In a world of fleeting swipes, sometimes a connection clicks. For Aladine Jarrett-Crooks and Jamar Royal, a simple right swipe blossomed into a lifelong match. The pair exchanged vows before an intimate gathering of loved ones at the Alhambra Inn on April 25. Jamar’s Tinder profile sparked Aladine’s curiosity in January 2022 and when she swiped right and messaged him, an instant attraction unfolded. “I was looking for someone who shared my passions and with whom I could envision a future. My first impression of him was that he had a great sense of humour. What truly attracted me, however, was the swift discovery of our many shared interests,” Aladine told Tuesday Style Vows (TSV).

The initial attraction eventually deepened into profound affection. She remained cautious, however, about diving head-first into a relationship, but Jamar’s decision to pursue one gave her the clear sign she’d been hoping for.

“I held off so he could be the one to tell me if he wanted us to be in a relationship or not — especially with the experience I had from the long-term relationship I was in before,” Aladine shared. Her fears were soon allayed and they became inseparable since that first date.

“It was really one of those moments, as clichéd as it sounds, where you just know that you’ve found the right person,” Aladine continued. “He was incredibly convincing and confident in his desire for us to be together.”

A year later, during the festive season, Aladine was swept away with a surprise proposal at Hope Zoo with their close family present.

“He proposed after everyone had gathered to take a family picture, and because I was talking to his mom, I didn’t realise everyone had moved away and he was down on his knee, so it was quite the shock. He was also so nervous that he had the ring box upside down. I said ‘Yes!’ about five different ways after the shock and of course I ugly-cried! I was happy because I knew I had made the right choice that Friday night when I decided to shoot my shot and send that Tinder message.”

Their ceremony was well worth the year of planning. Trivium Events brought their vision to life, incorporating an Asian fusion inspired by their love of Asian culture and Japanese anime. Aladine opted for a lace mermaid gown, while Jamar, embracing Asian culture, wore a striking all-black ensemble featuring a Japanese haori, intricately adorned with a golden crane design — a beautiful echo of the origami paper crane he had given her on their first date.

To the classical tones of Monochrome Kiss, Aladine walked up with aisle, escorted by dad, Derrick Jarrett. Under the guidance of Rev Dexter Johnson, they would exchange vows before their loved ones.

A delicious banquet awaited guests in the pavilion where heartfelt toasts to the couple were shared, followed by the cutting of their two-tier strawberry and icebox cake provided by Peter Wong. The newly-weds shared their first dance as a married couple to Our Love by Curtis Harding featuring Jazmine Sullivan.

The couple honeymooned at Iberostar Waves Rose Hall Beach Hotel in Montego Bay.

Aladine walks up the aisle escorted by her father, Desmond Jarrett. (Photo: Joel Photography)