Five years after they first said ‘I do’, Derry-Ann Morgan and Michael Allen reaffirmed their love on July 19, 2025, at Villa Viento, Tower Isle, St Mary.

Their odyssey began in 2011, when Derry-Ann’s mother, a nurse, hired Michael for CPR and First-Aid certification. Visiting at the same was Derry-Ann with her two-year old daughter Sage. She was immediately struck by his quiet and focused demeanour.

“He would always volunteer at a non-profit that I started, and we developed a genuine friendship based on mutual respect,” Derry-Ann told Tuesday Style Vows (TSV).

After both of their respective relationships ended, their friendship deepened. Fate intervened when Michael, needing a notary public, unwittingly revealed his divorce to Derry-Ann while she was authenticating his documents.

The turning point came in 2019.

After a mutual friend hinted that Michael might have feelings for her, Derry-Ann decided to take a chance. “I asked him how he was doing, since he had been divorced for a while,” she recalled. “And then I just came out and asked, ‘Are you seeing anybody?’ He looked at me, completely caught off guard. When I asked him outright if he had a girlfriend, he said no. ‘Okay,’ I told him, ‘I have one for you.’ He asked ‘Who?’, and I just said, ‘Me.’ And that was the beginning of everything.”

Michael was certain he wanted a future with Derry-Ann, but earlier attempts to propose were foiled by unforeseen circumstances. Finally, on August 11, 2019, he succeeded when he tricked her into searching for a roach he claimed to have found at their home.

“When I lifted a pillow, I saw the ring underneath, but I didn’t even realise what it was because I was so focused on finding the roach!” Derry-Ann said. “I think he got desperate. He finally tricked me into getting my attention, then told me, ‘I’ve been trying to do this for the longest while.’ He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him!”

The couple initially planned a wedding for a year later, but the pandemic forced them to pivot. They opted for a small courthouse ceremony on July 18, 2020, with a limited number of their loved ones present. However, for their fifth anniversary, they were determined to do it right: Renewing their vows in Jamaica, surrounded by a host of family and friends.

For the ceremony, Derry-Ann wore a beautiful mermaid dress, while Michael went with a classic beige suit. Escorted by her brother, Radcliffe, Derry-Ann walked up the aisle to J Moss’s Abundantly, ready to renew her commitment to Michael, with Pastor Oneil Bennett guiding the proceedings. The day was made more poignant by a special tribute; a picture of Derry-Ann’s goddaughter, Ricaula Thomas, who passed away in 2019, was placed on an empty chair, a way to symbolically include her in the ceremony. The celebrations continued as family and friends raised toasts, celebrating their five-year journey and wishing them more good fortune. The couple then cut their three-tiered Jamaican rumcake, and later took to the dance floor to Bryan Adams’ When You Love Someone Derry-Ann and Michael honeymooned in Key West, Florida.

Derry-Ann is escorted up the aisle by her brother Radcliffe Morgan to J Moss’s Abundantly.

Under the guidance of Pastor Oneil Bennett, Derry-Ann and Michael renew their vows.

Sealed with a kiss…again!

Mr and Mrs Michael Allen walk hand-in-hand down the aisle.

Five years down, forever to go…

Derry-Ann and Michael celebrate with their daughters Sage Taylor (left) and Joannah Allen.

After renewing their vows the couple pause for a snap with their bridal party.

Michael and Derry-Ann cut their three-tiered wedding cake.

Derry-Ann and Michael waltz to When You Love Someone by Brian Adams.

To honour late goddaughter, Ricaula Thomas, a seat with her picture holds pride of place.