Namaste — the Hindu greeting of acknowledging the divine in another — took on a personal meaning for business development executive Brandon Nam and digital marketing lead Melissa Williams. Bound by the peace and serenity they found in one another, the couple stepped into a new chapter on April 17, 2026 exchanging vows at Breakaway Villa in Runaway Bay, St Ann.

Brandon and Melissa share an intimate moment after the ceremony. (Photo: Adrian McDonald)

Their love story began in September 2015, during an evening out at Regency Bar and Lounge with mutual friends. Intrigued by her, Brandon invited Melissa to join a group hike up the Blue Mountains the very next day.

“I thought to myself, this girl is very cute, adventurous and refused to give up her dream of exploring and finding Fish Dunn Falls and going for a swim. She was very competitive at board games (much like myself) and also very clever,” Brandon told Tuesday Style Vows (TSV).

Melissa is escorted up the aisle by her father Neil Williams to Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol. (Photo: Adrian McDonald)

Melissa found herself enchanted by Brandon’s thoughtful nature, noting how gracefully he integrated her into the fold.

Brandon and Melissa are united in holy matrimony by officiant Tristan Skyes. (Photo: Adrian McDonald)

“I loved his vibrant energy and warmth, as he instantly made me feel comfortable and included. I also thought he was cute and my type,” Melissa shared.

With vows exchanged, Melissa and Brandon seal their new beginning with a kiss. (Photo: Adrian McDonald)

Romance was quick to follow. Later that month, an evening spent with friends ended with Brandon driving Melissa home, culminating in their first kiss.

Distance, however, would soon test their bond. Melissa’s relocation to Montreal in October 2015 for a fresh career opportunity was soon followed by Brandon’s move to Toronto in autumn 2016 to embark on a pharmaceutical programme. Yet, certain that their connection was special, they refused to let geographical boundaries diminish what they had found. “When she had to leave, we both decided that we wanted to continue this love story and do long distance for almost a year, then see how we could reunite in Toronto,” Brandon said.

Radiating sheer joy Mr and Mrs Brandon Nam take their first steps down the aisle as husband and wife.(Photo: Adrian McDonald)

Time and distance only solidified what they felt, ensuring that when they finally reunited, their love was stronger than ever. The definitive moment in their story unfolded on April 15, 2024, when Brandon proposed to Melissa.

The newly-weds enjoy a scenic evening stroll as the sun sets in the distance.(Photo: Adrian McDonald)

“We had just celebrated our friends’ wedding in Dominica, and had a few extra days to explore. Excited to see Dominica’s beauty, we organised a short tour of a waterfall within Titou Gorge and had to get there by innertube,” Melissa recalled. “Right under the lush falls, with the water beating down, Brandon asked the tour guide to take a few pictures and video. After posing for a few shots, to my surprise, Brandon whipped out an engagement ring and asked ‘Will you marry me?’”

Brandon and Melissa celebrate with their bridal party. (Photo: Adrian McDonald)

Two years after the proposal, the couple celebrated their dream nuptials in an intimate ceremony. Petals and Promises set a breathtaking stage for the tropical-themed celebration, enveloping guests in a rich palette of chartreuse and olive greens, lemon drop, coral, and orange. Radiant in an A-line dress from Ferré Sposa Boutique, Melissa walked up the aisle on the arm of her father, Neil Williams, to a violin cover of Snow Patrol’s Chasing Cars, to where her groom was waiting. Under the guidance of Tristan Skyes, they committed their lives to each other.

In keeping with the couple’s relaxed, contemporary style, the evening bypassed tradition. Dinner featured live grilling stations alongside the buffet catered by Alex-D-Great. Following a series of moving toasts, the couple shared their first dance as husband and wife to Somewhere Only We Know by Keane. It wasn’t long, however, before the dance floor came alive as guests partied to an infectious soundtrack. The night ended on a high note as the wedding party leaped into the pool in their wedding attire.

Congratulating Brandon (centre) and Melissa (fourth right) on their nuptials are Melissa’s brothers Trey Williams (left), Zander Williams (second left) and Matthew Williams (right); Brandon’s dad Tyrone Nam (third left) and his mum Valerie Nam; Melissa’s mum Seanne Williams and dad Neil Williams. (Photo: Adrian McDonald)

Brandon and Melissa later escaped for a romantic mini-moon at the Rockhouse Hotel in Negril, a prelude to a full-scale honeymoon in Japan scheduled for a later date.