Love At First Sight
For some, love is a long journey. But for Anthonio Khwalsingh and Anniqua Robinson, it was a beautiful sprint. After building effortless chemistry online, a single face-to-face meeting was all it took to change their lives forever.
Escorted by her mum Donna Russell and dad Andrew Robinson, Anniqua walks up the aisle to Damar Jackson’s Believe in Love. (Photo: Kamar McHugh Photography)
Connected by a mutual friend in April 2018, Anthonio and Anniqua used WhatsApp to learn more about their respective worlds, taking a real-world turn on December 19, 2018, when they met face-to-face at a mutual friend’s birthday celebration in downtown Kingston. Though an online spark had already been lit, it was Anthonio’s demeanour and sartorial flair that truly captivated Anniqua.
“I initially admired him simply because he was the only male present who wore his trousers properly. Then I got the chance to really look at his face and I was, like, this guy is so handsome! And I remembered saying to God that I want him to be my husband. I was so nervous to actually speak to him but he asked me if we could go out on the balcony, away from everyone to get to know each other a little more and speak in private,” Anniqua told Tuesday Style Vows (TSV).
An all-night conversation left the pair enchanted, leading to their first kiss.
“I realised there was a mutual attraction on that same day when we shared our first kiss on the balcony of Island Squeez Diner. There was just something special about the moment. It was warm and felt magical. I believe it had to be the work of God,” Anniqua declared.
The magic of the previous night carried over into the next morning, and after an open conversation about their mutual feelings, their relationship officially began.
“He came by my friend’s house because I slept over the night before and we were outside just talking and laughing. We both agreed that the night before was something special and wanted to act on it and see where it would take us,” Anniqua said.
Congratulating Anthonio (third left) and Anniqua (third right) are members of their bridal party (from left) Orain Gaynor, Dylan Davis, Colleen Evans and Kennecia Grant. (Photo: Kamar McHugh Photography)
That unforgettable night sparked a journey of love, culminating on April 13, 2025 when Anthonio proposed to Anniqua. He had lured her to Palisadoes under the guise of assisting him with a photo shoot. The scenic backdrop was perfect.
“Anthonio was acting a bit nervous. At first I didn’t take it as anything but there was a point where I suspected something was up. When night began to fall, the photographer had given me the task of looking out for oncoming vehicles so my back was turned in the opposite direction. He then signalled for me to turn around and there was Anthonio, down on one knee looking up at me,” Anniqua recalled. “I was frozen for a few seconds because the moment was overwhelming, but I was happy and excited and I wanted to scream and I was nervous but I cried instead. He didn’t even get to recite his planned proposal speech. All he managed was: ‘Will you marry me?’”
Anthonio and Anniqua enjoy their first moments of married life surrounded by loved ones. (Photo: Kamar McHugh Photography)
Their love story came full circle on April 18, 2026 when they exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony at the Arreba Lounge in Kingston.
The venue was curated by Spaces 768 Signature Designs. Despite a heavy downpour delaying proceedings by two hours, nothing could dampen the love that filled the room as Anniqua, radiant in a tulle ball gown, was escorted up the aisle by dad Andrew Robinson and mum Donna Russell. Awaiting her at the altar was Anthonio, dapper in a suit from Wangyue, ready to exchange vows, guided by Pastor Peter Calvert.
The joy continued well into the reception, culminating in a series of moving toasts as loved ones showered the newly-weds with congratulations. Following tradition, Anthonio and Anniqua cut their two-tiered wedding cake before opening the dance floor to Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ Die with a Smile.
The newly-weds honeymooned at Bayfront Villas in Portmore.
Anthonio and Anniqua share their first dance as a married couple to Die with a Smile by Lady Gaga (Photo: Kamar McHugh Photography)
With promises made, Anthonio and Anniqua share their first kiss as a married couple.(Photo: Kamar McHugh Photography)