It might not have been an instant spark, but Ishana Thompson’s willingness to take a chance on her curiosity, paired with Rickel Rowe’s sheer persistence, set them on a path to forever. Their journey climaxed on December 27 2025, exchanging vows at the Hibiscus Lodge Hotel in Ocho Rios, St Ann.

How They Met

Their story began in 2018, serving together on the Tree of Life Church of God youth board. Initially, Ishana felt no particular pull towards him.

“Interestingly, I didn’t really have a first impression of him because I barely noticed him at the time,” Ishana admitted to Tuesday Style Vows (TSV). “He simply wasn’t on my radar. I think part of the reason was that I was his senior on the board, and quite honestly, he wasn’t my usual type.”

Yet, years of shared work laid a steady foundation, and by 2024, Rickel’s feelings had matured into something he could no longer hide. When he voiced his intentions, Ishana took a leap of faith. The gamble paid off.

“We decided to go out and see where things would lead. What stood out most was his intellect. He truly engaged my mind in a way that I hadn’t experienced before,” Ishana recalled. “From that very first date, the connection was clear, and the rest, as they say, is history.”

The Proposal

For Ishana, the greatest revelation was the calm that Rickel brought into her life; it was the very answer to her prayers and the certainty that confirmed they were meant to be together.

“I knew he was the one because of the way everything seemed to align so naturally and the deep sense of peace I felt about us,” Ishana said. That assurance paved the way for Rickel proposing to Ishana on April 6, 2025.

“He surprised me with a beautiful proposal on the beach, surrounded by my close friends. It was completely unexpected and thoughtfully planned, which made the moment even more special and meaningful,” Ishana shared with TSV.

The Wedding

The Hibiscus Lodge Hotel became a breathtaking sanctuary for the day, beautifully styled by Plus One Wedding Services. All eyes were on Ishana as she appeared in an elegant satin sheath gown from Bliss Bridal JA. To the sounds of You and Me by Johnny Gill, she was escorted by Pastor Hubert Welsh towards her anxious bridegroom. In an intimate ceremony led by Pastor Dennis Davis, the couple pledged their love witnessed by close friends and family.

The Reception…

… continued at the same venue where, following dinner, their nearest and dearest raised glasses in celebratory toasts. A particularly poignant tribute came from maid of honour Monique Higgs, whose moving account of the couple’s journey resonated with Ishana.

“She shared special memories from our dating journey and spoke about moments when I felt that his love was helping to heal and grow me, which made the moment deeply touching,” Ishana shared.

After cutting their Plus One Wedding Services chocolate cake, Ishana and Rickel took to the floor for their first dance as husband and wife to Peabo Bryson’s My Heart Belongs To You, the couple performed a self-choreographed routine that added a personal touch to the occasion.

Ishana and Rickel honeymooned at the Cardiff Hotel & Spa in Runaway Bay, St Ann.

Photos: Rodean Lewis Photography

Ishana is escorted up the aisle by Pastor Hubert Welsh to Johnny Gill’s You and Me. (PHOTO: RODEAN LEWIS)

Ishana and Rickel exchange vows guided by Pastor Dennis Davis. (PHOTO: RODEAN LEWIS)

Rickel and Ishana seal their union with a kiss. (PHOTO: RODEAN LEWIS)

Presenting, for the very first time, Mr and Mrs Rickel Rowe! (PHOTO: RODEAN LEWIS)

(PHOTO: RODEAN LEWIS)

(PHOTO: RODEAN LEWIS)

Ishana and Rickel cut their chocolate cake from Plus One Wedding Services. (PHOTO: RODEAN LEWIS)

Rickel and Ishana share their first dance as husband and wife to My Heart Belongs to You by Peabo Bryson. (PHOTO: RODEAN LEWIS)