The love story of Sheldon Blake and Natasha Gabbidon was not written in the stars, but rather in the trenches of service, proving that true connection blossoms where compassion leads. The pair exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony on May 14 at the Registrar General’s Office in downtown Kingston.

Fuelled by their passion for giving, they would find each other in 2022 when they volunteered for Eye on Jamaica. Natasha, initially impressed by his character, was smitten by Sheldon’s interest in her work.

“My first impression of him was that he was a nice gentleman with a good heart. He was interested in what I did as a social worker and then we both realised that we had a great love for humanity and enjoyed giving back to the less fortunate,” Natasha told Tuesday Style Vows (TSV). Through their community projects, they would grow closer as they got to know each other. Sheldon, a community artist, could not help being drawn to Natasha’s giving spirit.

“We had a fun day treating children from various children’s homes at Hope Gardens. At one point we were sitting together and a lady mistook us for husband and wife!” Sheldon recalled. That innocent mistake would foreshadow the course of their relationship as Natasha’s interest in his work, and her love for art, was the key that unlocked his heart.

“She would visit me during my various mural projects in downtown Kingston, and her love for art and humanity ignited something in me. She was kind and thoughtful in many ways,” Sheldon said.

From that moment, their connection deepened into an undeniable love. Two years later, after church one September, Sheldon surprised Natasha with a proposal that made their love official.

“He suggested one afternoon that we go to Hope Gardens to take photos. One of our friends accompanied us ostensibly to take photos! It was during this visit that he proposed. I was so shocked that I stretched out my hand but no words came out,” Natasha said. “Our friend had to say to me ‘Say yes!’”

The wedding ceremony would be a private affair, forgoing pomp and circumstance — with only close friends and family present. Natasha wore an African-inspired dress designed by Letetia Elson, while Sheldon was adorned in a gold print dashiki ensemble created by Ergis McLean. With Sheldon waiting, Natasha entered to the Shania Twain’s classic From This Moment On, ready to exchange vows guided by marriage officer Percival Palmer.

A grand feast awaited guests at the Grand Excelsior Port Royal Hotel where heartfelt toasts were exchanged, followed by the cutting of the three-tier wedding cake provided by Wayne Plummer. For Natasha, the intimate nature of the ceremony was in keeping with their wish to have the occasion focused solely on her and Sheldon, and their new chapter together.

The couple honeymooned at the Grand Excelsior Port Royal and the Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica in St Ann.