The Jacksons - Solid as a rock
Published:Friday | July 8, 2016 | 12:00 AM
As a student at the University of the West Indies, Mona, Javed Jackson would make regular trips to the Admissions Department, making sure the love of his life, Cynara Smith had earned a place in medical school.
Whenever he could not decipher the information he needed, he would become frantic.
Jackson, now an assistant manager in the Treasury Department at Sagicor Life, and Smith, a doctor at May Pen Hospital, after nine years together, tied the knot recently at The Church on the Rock at Reading in Montego Bay.
Several of their friends from high school, relatives and friends witnessed the ceremony of the two, who will tell you, theirs was love at first sight.
"We met during our latter high-school years at a Key Club outreach programme. Cynara attended Montego Bay High School and I attended Cornwall College. It was literally love at first sight," reminisced Jackson.
Following their hearts, they became friends, maintaining contact while Jackson went to the UWI and Smith, stayed in Montego Bay for courses at the Montego Bay Community College.
"That's when sparks flew and we officially became a couple in December 2007. From then, I made it clear that I wanted Cynara to be my wife one day," said Jackson lovingly.
The two maintained a strong and steady relationship into their adult lives and fulfilled their initial goals of getting married after university.
"Despite the rough work challenges and haphazard work hours, they believed their love would conquer all," revealed Jackson's mom, Claudette Jackson-Rickards, who said both her and Smith's mother, Adella Morle Smith, were in support of this union from inception.
On their wedding day, friends who toasted the couple emphasised how they fell in love at first sight and how their love continued to grow strong.
"Cynara is beautiful, bright and responsible. She had eyes for Javed only," quipped the 'True Crew' groomsmen, who have been the groom's best friends since seventh grade at Cornwall College."He (Javed) is responsible and reliable," the group added, expressing happiness of the union.
Culminating with a reception at the Day O' Plantation, it was an energetic bridal party, proclaiming youth in their favour, who danced their way to their seats.
Jackson and Smith sealed their marriage with several kisses and fed each other lovingly with pieces of the four-tiered cake, made by Adrian Campbell and decorated in the wedding's royal blue and silver theme by Claudette Jackson-Rickards.
Rev Dr Richard Keane officiated at the wedding and the couple honeymooned on a Caribbean cruise.