On Sunday, February 25, 2024 Shamelia Young and Mario McFarlane exchanged wedding vows at Caymanas Golf Club. The ceremony was witnessed by immediate family and close friends and officiated by Bishop C Everton Thomas.

Unofficially, their love story started during daily commutes to and from high school. Officially, it commenced the day Mario saw Shamelia at the bus stop heading to work and hailed her. “I knew her surname was Young,” he shared with Tuesday Style Vows (TSV).

Mario’s salutation caught Shamelia off guard. Her response was a brief “Hi”.

Buoyed by her response, Mario later found her profile on Facebook — now Meta — and sent her a few notifications via Messenger plus his telephone number. The fact that they lived in the same area proved advantageous. In fact, Mario would meet Shamelia in Half-Way-Tree and pass his office just to go home with her.

Shamelia shared with TSV that Mario was relentless in his pursuit. “He asked me out for four months straight! My response each time would be ‘Sure, but as friends, I’m not ready to be in a relationship’.”

Mario’s persistence would once again be on full display when he professed his love. Shamelia for her part would only say “okay”.

Her more cautious approach meant that Mario had to wait a month before they started dating. Her change of heart, she told TSV, was due to his determination to be with her everywhere she went and how safe, loved and well-taken-care-of she felt in his presence.

The two would also share their first kiss.

Mario wasted little time in popping the question which took place at the South Avenue Bar and Grill. There was no hesitation from Shamelia this time!

Into a space that comprised hues of white, blush pink and gold executed by the bride’s mum Sherine Young for the Sher and Company Events and Decor team stepped Shamelia to the strains of R&B crooner Brian McKnight’s Everything. She was gorgeous in a bohemian-laced A-line off-the-shoulder gown. In her hands she clutched a bouquet from Best Buds of white roses, hydrangeas, bear grass, baby’s breath and ruscus as she made her way to her expectant bridegroom escorted by her parents Collin and Sherine Young.

highlights of the ceremony included a unity wine ceremony, (red and white wine were poured in a carafe to make rosé). The newly-weds would then make their exit to the Natalie Cole classic This Will Be.

The reception proved a lively affair from the arrival of the newly-weds to a re-enactment of the lyrics from Konshens’ Different complete with handcuffs. MC Ashley Christian kept the mood upbeat with a range of games and prizes for the winners.

Dinner was catered by the Caymanas Golf Club.

The bride created her own black forest, strawberry and vanilla cake.

A honeymoon is scheduled for a later date.