In the bustling city of Miami, Jamaican-born Selena Stanley and Cuban-born Ryan Brewton lived mere minutes away from each other most of their lives, yet their paths had never crossed until the day they met at a sports bar towards the end of 2019. This chance encounter would be the start of their love story.

Selena was keeping apace with the beverage requests behind the bar when Ryan and his best friend walked in. A brief conversation ensued... but both missed the opportunity to exchange contact information, leaving their connection hanging in the balance.

Six months later, as if guided by an unseen force, Selena and Ryan stumbled upon each other's profiles on social media. It was as if the stars had aligned. "It truly feels like fate brought us back together," Selena says. They went on their first date in March 2020. Their nascent romance was met with an unexpected challenge when the world went into lockdown mode due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As borders closed around them their love defied the odds and bloomed amidst the chaos. Navigating the uncharted waters of love in lockdown, virtual dates replaced candlelit dinners, and leisurely walks took the place of grand adventures. Together, they weathered the storm, nurturing their bond with unwavering devotion.

Yes! Yes! Yes!

As their relationship deepened, the couple's conversations shifted toward a shared future. Thoughts of an engagement became a shared desire for the two, kindled by dreams of exploration and a mutual love for adventure. Egypt held a special place in both their hearts, topping their list of destinations to explore once the world reopened. In October 2022, an opportunity arose, and Selena and Ryan embarked on a journey to the land of pharaohs. Little did Selena know that the pyramids of Giza would become the backdrop for the most awe-inspiring moment of their lives. Amidst the ancient ruins, Ryan professed his love. He got down on one knee and presented an engagement ring. Overwhelmed by the sheer magic of the moment, Selena's response was a resounding "yes!" "It was absolutely magical, like something out of a dream. I couldn't have imagined a more perfect setting for my proposal," she tells Tuesday Style Vows (TSV).

I Do

Selena and Ryan exchanged wedding vows on March 24, 2023 on the beach at the Grand Bahia Principe Resort, Runaway Bay. "We really wanted the natural beauty of Jamaica to shine through," Selena tells TSV. The couple opted for a small, intimate black and white ceremony that did not include a bridal party. Ryan stood awaiting his bride at the traditional wedding arch, wrapped in white breezy linen and accented with flowers, in a white three-piece tuxedo with a black lapel.

The strains of Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel signalled Selena's arrival. All eyes turned towards the stunning bride, who was guided up the aisle by her older brother Ayinde Stanley. Her gown was ivory satin designed by Ines Di Santo, featuring a thigh-high slit and a delicate lace underskirt with a regal chapel train trailing behind her. Selena's bridal ensemble was complemented by a bouquet of white roses and baby's breath. As Selena and Ryan's hands interlocked, they exchanged heartfelt vows they had written to each other, eliciting ooohs, aahs and laughter from their tight circle of family and friends. The newly-weds having sealed their union with a kiss made their walk down the aisle to Tongue Tied by Grouplove.

The Soirèe

The festivities continued on the Beach Restaurant of the Grand Bahia Principe Resort. "If we could describe our reception in one word, it would be: Party," says Selena. The reception commenced with a sumptuous dinner prepared by the hotel's catering team. Following the meal, speeches were given by both families. The newly-weds enjoyed their first dance as husband and wife to XO by John Mayer and Say My Name by Destiny's Child before cutting the two-tiered vanilla cake with white chocolate filling.

The evening continued with non-stop dancing to a playlist of dancehall, afrobeats, reggaeton and salsa music, as well as some timeless R&B and hip-hop classics. Amidst the drinks and dancing guests were encouraged to make use of the whimsical "drunk confessional" photobooth area where they recorded personal, albeit slightly tipsy, messages for the newly-weds to enjoy later. "We had the most incredible night and an unforgettable time. We never truly understood when people claimed their wedding was the best night of their lives until we experienced our own. It truly exceeded all expectations," says Selena.

The newly-weds plan to honeymoon in Tulum, Mexico, later this summer, with a second honeymoon in the pipeline for the Amalfi Coast, Italy, early next year.