It would take Keelihah Simmons’ aunt Julette Kerr to assume the role of matchmaker and bring together Jamaican-born Keelihah and US-born Xavier Hill. The orchestration of their union unfolded when Julette, during a visit to Xavier’s church in the United States, inquired about his relationship status. Upon learning that he was single, she shared a picture of Keelihah. Immediately attracted by Keelihah’s beauty, Xavier wasted no time in requesting Keelihah’s contact information. The two started off by texting, then graduated to speaking on the phone. Determined to explore the potential of their budding relationship, Xavier took a decisive step by booking a flight to Jamaica, and once Keelihah and her mother met him; his charm, kindness, physical appearance, and importantly, love for God removed any doubt they had and Keelihah and Xavier’s bond only grew stronger. “We spent our time building our relationship, creating memories, and pushing each other to be the best we could be for each other,” Keelihah tells Tuesday Style Vows.

“Will You Marry Me?”

Many conversations later, the time arrived when Keelihah and Xavier were ready to take the next step. Xavier had secretly travelled to Jamaica, intentionally concealing his arrival. With the perfect element of surprise, he stole the spotlight during his mother’s birthday celebration at Island Vibz Seafood Restaurant Sports Bar And Grill in Kingston.

With a rose dipped in 24K gold, Xavier knelt down and said, “Keelihah, a single rose represents love at first sight. And from the very first time I met you, I knew you were going to be my wife someday. This rose isn’t easily broken, and it won’t wither away. Like the rose, no matter how much time passes, you will always be brand-new in my eyes. Although this rose looks nice in gold, what makes it special is that somewhere in there is a real rose. No matter the places you have gone, the people you have met, or the growth you have attained, you have proven to be real on the inside. Despite all you have been through, you still managed to preserve everything about you that makes you sweet. And last but not least, this rose can be polished and shown off — just like this ring.”

As Xavier spoke, there was nary a dry eye in sight.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Keelihah joyfully accepted Xavier’s proposal.

Up The Aisle

The wedding day was the long-awaited sequel to the proposal on April 21, 2023, at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in St Andrew. All eyes were fixed on the altar, where the groom stood handsome in an ivory three-piece suit from M’Andre Effect Suits. Leading the way for the bride were the wedding party, Keelihah’s younger brother Keelan Bryan, who took on the role of the charming ring-bearer, and flower girl Mi’Yonna Mills. The hues of the blush pink, gold, and ivory decor by Blush and Cherish Events complemented Keelihah’s long-sleeved lace mermaid gown, but it was her cathedral veil that proved to be the pièce de résistance, cascading gracefully behind her as she glided up the aisle, escorted by her mum, Antoinette Bryan, to the strains of Sierra’s Beauty Mark. As the couple joined hands at the altar, they exchanged emotional vows they had written, sealing their love and commitment in the presence of officiant Bishop Austin Wright.

The Reception

The themed dècor extended into the main hall, complemented by sparklers, where the wedding party made their entrance, followed by the bride and groom, to the soulful sounds of So Much Luv by Jor’dan Armstrong. Guests enjoyed a delectable array of cuisine catered by the food and beverage team at the Terra Nova All-Suite. Seamlessly leading the evening’s proceedings was emcee Ricardo Barrett. Later, the newly-weds cut their four-tiered wedding cake, adorned with tropical fondant artistry made by Collette Frazer and designed by Shannaskreations. The cake cutting was accompanied by the sweet melodies of Vanessa Bell Armstrong’s You Bring Out The Best In Me, beckoning the newly-weds to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife. But the pinnacle of the evening was perhaps the dance shared between the bride and her brother ­— reunited after years of separation — eliciting happy tears from the bride. After many moving speeches, the newly-weds and their loved ones danced the night away, capturing special moments at the 360 booths.

Mr and Mrs Hill later honeymooned at Moon Palace in Ocho Rios.