Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance Writer
Karen Campbell and Errol Jones
NEIGHBOURS SINCE 1982, Karen Campbell and Errol Jones have known each other since childhood, but they didn't start dating until she was 17 and he was 21.
After almost 13 years, and three sons 11, three, and six months they exchanged wedding vows on February 6 at the Harrison Seventh-day Adventist Church, Catherine Hall, Montego Bay, St. James.
Campbell said she always knew that Jones was the man for her, but often wondered if he would ever propose. This New Year's Day, he did.
Campbell recalled the proposal as unexpected and special.
IT WAS WONDERFUL
"He planned everything. I didn't know what was happening, but it was wonderful."
The night he proposed they were chauffeur driven to the exquisite Julia's Italian Restaurant in Montego Bay where they had dinner overlooking the city. During an after dinner stroll, Campbell said he began asking her if she believed that he would marry her. She said while answering him, he went down on his knees and pulled out the ring.
"I was surprised. I just screamed and said, 'yes'."
Jones is a bartender with the Norwegian Cruise Line that travels through the Caribbean, Central and North America. He left a few days after the wedding and won't be back until later this year.
"We have had a very long distance relationship but it has worked. I guess the relationship is special because it has survived," said Campbell, who works as a personal officer at the Ministry of Education Region Four in St. James.
Warren Barrett, a close friend of Jones since 1988 and best man at the wedding, said Jones loves Campbell dearly and he knew that they were destined to be married.
"He is a very dedicated person in whatever he is doing. He has always loved Karen and I know Karen wanted to be Mrs. Jones but it was a matter of time. I knew Errol would not have disappointed her."
Campbell said having the wedding so soon after the proposal and before Jones went back to work wasn't a problem. "I had the wedding mentally prepared from so long ago."
The wedding that Campbell describes as "very beautiful" was shared with about 80 persons, and officiated by Donald Smith. They had a small reception in the Church Hall.
