Vows – A Leap of Faith
Some people believe destiny is a far-fetched concept, but for those who know the story of Desmond Folkes and Trechell Reid it is quite likely, as the love that blossomed between the two could very well be described as such. Desmond — son of Elsada Hutchinson and Donovan Folkes, and Trechell — daughter of Lattie and John Hinsley, knew each other for years prior to their relationship. In fact, they both attended St Mary High School and were in the same class for five years, but oddly enough, they were barely on speaking terms and parted ways almost as strangers.
As luck would have it, the two reconnected at a party with the help of a mutual friend who caught the former classmates exchanging furtive glances. The rest, as they say, is history. They stayed in touch, developed a friendship and eventually, a fulfilling relationship, but distance soon pulled them apart -with Trechell studying Medicine at the Florida Atlantic University and Desmond starting his business in Jamaica — ahead of joining her in Florida where he would study Architecture at the International Academy of Design and Technology. Nonetheless, they decided to brave the odds. Four years passed in the blink of an eye and as time passed, there was no denying the strength of their love. Trechell would come home for the holidays, and Desmond would visit on occasion.
Soon he devised a foolproof plan to make her an offer she could not refuse… and waited for the perfect moment to execute it. After what seemed like an eternity, Trechell visited for the Independence weekend last year, and the fun-loving couple spent four amazing days in Negril catching up and partying for the ATI weekend. On their way home on Independence day, Desmond decided to make a pit stop at Rick’s Café for lunch, and after a sumptuous meal, he invited Trechell to join him by the cliff for the breathtaking view. As they both looked down the steep incline, with Trechell’s heart racing, due to her fear of heights, he told her the romantic story of Lovers Leap in St Elizabeth, where two lovers decided to leap to their deaths rather than risk separation.
A confused Trechell wondered where he was going with the tale. He then took her hands in his and said, “Till death do us part”, scaring her even more. A frantic Trechell then asked what he meant, only to hear the following sweet words: “Trechell, we are happy together and you bring out the best in me. I definitely can’t see myself being with anyone but you, so I would love for you to be my wife.” By this point she was so stunned that she reacted with a burst of hysterical laughter, unable to believe her ears. After few seconds, she looked up to find that he was serious and the reality hit her she jumped for joy, shouting ” YES! YES! YES!”
The Ruins at the Falls provided the perfect natural ambience for the ceremony and reception, which was tastefully decorated by Jan’s Bridal and flowers. And family, friends and well-wishers joined the enamoured pair as they cemented their union before God and man. As the evening progressed the drinks flowed, guests feasted on sumptuous cuisine provided by the caterers at the Ruins, and there was much dancing, laughter and happiness. The sun set on the newly-wed Mr and Mrs Desmond Folkes celebrating their love with friends ahead of departing to the RIU hotel a few chains away for their honeymoon, the first of many more nights of romance and bliss.
