Distance couldn’t diminish the bond between Errol Thompson and Shandene Mattis; instead, their love story serves as proof that true connection always finds a path back together.

In 2012, the halls of Spanish Town Hospital served as the backdrop for the start of their story. Working side-by-side as a medical technologist and lab technician, Errol was immediately struck by Shandene’s beauty — but it was her genuine, down-to-earth nature that drew him in.

“From the time she joined the team, in 2012, I was captivated,” Errol told Tuesday Style Vows (TSV). “While her beauty was the first thing I noticed, it was the depth of her character that truly captured me. She possessed that combination of being incredibly smart yet completely down-to-earth.”

After a year of dating, their bond was tested when Shandene moved to Canada in 2014. Balancing a long-distance relationship while raising a daughter about to enter high school proved difficult, leading them to a friendly parting of ways in 2015. However, distance only served to clarify Errol’s heart. During his annual visits to see her and her family, he saw clearly what he had known all along: Shandene was his destiny.

“Watching her evolve spiritually and professionally — while maintaining such grace in her relationships — convinced me that she was my lifelong partner. Her character is defined by a rare sincerity and kindness. After years of reconnecting, I was overjoyed when we rekindled our relationship,” Errol said.

Everything aligned on September 17, 2024, when Errol proposed to Shandene.

“She was under the impression it was just a small birthday gathering with a few close friends,” Errol recalled. “A family friend of Shandene’s had graciously offered his home in Upper St Andrew for the proposal, and I knew it was the perfect moment. When we arrived and she saw the crowd — her family, friends, my mom, sister and colleagues from Spanish Town Hospital — she was completely caught off guard. That’s when I got down on one knee. To my joy, she said yes!”

On June 25, 2025, friends and family converged on Borghinvilla in Discovery Bay, St Ann, to celebrate the couple’s long-awaited nuptials. Shandene was a vision of elegance, radiating beauty in a disco ivory wedding gown from Best For Bride in Toronto. Escorted by her father, Maurice Mattis, she walked up the aisle to the strains of Christina Perri’s A Thousand Years to meet her waiting groom. Michael Grey officiated the ceremony.

The festivities continued at the reception, where a series of heartfelt toasts followed a superb dinner. The newly-weds then cut their three-tiered pistachio, raspberry, chocolate, and vanilla bean cake from Weddings By Treatz, before they took to the dance floor for the first time as husband and wife — swaying to First Time by Teeks.

Shandene and Errol honeymooned at the Live Aqua Beach Resort in the Dominican Republic.

A radiant Shandene prepares to walk up the aisle escorted by her father Maurice Matthis. (Photo: J Royal Productions)

Guided by Michael Grey, Shandene and Errol recite their vows. (Photo: J Royal Productions)

Shandene and Errol steal a kiss.(Photo: J Royal Productions)

Mr and Mrs Errol Thompson make their grand debut as husband and wife.(Photo: J Royal Productions)

Shandene and Errol bask in the glow of their nuptials with their bridal party.(Photo: J Royal Productions)

Surrounded by their loved ones, Shandene and Errol celebrate their union.(Photo: J Royal Productions)

Errol and Shandene cut their three-tiered wedding cake by Weddings By Treatz.(Photo: J Royal Productions)

Shandene and Errol sway to the sounds of First Time by Teeks.(Photo: J Royal Productions)