Vows – Banking on Love
“Love is like the wind, you can’t see it but you can feel it.” — Nicholas Sparks
For many, an average day at the office is as mundane as can be, with no surprises in store. For personal banking officers Dannie Bartley and Jamila Wilson, however, fate had something else planned. The two met and exchanged numbers during Wilson’s on-the-job training, and little did she know that she was gazing into the eyes of her soul mate.
“We didn’t hit it off at first as my training was for only one week. We exchanged numbers, but nothing came of it,” Wilson told Vows.
“One day, while at netball practice I heard a voice cheering me on from the stands. I turned to see who it was, and to my surprise it was Dannie shouting at the top of his voice. We’ve been inseparable ever since,” she continued.
The next three years would see their relationship blossom as they found they had much in common, most often enjoying going out to dinner, visiting the cinema, playing games or simply spending quality time with each other. It seemed things were predictable for the pair, until Bartley threw a surprise birthday party for Wilson in January 2012. She was so overwhelmed with the celebration that it was impossible to anticipate what was yet to come.
“I had no idea that after making a wish and blowing out the candles my wish would immediately come true. A second cake was brought out and for a moment I was confused, until I read the words Jamy, will you marry me? Dannie then got down on one knee and took out the ring, saying, “I promise to love you today, tomorrow and forever as we build our dreams together and grow old. My love for you will remain constant. Jamila, will you marry me?” With tears streaming down my face I said, ‘Yes!'”
Wilson reveals that while she couldn’t wait to tie the knot, it was an uphill battle planning the wedding of her dreams in nine months, a fact that didn’t show at all during the tear-jerking nuptials. They wed on June 1, 2013 at Eastwood Park New Testament Church of God before scores of supportive friends, family and well-wishers, in a ceremony officiated by Rev Dr Stevenson Samuels.
The blushing bride basked in the love of her family as she was escorted up the aisle by her mother Janet Wilson and her brother O’Dwayne Wilson. Romantic instrumentals by Kenny G set the mood as she slowly walked towards her admittedly nervous husband-to-be.
“The word beautiful says it all. My heat was filled with so much joy as I walked up the aisle. It was certainly a dream come true; cameras flashing, family and friends with mixed emotions, not knowing how to express their happiness, whether through tears or a smile. My face was illuminated; I had finally found my true love. It was a magical day,” Wilson recalled.
After exchanging vows and their rings, the newly-weds were shrouded in congratu-latory bubbles by those in attendance. The reception took place at the Knutsford Court Hotel in Kingston and saw the couple choosing Brian McKnight’s Love of My Life for their first dance as husband and wife. After a night of partying with loved ones, they departed for their honeymoon at the Iberostar Rose Hall Beach Hotel in Montego Bay. They now look forward to a future full of love, prosperity, blessings, and the pitter-patter of little feet.
