Vows: Our Love Was Meant To Be
When South Shore Hospital Data Quality Analyst Aniefiok Asuquo met MD Anderson Cancer Center physician Kaysia Ludford at church, neither of them knew that an exchange of names would eventually lead to their exchange of vows on Friday, December 8, 2017. Vows walks you up the altar.
How they met
The two met at Calvary Chapel, Boston, where Kaysia was visiting for the first time. They both exchanged names and eventually became friends. Aniefiok started to visit Kaysia after church to offer words of encouragement and wisdom as she was struggling through the journey of her medical residency. He invited her and a few friends one weekend to a graduation party, where a good time was had by all. Cupid’s quivering arrow had found its target.
An Unforgettable First date
Kaysia and Aniefiok’s first official date took place at the Barcelona Wine Bar South End where, to Aniefiok’s dismay, the food portions were extremely small. He secretly vowed never to return. But as fate would have it, he returned a year later to propose to Kaysia with the help of his cousin Solomon.
The proposal
Reservations confirmed and intention conveyed — a fond adieu to Kaysia prior to her departure for a New Year’s vacation in Jamaica. There was no reason for suspicion. Indeed, Kaysia, after a long day at work, was ready to leave at the end of dinner. That was prior to Aniefiok gong down on one knee, with a diamond ring in hand, and popping the big question. Undeterred by the attention of the many patrons, she replied, “On one condition.” He replied, “Oh boy,” thinking that she might say no. “Only if we keep God at the centre,” Kaysia continued before saying yes. The rest, as they say, is history.
The ceremony
Surrounded by family and friends, Kaysia and Aniefiok were about to embark on the most important journey of their lives on the lawns of the Caymanas Golf and Country Club. The processional began as the bridesmaids, who wore blush chiffon dresses from David’s Bridal, were escorted up the aisle to Celine Dion’s Ave Maria by the groomsmen clad in black suits by Alfani and blush shirts. With the strains of the Wedding March resonating through the air, Kaysia made her way up the aisle on the arm of her father, Arnold Ludford, in an Ashley and Justin white beaded and lace mermaid-style gown from Impression Bridal, Houston, Texas. Trying his best to stave off tears, Aniefiok, in a dark blue Charles Tyrwhitt tuxedo, held Kaysia’s hand tightly as she joined him at the altar. The ceremony was officiated by Reverend Franklin King.
The reception
The reception was also held at the Caymanas Golf and Country Club, where Nichelle Thompson and her team from Designs By Nishy used shades of white, pink and gold to decorate the area. The bridal party danced their way to a mash-up of songs, followed by the newly-weds who made their entrance to Davido’s If. Master of ceremonies Marcia Higgins invited guests to be seated as the couple took the floor for their first dance as husband and wife to Prayer by Yolanda Adams and Donnie McClurkin, followed by a cake-feeding competition, dance-off to Nigerian music and jokes galore. Formalities continued with the cutting of the Jamaican fruitcake by Jacqueline Morrison and a scrumptious three-course meal catered by the Caymanas Golf and Country Club. After dinner guests bobbed and boogied to classics like Tarrus Riley’s She’s Royal, oldies like Millie Small’s My Boy Lollipop and more upbeat jams like Cupid Shuffle and Despacito.
The honeymoon
The lovebirds enjoyed a road trip across the island. They first toured Kingston while staying at the Courtyard by Marriott, then went on to Port Antonio where they stayed at Frenchman’s Cove, before finally venturing to the north coast to take in sun and sea at the Holiday Inn.
