“Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.” — Robert A Heinlein

Island Grill Quality Assurance Officer Tiffany Sterling and The University of the West Indies, Mona final-year medical student Kevaughn Murray are still basking in the aftermath of their nuptials which took place on Sunday, April 24, at Waterford Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The two met in 2016 while working as laboratory technicians at the then Jamaica Beverages Limited in Bog Walk, St Catherine. Their initial encounter was rocky but the two soon learnt to work together. A friendship blossomed after discovering common ground.

“Our friendship blossomed into a relationship as we learnt more about each other and our shared values for family, hard work and Christianity,” Tiffany told Tuesday Style Vows (TSV). “We discussed marriage in the early parts of the relationship, but Kevaughn had his mind focused on becoming a medical doctor. We agreed to wait until he was halfway through medical school to get married. The two-year wait turned into five, as many obstacles presented themselves, including the death of Kevaughn’s mother, who was very dear to him.”

Finally, after what appeared to be a lifetime of waiting, Kevaughn proposed at Tiffany’s house on Saturday, May 8, 2021.

“I was at church all day and came home to a dark house. I walked into the living room, where there were candles and glow-in-the-dark arrows, which led me to an apprehensive Kevaughn holding a ring. He got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. Of course, I said, ‘Yes!'” shared Tiffany.

The ceremony

Witnessed by family and friends, the couple exchanged vows guided by Pastor Onell Montague at the Waterford Seventh-day Adventist Church. Divine Floral and Gift Centre principal Paulette McLean and her team used shades of royal blue and yellow to beautify the sanctuary.

Tiffany made her way up the aisle to the sound of Ilene Woods’ So This Is Love, sung by Amanda Martin. Her Allure bridal ivory beaded mermaid gown with ruffles from Helen G Bridal was an excellent choice. Her bridegroom stood proud in an African-inspired dashiki suit by Deverol James.

Formalities out of the way, the newly-weds left the altar to Natalie Cole’s 1975 hit This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) sung by Justin Walker.

The reception…

… followed at the bride’s aunt’s home in Hellshire, where McLean had transformed the verandah and carport into a gorgeous space. Leading the formalities as the afternoon’s compère was the bride’s cousin, Kendrea Case Gordon. The reception included heartfelt speeches, wedding games, the cutting of the cake, and the couple’s first dance as husband and wife to Make You Feel My Love performed by Geraldine Hoo Fung. Guests, satiated by the tasty meal, would later join the couple on the dance floor.

Tiffany and Kevaughn later honeymooned at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel.