George Henry, Gleaner writer

Alphansus Davis and his wife, Cynthia, pose with their daughter Karyna and her husband, Andrew - Photos by George Henry

It was 15 years ago on a cool summer night in Christiana, Manchester, that 13-year-old Karyna Anastasia Davis and Andrew Boyd Irons had their first real conversation.

Karyna was at a crusade with her brother Kaeon when she realised it was time to leave as it was getting late.

However, her brother was not ready, so he asked his friend Andrew to take his little sister home. As if he had been waiting for that assignment for years, the willing Andrew jumped at the request and did not disappoint his friend.

That night, Andrew fed her some of the sweetest 'lyrics' which, according to Karyna, up to this day could not have sounded sweeter. It was from there that the two became best friends and began dating.

Peas in a pod

Mr and Mrs Irons are all smiles after saying their vows at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Ocho Rios

They were like peas in a pod. Not even their studies could separate the two lovebirds.

The daughter of Alphansus Davis (senior adviser to Minister of Education Andrew Holness) and teacher Cynthia Marshall Davis, Karyna is a medical doctor and honours graduate of the University of the West Indies.

Andrew, who is a sales executive, is the son of the late Herby Irons of Christiana and Merrissa Irons.

On July 5, everything was set for their extra-special day at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Ocho Rios, St Ann. The ceremony was officiated by Rev Dr Roderick Hewitt, pastor of the Hope United Church in Kingston.

Karyna was all smiles on the arm of her father as she approached her husband-to-be.

Andrew's face also lit up as Karyna approached.

Karyna made it clear that she and her husband are blessed with the kind of parents who showed them how to love and be loved. She said she was happy that their parents did not choose who they should marry.

"By their examples, we were able to choose on our own who they would have chosen for us," said Karyna. She said she was happy to be married to a man who will care for her just as her parents did. She noted that her husband is a calm individual who is humble and loving, and who knows how to keep her calm in the most trying times.

Andrew believes he is blessed to have a wife like Karyna; and to be surrounded by so much love.

The newlyweds captured their special moments in a beautiful garden, surrounded by waterfalls, at the Ruins in Ocho Rios. The reception followed in the ballroom at the Ruins.