Kimesha and Oniel Blackwood - Contributed

Kimesha and Oniel Blackwood initially met at Vocation Bible School (VBS) during the summer of 2000.

"I recently found out that I had attracted his attention from the very first day. He never mentioned any of his thoughts. VBS came to an end and our lives took different paths. As members of the same assembly, we would run into each other every now and then with the usual greeting, nothing special, at least for me. His silent prayer became, 'If she is for me, then it will be'.

Tough Times

"Four years later, we agreed to go on a date the second of July, 2004. However, it was postponed to the third. We had a casual dinner, went to the park, talked and laughed a lot and the relationship blossomed from there. We have been through some hard times, but we stuck together.

During these times, God was always our strength and guide and we did nothing without consulting Him first. We often discussed marriage and the kind of life we wanted together, usually with enthusiasm and hopefulness, but it was decided that on completion of my studies at university, then things would be put in place for this glorious day.

The Proposal

"The official proposal came on Christmas Day, last year. I was at home, asleep, and he came over to spend the day with my family and I. When I woke and realised that he was there, I soon discovered that an exquisite diamond engagement ring was sitting cosily on my finger. It hit me like a boulder and a long and frightening scream echoed through the room. He appeared, got on his knees and in the most loving voice, asked me to marry him. I mumbled some things and eventually said yes. My family members who were present were delighted.

"The day finally came on February 9, at the Faith Chapel United Pentecostal Church. I glided down the aisle to Celine Dion's version of Etta Jame's At Last. It became sweetly apparent to us that the dream had materialised. The ceremony was filled with laughter, happiness and beautiful memories. The officiating minister, Stanford Grizzle, friends and family shared the joyous occasion.

Kimesha is a registered nurse at the University Hospital of the West Indies and Oniel is the maintenance manager at St Josephs' Hospital.