There was no bolt of lightning at the end of Ke’Andra James and Stephen Paisley’s first date. It was, in fact, nothing to write home about. A far cry from that eventful day in 2014 when Ke’Andra, on her way home from work, was spotted by Stephen passing by the Burger King, St Ann’s Bay location. He waved at her.

Indeed, never one to miss an opportunity Stephen messaged Ke’Andra on Facebook: “Hi, I just saw you at the Burger King, I was the person that was waving to you. Did you get home safe?”

Although Ke’Andra was surprised that he found her so quickly on social media, she responded to his message. After weeks of chit-chatting and getting to know each other, they exchanged numbers, and Stephen asked Ke’Andra out. He was pleasantly surprised when she agreed and even though things did not go as planned (it was hardly love at first sight for her), he remained undeterred and kept the communication lines open.

His efforts were not in vain. Ke’Andra decided on a do-over “first date”, and as they spent more time together, her interest in Stephen grew.

Stephen, who was already smitten, would soon find that Ke’Andra was equally in love. They moved in together. For Ke’Andra, Stephen’s qualities were hard to resist. “He is a family oriented, driven, sweet, and compassionate man, my soulmate and best friend,” Ke’Andra tells Tuesday Style Vows (TSV).

“Will You Be My Wife?”

Eight years after their journey of growing to love each other began, Ke’Andra and Stephen’s lives had blossomed with two beautiful children, Amelia Bewry and Milan Paisley, and a YouTube channel boasting over 15,000 subscribers. The couple decided on November 20, 2022 to film a brand-new intro for their channel that featured their children, but little did Ke’Andra know that the videoshoot would turn into a surprise proposal.

The videographer Christopher Lee, in on the plan, set up the perfect shot on Murphy Hill. With Ke’Andra’s back turned, Stephen got down on one knee, holding balloons and a ring. Stephen’s “Will you marry me?” shocked Ke’Andra when she turned around. Overwhelmed, Ke’Andra accepted the proposal, with a tearful “I will.”

Up The Aisle

On Saturday, July 16, 2023, surrounded by family and friends on the lawns of Trident Castle, Portland, Ke’Andra and Stephen professed their love for each other. Christina Perri’s A Thousand Years, played by violinist Kamoy Gordon, signalled her entrance up the aisle against the white and tan décor, accompanied by her mum Ingrid Swaby.

She made quite the statement with her choice of gown — a slit-leg mermaid gown with pearls, glass beading, and Swarovski crystal details from Matopeda Atelier’s 2022 Bridal Collection, complete with a knee-length veil. Her bouquet comprised white roses.

The ceremony was officiated by wedding officiant Damion Austin.

The Soirée

The reception followed in the courtyard of Trident Castle, Portland, and wedding officiant and emcee Austin kicked off the ceremony in fine style, introducing the bridal party; who made their entrance to Ding Dong’s Bounce, and the newly-weds to the strains of Wife by Joseph Stepper.

This was followed by the couple’s first dance as husband and wife to Dandelion by Ruth B Dinner was followed by the cutting of the vanilla cake by The Sweet EsCake Ja and toasts given by their loved ones.

Formalities over, the newly-weds and their guests partied to tunes by 876 Sounds until the wee hours of the morning.

No date has yet been set for their honeymoon.

Photo credits: Emani Photography