Rev Group Orlando Production Supervisor David Atkinson would have never imagined that out of the bevy of beauties in his hometown Orlando, Florida, that a beautiful Jamaican goddess, Event Vybez Client Services and Media Manager Paula Samuels would be the one he would be walking down the aisle with on October 8, 2016. Vows takes you to the altar.

How they met, as told by David

Paula and I met at my church in Orlando, Florida, in 2012. I remember getting on the phone right after church and bragging to my brethren how I had just met Miss Jamaica! We immediately started formulating a game plan as there was no way I was going to let this opportunity pass me by. Upon approaching her, I found out that she was moving back to Jamaica in a few months, which just about terminated all my romantic plans as I was not interested in getting into a long-distance relationship. We kept in touch, and remained friends. A couple months later, I saw her once again at her cousin’s birthday party she was visiting for, and all my feelings came rushing back. I quickly reminded myself that she wasn’t staying. About a month after she left, I saw a beautiful young lady on my jogging trail and I attempted to flirt with her, but all I could think about was Paula. After that encounter, I finally mustered up the courage to broach the conversation with Paula and came to find out that she was also having the same issue with me. We both decided to try out a long-distance relationship. Four years later, we are happily in love.

The proposal, as told by Paula

In 2015, one of my closest friends was celebrating his wedding anniversary which was scheduled to be hosted at the Eden Gardens Wellness Resort and Spa. He called me the morning of the event and asked that I go to the venue a few hours early to ensure everything was in place. Being a reliable friend, I showed up with the intention of executing my duties. As I approached the receptionist, I realised that she was not only clueless about the event, but her colleagues were also clueless. I called my friend in a fit of rage to express my annoyance with the staff. He then instructed me to specifically ask for someone. A young man soon emerged and ushered me inside. As he escorted me to the roof, I prepared myself mentally to check off the readiness of the space. I stepped out of the elevator, and saw flower petals on the floor and thought to myself, “Is this an anniversary or a proposal?” As I looked around and inspected the space, I saw only one table with two chairs; I quickly grabbed my phone to call my friend for some clarity as I was utterly confused. While on the phone, I saw a young man in a purple shirt walking towards me who seemed very familiar. I soon realised that this young man looked a lot like my boyfriend who lived in another country! My heart began to race when I not only realised that it was in fact David, but also that the reason he was here was to propose to me! As he went down on one knee, with teary eyes, I screamed ‘Yesss!‘

The ceremony

The exchange of vows took place in the garden of a cottage in High View, Oracabessa, St Mary. “We wanted our guests to feel as if they were a part of a big rustic garden celebration,” shared Paula. Shades of navy blue and coral were draped across the altar, complemented by board charts with quotes from 1 Corinthians 13 leading up to the altar arranged by event planner Ashli O’Connor. The gorgeous bridesmaids made their way up the aisle to Tye Tribett’s Chasing After You, dressed in knee-length coral dresses with varying necklines designed by Sharon McKain. They were escorted by the dapper groomsmen in grey two-piece Perry Ellis suits, complemented by navy blue neckties. At the altar stood David, elegant in a two-piece navy blue Calvin Klein suit with a grey necktie. Paula’s entrance was cued by her brother Daniel Samuels’ guitar instrumental of Hillsong United’s Oceans. Escorted by her father Paul Samuels, Paula was stunning in a Maggie Sottero-inspired romantic lace mermaid gown with a sweetheart neckline from SofieHouse.

The proceedings were officiated by Pastor Dennis Kerr and included an instrumental performance by Daniel Muschette.

The reception

… was held in the garden under a party tent adorned by event planner Ashli O’Connor with unfinished wood elements, hints of matte gold, burlap with lace and wine bottles with baby’s breath on the tables. The newly-weds and their wedding party made their entrance to Tarrus Riley’s

Love’s Contagious.

Guests enjoyed cocktails ahead of a sumptious four-course meal catered by the award-winning Anna-Kay Tomlinson of Miss T’s Kitchen.

The cutting of the three-tiered buttercream-iced wedding cake by the bride’s mother Maureen Swaby-Samuels of Eve’s Delight Baking & Catering followed. Post-formalities and toasts, guests dance their way into the wee hours of the morning.

The honeymoon

The couple spent the next few days on vacation in Costa Rica.