The connection between Danielle Murphy, behaviour therapist, Behavioural Initiatives in Florida, and Kimani Brown, senior applications support analyst at FLOW, which was immediate and powerful, came together in fine style on a glorious Saturday afternoon, June 17, at Konoko Falls, Ocho Rios and officiated by Rev Carlton Mullings. Vows presents Mr and Mrs Kimani Brown.

How they met, as told by Danielle

It was my friend’s birthday, May 2013, and I was here in Jamaica to celebrate with her. While at the 3Bs party in Beverly Hills, I could not help but feel eyes constantly on me. Every time I looked it was Kimani, staring. Come time to leave and yes, you guessed it Kimani was behind me. Well, I did something I never normally do: I gave him my number, but because I was leaving Jamaica the next day to go back to Florida, I figured it would be an easy blow-off. Boy, was I wrong! He did not call or message instantly nor did he the next day; he messaged one week later. That day turned into weeks of casual conversation throughout the day, and it just kept going. He was cool, I guess. I liked him somewhat, but things happened and we drifted, but not for long. We evolved; he realised how amazing I was! And I finally decided to give him a chance. Well, here I am now, basking in my reality stemming from one of the most random, but best, moves I have ever made in life….

Kimani’s recollection of how they met…

The first time I saw Danielle was definitely at 3Bs. I did spot Danielle from far and the first thing I said to myself was ‘this girl don’t live in Jamaica’. What caught me was her smile, and you may ask why she was smiling. Well, she was looking at me! The party carried on and she continued to smile at me and I decided to make my move by asking her name. When I was leaving I realised that we were on the same shuttle. At the parking lot she gave me her number, her US number, by the way!

It took me a week to message her, but when I did the phone seemed stuck to my fingers, throughout the day just texting back and forth. For a few months we went our separate ways, did our own thing. But it was on a visit to South Florida that it all came together. We went out for drinks and came back to my friend Reese’s house where we spent two hours chatting in her car. I knew that what we had was going to be special.

And now look at where we at! We did it, Danielle! Long distance and all. Love crossed international waters and locked our hearts together.

The proposal…

Kimani proposed to Danielle on June 26, 2016, their two-year dating anniversary. She was in her bedroom and he told her that he had a gift for her but she had to close her eyes. When she opened them, she saw Kimani on his knees and burst into tears. He asked her to marry him and she said yes!

The ceremony…

Family and friends gathered at Konoko Falls, Ocho Rios, to witness Danielle and Kimani’s special day.

The groom looked smart in a blue tuxedo with orange lapel flower and chequered pocket square made by Spokes Apparel and an orange wool bow tie by J Hux Bowties. The groomsmen and best man wore dark grey suits with orange ties from Beautiful Brides and Mr Tux. The bridesmaids wore burnt orange infinity dresses from DC dresses.

The bride was a vision of elegance in a gorgeous custom-made ivory lace and beaded tulle mermaid gown by Reina Barieto located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and made her walk to her bridegroom to Christina Perri’s A Thousand Years.

Rev Carlton Mullings officiated the ceremony which included a poignant sand ceremony to symbolise two lives becoming one. Mullings would later, to much applause, declare the couple husband and wife. The newly-weds made their way down the aisle to Stevie Wonder’s Signed, Sealed, Delivered.

The reception …

Celebrations continued at The Konoko Falls which was decorated by Petals and Promises in gold, blue and orange.

The bridal party made their entrance to the Black Eyed Peas’ I Got A Feeling, after which the couple entered in dramatic style to Kymani Marley’s Rule My Heart.

Guests enjoyed dinner courtesy of Eskay Catering ahead of formalities which included the unveiling and cutting of the cake, a three-tiered vanilla rum confection by Courtnee Sutherland of Pembroke Pines, Florida, and copious toasts to the newly-weds. Further highlights were the couple’s first dance as husband and wife to 6 Words by Wretch 32. Formalities over, guests danced the night away to selections from DJ Dutty Dex.

The honeymoon…

The lovebirds ‘minimooned’ at Melia Braco, and will be heading to St Lucia at a later date.