From virtual hearts to a regal union, Nolan Aikens Jr, chief geodesist at the National Land Agency, and Mickalia Peck, distance learning training officer at UTech and business owner of LusheJa Handmade Organics, were both looking for love when they ‘swiped right’ on each other’s profiles on a popular dating site. They were a match!

Indeed, pleasantries and witty banter aside, they would soon discover a deep connection that would change their lives forever. “Nolan appeared to be genuine and sweet, while I believe I was holding back a bit and kept my guard up,” Mickalia told Tuesday Style Vows (TSV).

As a result she initially declined Nolan’s request to go on a date. But they had each other’s numbers and so, kept in touch. Eventually, Nolan asked her out again, this time on a “professional date”.

Mickalia’s mom assumed the role of matchmaker, resulting in Mickalia agreeing to the date. Cupid’s hovering arrow was about to score a bull’s eye! “When I first met Nolan face to face, I was blown away by his appearance and grace. I had an immediate inkling that this man could possibly be my husband,” says Mickalia. Nolan, who was equally smitten, invited Mickalia on frequent dates which included adventures across Jamaica. He made it clear, during an early Saturday morning walk with a group of friends, that he had found his life partner.

Five months later, Nolan surprised Mickalia with a promise ring. “I knew she was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with,” Nolan told TSV. Then exactly eight months later, he swept Mickalia off her feet when he proposed to her on October 7, 2022, two days before her birthday, at the Courtyard Marriott Kingston. “I felt the proposal coming but was unsure as to exactly when it would have happened,” a cheery Mickalia told TSV.

I Do

What better day to exchange vows than on the day of love itself? The couple wed in a private ceremony on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2023 at the verdant Struan Castle Garden, Stony Hill, surrounded by a warm blanket of support from close family members and friends. The outdoor ceremony was a harmonious blend of purple, lavender and gold exquisitely executed by Fanciful Décor.

Mickalia swanned in to Just the Two of Us by Lucy Ellis, looking absolutely breathtaking in a vintage mermaid gown from the Aline Collection at Petals and Promises, complete with a four-inch train and clutching a bouquet of purple, white and pink roses with carnations.

Reverend Wayne E A Palmer officiated.

The Reception

Guests were regaled with heartfelt speeches that honoured the newlyweds. Under twinkling lights, both mothers unveiled the coconut and lemon cake by Fanciful Décor. Mr and Mrs Nolan Aikens Jr would thereafter raise their cake cutter and, with a swift slice, embark on a journey of shared sweetness. The newlyweds’ first dance as husband and wife to All My Life by K-Ci and JoJo followed. The dance floor beckoned, and guests were swept up in the joyous occasion.

A honeymoon is planned for later.