Mark Duhaney, a haemodialysis technician, and Michelle Jones, a health and fitness coach met in early 2023 and with how their love story blossomed, it is safe to say their meeting was divinely orchestrated. Neither was actively searching for a partner, but both were open to a relationship at some point in the near future.

For them, love came quicker than they had anticipated.

Let’s rewind…

At the beginning of 2023, Michelle’s friend Kay invited her to Oswald Seafod Restaurant & Bar, Alligator Pond, but she wasn’t in the mood to leave the house. Her friend persisted and she ultimately gave in. When they got there, they met Mark and his relatives who were at this point, strangers. After the brief greeting, Michelle and Kay found their table and continued their girls’ night out.

As they were about to call it a night and head out, Kay decided to call Mark over and properly introduce him to Michelle, this time, as her single friend. In true matchmaker style, Kay asked Mark if his brothers were single, though she knew Mark was the one eyeing Michelle from across the table.

He quickly stated that he was the only single one there. Michelle, oblivious to Kay’s plans, decided to engage this very decent-looking man, who seemed to have good qualities.

During the brief exchange, Michelle knew that Mark was indeed worth her time. A few thoughts about future possibilities ran through her mind but they were temporarily erased when she learned Mark was returning home to Miami the next day.

Nonetheless, they exchanged numbers and a bond soon developed. In the following months, phone calls became trips with Michelle flying to see Mark, and Mark flying to Jamaica to see Michelle.

The proposal…

In October 2023, Michelle jetted to Fort Lauderdale to celebrate her birthday with Mark. Little did she know Mark had bigger plans for her. Michelle woke up on her birthday to Mark’s proposal. Of, course, she said yes!

The nuptials…

Almost a year later, on Saturday, October 19, 2024 — two days shy of Michelle’s birthday — the two became one in a beautiful ceremony at Unity of Love Ministries, Tamarac, Florida. Mark, collaborated with Michelle’s cousins, Florida-based wedding planner Alicia Baker Waller and Nickyann Jones, her daughter Chanice, to surprise Michelle with the wedding of her dreams, and a larger than expected guest list, which included family and close friends from Jamaica. The ceremony was officiated by Bishop Dr Paul Wellington and Pastor Dr Barbara Wellington.

Photos: Samuel Alphonse