Led by faith — Jahzeal and Danaia looking forward to forever

Jahzeal and Danaia Clarke’s relationship has been built on the tenets of respect for self and each other and faith in God. The couple met at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus, where Jahzeal first struck up a conversation with Danaia.

Danaia, who at the time, was on the cusp of frustration relating to business she was taking care of at the university, was less than enthused with his happy pleasantries. But Jahzeal was not to be outdone and persisted, ensuring that he secured Danaia’s contact information before the two parted ways. “We made our way to the university library, where we sat and spoke. Danaia even began writing things about me in her study book. We kept in touch... and would text and call each other occasionally,” Jahzeal said.

Jahzeal, who travelled frequently, sought to take their friendship to another level, but Danaia initially refused, opting to remain just friends. However, when she became a sponsor of one of Jahzeal’s charities, they remained connected and supported each other at their respective churches and outreach programmes. “Our relationship continued over the phone, where we both did Bible studies and fasting as we sought guidance and intervention in our personal lives and confirmation from God in how we should move forward,” Danaia said.

After several visits to the university campus, the two bonded even more, and after some time, their relationship status was solidified. “We continued to date as we got to know each other, and we didn’t cease from fasting and praying,” Jahzeal said.

Jahzeal was the first to broach the conversation about the future and marriage even though there was room for many more things to get done, including getting to know each other’s families. He planned Danaia’s dream proposal on the grounds of the Courtyard By Marriott Kingston hotel. It was Jahzeal’s birthday celebration, and he planned to ask Danaia to become his wife. While the proposal did not go as planned, Danaia later got her wish of being formally introduced to Jahzeal’s parents and his side of the family, and on his second proposal attempt, Danaia said ‘yes’!

The couple became husband and wife before their family and friends at the Andrews Memorial Seventh-Day Adventist Church. The ceremony was officiated by Pastor Omar Oliphant, and the reception took place at Hope Gardens in St Andrew.

“We got a little touch of drizzling before we began, and that gave the gardens and lawn a brighter look, and so we were not disappointed in our venue choice as we remained in the faith that started with us on this journey in the first place,” Danaia said.

The couple chose burgundy and pink as their wedding colours. JN Rentals handled the décor and wedding reception. The vanilla and strawberry wedding cake was made by Iconic Designs.

Danaia wore a satin, beaded mermaid dress courtesy of Luxury Bride, while Jahzeal’s suit came from the House of Marco. Carnations, peonies, hydrangeas, roses, lilacs, and lavender were the flowers that made up the bouquet for this event.

The photoshoot was led by Joel Photography, who captured the photographs of the lovely couple at Devon House.

The couple honeymooned at the RIU Hotel in Ocho Rios.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com