Without being best friends, you can’t love. Without being in love, you can’t be friends.

These are words that certainly resonate with Andre Barrett and Shanika Wood whose friendship spanned 20 years.

Andre’s earliest recollection of Shanika, as shared with Tuesday Style Vows (TSV), is at the Church of God Deliverance Centre Ministries “We would sing in the choir and lead praise and worship… whenever there were no drummers at church Shanika would play the drums while I would play the keyboards.

“Over the years our relationship blossomed like that of a caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly.”

He saw her and indeed related to her as a sister. “From our regular evening drives to our mini ice cream dates and long conversations,” he added. They were so close that many assumed they were either related or actually husband and wife. Even his mum asked if they were an item! His typical response became “No, we are just friends hanging out.”

The onset of the novel coronavirus pandemic moved their brother and sister camaraderie to that of best friends. For Andre, however, his love had moved from platonic. He wasn’t certain if she felt the same way. “It was rather hard knowing if she liked me more than just a brother, so one day while driving on Marcus Garvey Drive, after purchasing fruits and yogurts, I asked her, ‘How would you feel if I was your husband?’ Shanika’s response was diplomatic. “Well, you’re not a bad person!” she said.

There’d be no further cajolement. “My feelings for her became stronger, but I was hesitant in crossing that friendship line. You know what they say: Once you cross that friendship line into a relationship you can never go back’.”

Patience is a virtue and a few months later (from December 2020 to March 2021) they would both officially move from a platonic to a romantic relationship. The proposal came in October of that year when Andre proposed to Shanika in church. Hers was an emphatic ‘Yes!’

Here comes the bride…

The wedding took place on February 12, 2022 at the Church of God Deliverance Centre Ministries, Windward Road.

Maurette Brown Clark’s The One He Kept For Me signalled the arrival of the bride who was escorted halfway up the aisle by her biological father Paul Wood and her ‘father’ Gavin Campbell helping her to complete the walk to her bridegroom.

Shanika made a formidable statement in a custom-sequinned gown with over-the-top embellishments and tulle skirt by designer Pebbles King. Her bouquet of white roses completed the look. Her bridegroom was smart in an all-white African-inspired ensemble.

The ceremony was officiated by Bishop Kirk Campbell.

The reception…

“Cecille’s Garden & Wedding Centre was all we hoped it would be. At one point we felt as if we were in a Holy Ghost service, based on how the presence of God moved on our wedding day and at our reception,” shared the newly-weds.

The bride’s ‘father’ Gavin Campbell assumed the role of master of ceremonies. The newly-weds received an effusive welcome as they stepped into the reception to Deborah Lukalu’s We Testify.

Other highlights included toasts from family, friends and pastors. There was, too, a video presentation of Andre and Shanika’s journey to the altar.

Post-formalities, guests enjoyed a sumptuous meal and witnessed the cutting of the three-tiered wedding fruitcake by Shanae Downer.

The couple honeymooned at Royalton Blue Waters Hotel.