It was a picture-perfect occasion for Ariel Hitchener and Jordache Jones as they brought their 12-year love story full circle, exchanging vows on August 24, 2024, at the Hope Botanical Gardens in Kingston.

The journey may have been long, but it was worth the wait as their love evolved from work colleagues to friends, to something beautiful.

Their paths would cross in 2010 when Ariel, a beauty therapist, was just beginning her career and wanted to build her portfolio to attract clients. In her search to achieve her vision, she stumbled upon Jordache, a photographer and content creator who had all the professional qualities for the job.

“I knew I needed a talented photographer to help bring my vision to life, so I began reaching out to a few people in the industry. That’s when I found him on Facebook. We chatted, quickly clicked over our shared creative interests, and decided to collaborate,” Ariel told Tuesday Style Vows (TSV).

“After planning the details, we found some models, set a date, and made it happen. Our first shoot was a success, and it marked the beginning of a special journey,” she continued.

That journey would lead to work on more projects together, affording them the opportunity to get to know each other better. For Ariel, Jordache didn’t only represent an integral part of her professional life but her personal growth as well.

“Not only did we keep working together, but he also became a huge part of my growth, always challenging me to aim higher and expand my skills and business. From that point on, he’s been my biggest supporter and inspiration,” Ariel said.

Their professional encounters became personal as they evolved from colleagues to friends to lovers in the space of months. While it took time for them to find their way to each other, it was the way Jordache pursued Ariel which won her over.

“He was very persistent. Not to say that he was pushy, but he did all the right things, and said all the right things. So, it was like a breath of fresh air,” Ariel said. Their 12-year odyssey would be blessed with three beautiful children: Jamie Lee, Justin and Jayde.

Ariel knew that marriage was on the cards for her and Jordache but the wait for the proposal was excruciating. Jordache meanwhile made sure that the proposal was worth the wait, finally popping the question on her birthday, July 12, 2023, surrounded by their children.

“I thought he might propose on Valentine’s Day, and when the day passed with no ring, I felt a bit disappointed. So, I decided to prepare myself for a possible birthday proposal in July. Two days before my birthday, I got my hair and nails done, just in case! He told me we’d be going to an Italian restaurant for dinner with just us and the kids,” Ariel said. “At dinner, we had a wonderful meal, he paid the bill, then stood up and asked, ‘Ready to go?’ I was convinced the proposal was happening right there! But he waited until we stepped outside, away from the crowd, to pop the question. I was overjoyed, and the kids were even more excited. It was truly a birthday to remember.”

The ceremony was embedded in nature with Hope Gardens exquisitely decorated and organised by Petals and Promises. Adorned in a stunning creation by Rebirth Couture, Ariel walked up the aisle escorted by her father Paul Hitchener, to Nervous by John Legend. Under the watchful eye of officiant Marlon Campbell, Ariel and Jordache finally tied the knot, bringing their 12-year journey full circle.

The reception followed shortly after at the same venue with guests treated to a wedding feast prepared by Lens Catering and Epic Plating. The couple indulged in the two-layer fruitcake from Melissa Holbrooke and Cake Couture Ja before sharing their first dance as a married couple to James Ingram’s Give Me Forever (I Do). What made the moment poignant for Ariel was the support received from close friends and family to make her special day unforgettable.

“They went above and beyond, helping in every way to make our day extra special. Knowing they were there for us made the day even more meaningful,” Ariel said. The couple honeymooned in New York.

Photos: Craig Harley