It was a chance encounter that developed into a casual friendship; indeed, neither was looking to settle down. Cupid’s arrow was, however, quivering. Vows delights in sharing with you the love affair between recording artiste and fashion designer Denyque Dontre Welds and Careem Dale Mullings, a network and communication administrator at Facey Commodity Ltd and director & co-founder of 876 Terrace Bar & Grill Ltd.

How they met (as told to Vows by Denyque)

It was quite unexpected, really. I’d seen him twice before we actually had a conversation; light hellos, etc, but he never struck me in a special or personal way. One night a mutual friend of ours came by my girlfriend’s house and Careem came with him and I doubt it had been too long after that I drove in. We all sat and talked and I was pretty surprised at just how mature he seemed based on the depth of the conversation. I asked him how old he was (at the time) and was shocked by his response, too. Listen, based on how our generation seems now, you’d probably feel the same about a 22-year-old with a seemingly old soul. That same night, we exchanged numbers.

The courtship

We tried to keep our conversations light and we were both being very nonchalant. I remember us both saying, “Not looking for anything serious right now, let’s just see where it goes.” I actually found out shortly after that, just like me, he too had just ended a pretty unhealthy “situationship”. I think that knowledge brought us even closer. We just clicked. There was spark, there was laughter, there was excitement, there was passion, there were disagreements. Imagine two alphas, head to head, but the great always outweighed the negative. I was very intrigued by how willing he was to evolve, to grow together. Isn’t that every woman’s dream? He’d take me out on dates, and those were filled with such enticing and soulful conversations. We became best friends in no time.

The proposal

We’ve been together now for five-and-a-half years, and I remember in year three asking him: “Do you see yourself getting married?” I asked because I realised that we were raised differently and had almost opposite lifestyle experiences growing up. Plus, I’ve had my wedding planned since my dad bought me Cinderella and Beauty & the Beast on VHS so this man better know we’re getting married one day! Now, before I share his response, let me say this: The thing I admire most about Careem is his honesty. He always keeps it real with me (as I do him) and I trust him to be genuine. His response was, “Honestly, two years ago I would’ve told you no, but I can truly say now that you deserve the world; and I’d marry you in a heartbeat.” … Mi likkle heart melt like hot butter!

On one of our date nights, he asked if I minded if my friend Ally came along because he wanted to discuss some business with her. I had no issue. We went to Sora, the Japanese restaurant, but just for drinks. Both of them had big plans and I was legit none the wiser — mind you, Careem doesn’t eat sushi, so perhaps I should have suspected something. But I was in such a great place in my life that I was thinking of nothing but enjoying the company of one of my closest friends and my partner in crime. He didn’t want food, I wasn’t hungry, but Ally wanted cheesecake and asked me if I’d have some with her because it’s usually a huge slice. Who was I to resist cheesecake? Hello! Two glasses of Moscato later, here comes the waiter, he’s coming at me, I’m buzzed, so I say “She ordered it”, pointing at Ally. The waiter ignored me, put the plate down smack in front of me! Written in chocolate syrup on the cake were the words “Will You Marry Me?” Here come the waterworks. My eyes just started to shoot tears — totally ruining my mascara and I turned to look at Careem who had a little box open. Inside was the most gorgeous ring. He was a proper mixture of nervousness and excitement. All I could manage to say was “Oh, my God!” Eventually I said yes and bawled some more.

Denyque and Careem say ‘I do’…

The exchange of nuptials took place at The Beach House in Hellshire on January 01 2017 and the affair was aptly dubbed — A ‘Shore’ Thing. According to Denyque, it was themed Penguin & Panda and was a perfect day at the beach. The officiant was Pastor Lance Henry.

Each guest was gifted with a customised stemless wine glass.

Aiden Braham the bride’s nephew made a snazzy ring bearer whilst her niece Chloe Simmonds, the sweetest flower girl.

Denyque was absolutely gorgeous in her gown sourced by Sara Standford of Bliss Bridal. Her bouquet a gift from her mother-in-law, comprised her favourite bloom: orchids. She was escorted to her waiting bridegroom Careem, who was smart in a custom linen suit from Couture Dorinda by her beloved father Fitz Welds.

Memorable Moments

Too many to count! But the newly-weds reduced it to two — when Machu Ezra blessed their vows with his melodic voice on Miguel’s Sure Thing and when everything was signed and sealed, the guests threw panda and penguin-shaped beach balls at the couple to show their approval as they made their exit as Mr & Mrs Careem Mullings.

Cheers

The reception took place at The Beach House and guests enjoyed a sumptuous meal catered by Cedar Cuisine & Catering. Marlon Campbell handled the afternoon-into-evening formalities. He was, according to the bride, “ the life of the party and my inherited big brother”. The newly-weds cut their three-tiered vanilla cake, gold-brushed with white drizzle created by Ingrid Forsythe-Bowes for Cupcaketeria.

They opened the dance floor with Rivals by Usher. The father/daughter dance was to the Johnny Mathis classic Twelfth of Never. Guests followed suit and partied till the wee hours of the morning to the musical styling of DJ Skaii.

A honeymoon to Fiji will follow as soon as the couple’s busy schedules permit.