Lawfully yours — Couple goes from classmates to soulmates

Toni-Ann Farquharson and Jhade Lindsay first met through a mutual friend while attending the Norman Manley Law School back in 2015. No one would have imagined that between cases, contracts, and studies, these students would go on to become lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

Toni-Ann’s first impression of the handsome Jhade was that he was ambitious. This was evident in his participation in international competitions during law school. “I also thought he was out of my league and our paths would never cross romantically,” Toni-Ann confessed to Island Wedding. While for Jhade, he initially saw his soon-to-be love as quiet, but open to being engaged, and down-to-earth.

After a successful first date in May of 2018, due to their chemistry and Jhade’s chivalry, the duo decided to go out a second time. One thing led to another, and seven months later, Lindsay levelled up, making him and his sweetheart an official couple.

Hard working, humble, dependable, and trustworthy, Toni-Ann continues to be in awe of her darling’s accomplishments as well as his consistency and accountability in striving for greatness, both in law and in love. “Always seeking more ways to improve himself, he has helped me to step outside of my comfort zone. A lot of what I have accomplished career-wise to date is due to his constant encouragement to think bigger and to push my limits,” she said, adding, “I can rely on him for anything and know that he’ll be there for me without question. He’s also trustworthy. As my best friend, I can tell him any and everything.”

Funny, loving, forgiving, stubborn, and passionate, Jhade is amazed by their ability to have inside jokes and laugh at amusing moments. Misunderstandings, miscommunication, or disputes may occur, but the two often acquit each other of those minor charges in their court of love. “She has made me a more patient person, pushing me to be more vocal with my thoughts and feelings. She’s my best friend. I love that she will randomly do things like organising a spa date or massage when I’m really stressed,” he shared.

The duet was considered two of a kind, enjoying trips to the beach and other outdoor excursions locally and taking the time out to tick off bucket list destinations overseas. When the time was right, circa two years, they embarked on the most exciting journey of a lifetime: Jhade asked Toni-Ann, the love of his life, to be his wife.

Toni-Ann and Jhade had already planned on taking a ‘baecation’ in September 2020, so Jhade saw it as the perfect opportunity to pop the question. He purchased the ring a month prior on a trip and returned in anticipation of hearing that magical word: yes. Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa in Montego Bay set the idyllic backdrop for a romantic dinner for two and for ‘will you’.

Jhade tried to keep his cool, but Toni-Ann knew something was afoot. “I knew she knew something was up because she would message her best friend, who would relay it to her mother, who in turn would tell me. She just didn’t know what,” he shared. By the time dinner by the beach came around, he was a nervous wreck.

Covered in a cold sweat, he arranged for an after-dinner photoshoot. “During one of the photos, the photographer had her turn around so she could not see me. When she did turn around to look at me, I was on one knee and popped the question,” he said. Lost for words, Toni-Ann was so shocked that she said yes some minutes later, after collecting herself and her emotions.

DUTIES BEHIND THE SCENE

Toni-Ann decided to wear several hats leading up to I do. She was not only the beautiful bride-to-be, but she also was the main wedding planner, assisted by close family members and friends. While carrying out these nuptial duties behind the scenes, she was also managing her life in the mix.

Not one to obstruct bridal justice, as far as her wedding dress is concerned, her desire was to have one that hugged her curves. The hunt for a mermaid gown proved easier said than done, but just when she was ready to give up, she said yes to a dress from Helen G Bridal.

On December 9, 2021, Toni-Ann and Jhade, who went from classmates to soulmates, tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at Laughing Waters in St Ann. The bride stunned in an off the shoulder mermaid dress boasting a sweetheart neckline. Her groom radiated suave fashion, choosing a love-inspired red suit.

Both described the nuptials as the perfect day. Jhade was awestruck when he saw his bride for the first time, “When I got up, and I saw her making her way down the aisle, I got a bit teary-eyed but held it together,” he recounted.

The newly weds shared a first dance to Mirrors by Justin Timberlake. And it was a surreal feeling for the bride, who loved that song from her university days and saw first-hand the words manifest through the person she now calls her husband.

Toni-Ann was so happy to see months of planning finally come together. Greeted by her groom, who was overcome with emotions and experiencing the outpouring of love, she happily shared: “I could not have asked for anything better. If I could do it over again, I would.”

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com