Twist of fate brings Duken and Vanessa a lifetime of love

They say nothing works out unless you put in the effort. While working out at the University of Technology’s gym, Vanessa Johnson left her phone on the ground. Duken Dawes, unaware, accidentally stepped on it, sparking a conversation that would change their lives. This twist of fate worked in their favour, and a few years later, they tied the knot.

“After the incident, he asked me if the phone was good, and I said it appeared to be. The next evening at the gym, he asked me about the phone, and I told him it was working fine. Afterwards, he followed me to my bus stop and asked me for my number,” Vanessa told Island Wedding.

As chemistry grew and sparks flew, the two went on their first date to Emancipation Park. This breath of fresh air gave them the opportunity to sit, relax, and get to know each other. “I became attracted to him even more,” she revealed. The pair officially became an item shortly after.

Since then, Vanessa has been fascinated by how handsome, gentle, supportive, compassionate, and faithful her beloved is. “He genuinely cares for people, and he always puts himself before others. Kind, loyal, and considerate, he’s always there encouraging me to put my best foot forward, reminding me to accept myself for who I am and providing assistance,” she shared.

A year into the relationship, an unfortunate incident occurred where she thought she was going to lose Duken forever. It was then that she realised he was the one.

In Duken’s eyes, Vanessa embodies elegance and class. And according to him, she is gorgeous as well as hard working and kind. “She is a chef in the kitchen. She also gives great advice, and she’s always thinking and planning for the future. I saw how focused and serious she was about our life together, and that drew me closer to her. We are both of the same faith, so we’re always reminding each other about God’s word and praying together,” he highlighted.

Their first date location became the couple’s favourite spot, making Sunday afternoons his favourite time of the week, “Because the park is so peaceful and quiet by nature, this quality time gives us a chance to meditate on the past week and prepare for the upcoming tasks ahead.”

On March 12 of last year, after supporting him through a difficult time, Duken knew she was the one. Two years of courting later, he asked his soulmate for her hand in marriage.

“I proposed like a man who knows what he wants. I took her to look at rings, asking her which one she liked. Then I bought the ring and waited until our pastor prayed over us and the ring before she wore it,” he shared. Vanessa found the proposal to be both bold and sweet.

On the road to ‘I do’, the engaged couple went with a wedding planner, playing a vital role behind the scenes, while receiving assistance from family members and friends, who were happy to pitch in.

On February 16, Duken and Vanessa joined hands and hearts in holy matrimony in Albion, St Thomas. When the beautiful bride graced the aisle, she turned heads in a stunning dress from Unions Bridal Boutique. “The wedding ceremony was so beautiful. My best moment was walking down the aisle and marrying my soulmate.”

For the dashing groom, the wedding was amazing from start to finish. “The wedding was glamorous. It was a peaceful afternoon, and family and friends gathered together to celebrate the occasion. It was more than I had hoped for. From the music, food, champagne to the gifts and cake, everything was incredible. And the guests looked amazing and made the event so wonderful.”

While sharing their first dance as husband and wife to Big God by Tim Godfrey and Fearless Community featuring Anderson, Mrs Dawes reflected on how delighted and blessed she felt in that magical moment: “It was as if we were the only ones present as I danced with the love of my life.”

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com