“At some point in time, we all go about our lives in search of our soul mate. Throughout this journey, hearts are broken, feelings are gambled on, and in some instances, you might even get ‘ghosted’. But when you find that special person the realisation hits that every bump in the road will be worth it,” shares Ashley Wilson with Tuesday Style Vows (TSV).

Ashley Wilson and Troy Ashley were two happy-go-lucky individuals who found love as a result of a mere click of a ‘like’ button — on Instagram! Troy, the more outspoken of the two, took the courageous step of initiating a conversation.

Interestingly, their first date took place on February 15, 2016, the day that followed a Valentine’s Day devoid of love for them both. South Beach Sports Bar and Grill in Kingston was the chosen venue. “As I held Troy’s hand upon entering, in that moment, everything felt perfect; it was as if we had known each other for a lifetime,” said Ashley.

Despite Troy’s aversion to the Christian name Ashley, their connection flourished. Similarly, Ashley grappled with the possibility of Ashley as both a first and last name, were they to get married. Yet after that night, Ashley recognised Troy as her future husband. Operative word was certainly ‘future’ as Cupid’s arrow hovered for quite a bit before landing a bullseye. The two lost touch for several months but reconnected in 2016 when Hurricane Matthew posed a threat to the country. Troy reached out to Ashley ostensibly to check on her safety. The threat passed but not before their love was reignited. The next six years were spent nurturing their bond and forging precious memories.

On June 12, 2022, with cherished friends and loved ones on hand, Troy orchestrated a surprise at the very place they first held hands: South Beach Sports Bar and Grill. Throwing caution to the wind, he asked Ashley to be his partner for life. She said, “Yes!”

Up The Aisle

Ashley and Troy solemnised their union on June 3, 2023, at the Angel’s Atrium, Grand Palladium Resort and Spa, Lucea, Hanover. The venue was the perfect backdrop for their ceremony amidst columns, fountains, and very structure of the Angel’s Atrium, which complemented the hues of neutrals and brown florals and décor from Irie Jamz Entertainment and True Colours Events. The groom cut a dashing figure at the altar awaiting his bride, clad in a royal-blue three-piece suit designed by the House of Marco. The electric violin instrumental cover by Barbara Krajewska of Calum Scott’s Biblical cued Ashley’s entrance up the aisle, escorted by her father Oswin Wilson. Ashley made a beautiful bride in a Maggie Sottero ivory lace sheath mermaid bridal gown from Bliss Bridal complemented with Ai & Eva accessories and a bouquet of vendela and coral reef roses, eucalyptus leaves, and baby’s breath. At the altar, Ashley and Troy recited vows they had written to each other, eliciting happy tears from their loved ones.The Bishop and Custos of St James Conrad Pitkin officiated the wedding.

Let’s Celebrate!

Guided by master of ceremonies Mark-Anthony Hamilton the bridal party made their entrance followed by the newly-weds’ to Ding Dong’s Bounce.

A sumptuous buffet-style dining experience at the Grand Palladium Resort and Spa while enjoying the musical styling of saxophonist Jason Dennis left guests satiated. The cutting of the two-tiered wedding cake and a few impromptu toasts were some of the evening’s other highlights. “The cheers and laughter of everyone were contagious and contributed to the sense of togetherness,” Ashley told TSV. The décor, consisting of a LED-lit pergola with a rose flower board, candelabra, chandelier centrepieces, and hurricane candle holders, set a romantic mood for the newly-weds’ first dance as husband and wife to Mario Santos and Usher’s Promise and Stephen Sanchez’s Until I Found You.The night progressed with wedding party games and came to a perfect denouement with the deejay keeping guests in a mellow mood on the dance floor.

The newly-weds will honeymoon in Costa Rica at a later date.

Photographer: Design Dogo