Minister of Transport & Mining; and British-born Italian athlete Fiona May.

Gold medal Olympian Cathy Freeman toasted her dear friend while the groom forced many to reach for handkerchiefs after his heartfelt toast to his bride: “Sandie, I swear I will honour and respect you. I promise to listen to you with my ears and with my heart. I promise to love you. I vow to fulfil your emotional needs, and I promise to show you I love you every morning and night. I pray that the good Lord above will give us the strength to uphold our vows. Sandie, remember you are my heart and soul. I will be with you and take care of you always, the almighty Lord will give us the power to fulfil our needs. Nothing in all creation can separate me from my love for you.”

The ceremony also included jumping the broom to symbolise the new chapter in their lives.

The Reception

The newly-weds shared their first dance as husband and wife to

Only Girl by John Legend. The musicians for the night included Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore from Third World and Tony Green and Robbie Lyn on keyboard. The wedding cake was a lovely three-tier cake created by Devon, who works at the Jewel Resort. While the bride and groom cut the cake, Catherine Freeman raised a toast to the newly-weds. Sandie Richards-Pickett, clinging to her hubby’s arm, later shared: “We feel really blessed to be joined as husband and wife. Our special day was fated and is everything we could have ever asked for.”

The couple spent their honeymoon in Spain and Portugal.