From their high school sweetheart love story to their romantic, beach-chic wedding, we can’t get enough of Sonya & Damien!

On Friday, July 19, Sonya Gurdon and Damien Hibbert tied the knot at Marley’s Place Beach in Boscobel, St Mary, a place where as high school sweethearts they often exchanged seashells, and drew intertwined hearts in the sand during long walks on the beach.

The couple met when they were just 13 years old. “I was in first form at Merl Grove High School, Damien attended Calabar… his siblings lived a few houses from where I lived in Portmore, and whenever he visited them, he would pass and wave to me… We used to meet in Half-Way-Tree to take the bus to school every morning, and every Saturday we would go to Hope Gardens. Tuesday Style Vows (TSV) would love to report that the rest is history, but Sonya admits it did not go quite like that. “Damien and I lost contact when he migrated to Canada after graduating from Calabar in 1993. My cousin reconnected us 17 years later, and although we occasionally reached out over WhatsApp after, we never met up in person,” Sonya tells TSV.

Fast-forward to 29 years later….

“In October 2022, I received a message from Damien as I was arriving at the airport in Jamaica,” says Sonya. She had flown in from New York for some R&R at Riu Ocho Rios. Damien was now living in Jamaica. “Damien decided to visit me at the hotel, and the following day, he suggested we catch up over lunch,” she shared. They had their first dinner date since reconnecting at Plantation Smokehouse.

The unexpected reunion led to numerous heartfelt FaceTime calls and Sonya flying back and forth between Jamaica and New York. “The highlight of our journey came on New Year’s Eve 2022, when Damien proposed to me at Riu Ocho Rios, turning a beautiful celebration into the start of our next chapter together,” she continues. “Our story is a testament to enduring love and the power of second chances.”

The nuptials

As 150 of the couple’s family and friends sat seaside in a blush-themed beachy but glam setting created by The Wedding Planner Plus principal Michelle Levene-Phillips and her team, Sonya — wearing a one-shoulder embellished gown designed by her aunt Marcia Nelson and escorted by her father Solomon Harry, then son Joshua Gurdon — walked up the aisle to This Is Why I Love You by Major Johnson Finley. “This song was significant for me as I gave up on love until I was reunited with my soulmate Damien, 26 years later,” she explains. The ceremony was officiated by Reverend Nakia Johnson.

The reception

Vows aside, guests made their way to the venue’s courtyard for, according to the bride, “a night to remember, overflowing with celebration, happy tears, laughter, and an abundance of love”. Guests were treated to a vibrant atmosphere that reflected the couple’s unique personalities and shared values. The décor was stunning, with twinkling lights and beautiful floral arrangements that set the perfect backdrop for the festivities.

“As family and friends gathered, it was heartwarming to see the two families blend so seamlessly that it was hard to tell which side belonged to the bride and which to the groom,” says Sonya. The dance floor was alive with energy, as everyone joined in to celebrate this special union. Music was provided by the energetic Hyperactive Sound Station.

Emotional speeches and toasts highlighted cherished memories, while heartfelt moments brought many to tears. Laughter echoed throughout the venue, creating an atmosphere of joy and connection. The night was filled with delicious food, joyful dancing, and unforgettable memories, marking a beautiful beginning to the couple’s journey together.

The newly-weds honeymooned at the RIU Ocho Rios, where it all began.