Newly-weds Danaia Roberts and Jahzeal Clarke credit their love story to a strong faith in God.

The two first met on the UWI, Mona campus where Danaia lived on and Jahzeal, as a part-time student, lived off. “I saw Danaia who appeared to be having an off day. I sought to lift her spirit,” Jahzeal related to Tuesday Style Vows (TSV). His words seemingly did the trick and the two found themselves engrossed in conversation. In fact, Danaia found herself jotting down thoughts about Jahzeal in her study book. They exchanged contact information which allowed them to stay in touch.

Jahzeal was eager to take the relationship to the next level but felt that Danaia was not as keen. It would take their shared passion for charitable endeavours to seal the deal. In fact when Danaia decided to give back for her birthday instead of accepting gifts Jahzeal became one of her main donors and helped her to raise the necessary funds towards her birthday charity project. Further outreach and church related activities kept them constantly in touch. Their relationship thrived over phone calls, where they engaged in Bible studies and fasting, seeking guidance and confirmation from God on their journey. Finally, during one of Jahzeal’s visits to Danaia on campus, she declared that they were officially in a relationship, even though Jahzeal had long considered them to be in one.

Will You Marry Me?

Jahzeal, never one to rest on his laurels, had already discussed marriage with Danaia. Although there were still things to accomplish, such as meeting each other’s families, Jahzeal planned a dream proposal at the Courtyard by Marriott hotel. However, when they arrived at the venue, all was not smooth sailing! Danaia chose not to accept the proposal as she wanted her parents’ blessings. Plus, there was the challenge of belonging to different churches.

Things were soon rectified when Danaia formally introduced Jahzeal to her overseas-based parents. The delicate matter of a church home remained, but was eventually resolved through prayer and fasting. The decision was taken by Danaia to align herself with Jahzeal’s church and to recommit her life to their shared faith. Jahzeal, demonstrating unwavering patience and trust in God, organised a second proposal with the help of Perfect Proposal Ja at the same venue. This time Danaia accepted his marriage proposal.

Here Comes The Bride

Danaia and Jahzeal wed on April 23, 2023 at the Andrews Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church. Amidst a gathering of loved ones, the wedding party made their entrance to Haley Reinhart’s Falling In Love With You. Leading the way for the bride were Danaia and Jahzeal’s children, Jahzeal Jr and Jahzealina, adorable in their roles as ring-bearer and flower girl.

In the wake of delicately scattered white rose petals left behind by her daughter, Danaia made her way up the aisle escorted by her parents, Charles Roberts and Sandra Watt, to the strains of Calum Scott’s You Are The Reason.

Danaia exuded sheer elegance in her sleeveless ivory satin mermaid gown adorned with pearls. A cathedral veil from Luxury Bride added a touch of ethereal beauty. In her hand she clutched a bouquet of carnations, peonies, hydrangeas, rose lilacs and lavender blooms.

Pastor Omar Oliphant was the wedding officiant.

Let The Celebrations Begin!

The reception followed at sundown, which made the Hope Gardens venue that much more magical, and continued until the sky was studded with stars. “We got a little touch of rain before we began and that gave the garden a brighter look and so we weren’t disappointed as we remained in faith, which led us on this journey in the first place” Jahzeal told TSV. The bridal party made their entrance to Calm Down by Rema, setting the stage for the newly-weds’ grand entrance to Good Woman by Christopher Martin.

Hosting duties were handled by Ryan Debonair and included guiding the newly-weds through the cutting of the two-tiered vanilla and strawberry cake. There was little left to do but enjoy dinner courtesy of JB Rentals and participate in toasts and wedding games. The couple then shared their first dance as husband and wife to Brett Young’s In Case You Didn’t Know. With the toss of the bouquet, and the groom’s response, the celebrations concluded on a memorable note.

The newly-weds honeymooned at the RIU Hotel, Ocho Rios.