Long-time sweethearts Al-Raheem and Ashleigh tie the knot

Having known each other for quite some time, Al-Raheem James and Ashleigh Jacobs always knew that forever would be the cornerstone of their romance. Both high school and college sweethearts, they were separated when Al-Raheem moved for work. But distance couldn’t shake their love. He soon returned home to his beloved Ashleigh, and with hearts reunited, the pair embraced their next chapter in marriage.

“Al-Raheem and I crossed paths in 2007 when we ended up in the same ninth-grade class at Rusea’s High School. Although we were classmates, it wasn’t until a class trip that we had our initial interaction. Al-Raheem approached me while I was standing alone on the beach, expressing his desire to get to know me better,” Ashleigh told Island Wedding.

Taken aback by his direct nature, her initial reaction was far from welcoming. “I felt rejected at the time,” Al-Raheem confessed about her response, but he did not show it. “At that moment, it seemed like the chance to have a future with her had slipped away and I felt extremely sad.”

By September 2008, the two were in the class once again, only this time they were in upper school. “To my surprise, the boy I had turned down chose to sit next to me,” Ashleigh revealed.

She tried to ignore his attempts at making conversation, but this was proving to be difficult because he was always within her line of vision.

Despite the rejection he faced, Al-Raheem was unable to stifle his feelings. “The first time I met her, I thought she was such a beautiful and sweet girl and I felt an instant connection. I really wanted her to be my girlfriend.”

With that in mind, he continued his pursuit. “It felt like she was my soulmate and I was willing to fight for her to the end. I always heard the saying, ‘Anything good doesn’t come easy,’ and I am a firm believer of that to this day.”

Against the odds, the two developed a wonderful friendship. And it was there that they got even closer.“Being friends with Al-Raheem was a safe space. We were always comfortable around each other. I could completely be myself around him,” Ashleigh said.

Because Al-Raheem’s spoken words failed to resonate with her, he decided to express his emotions through a letter. “He poured out his feelings, and those sincere words tugged at my heartstrings,” she shared.

She was so moved by his bold gesture that she replied with a love letter just as passionate. Al-Raheem reminisced, “When I received her letter, my heart was pounding, thinking it might have been another rejection. I started to read the letter and my smile was so bright, my heart was filled with much relief, joy and love. Finally, my dream came true.”

Transitioning from high school sweethearts to college lovers wasn’t easy. Ashleigh described it as bittersweet, as they attended different universities. Luckily, both schools were in Kingston, allowing them to continue their tradition of travelling home after classes, just as they had in high school.

After graduating the same year, distance loomed even further when Al-Raheem got a job in Kingston while Ashleigh received work in St James. Those three years were challenging, as they lived separately for the first time, going back and forth to make their relationship work.

Over time, Al-Raheem returned to Hanover and Ashleigh was happy. “I felt a wave of relief and joy, especially since we both decided to cohabitate this time. Now, I can spend as much time as I want with my one true love; no more limitations,” she said.

According to Ashleigh, Al-Raheem’s drive, patience, persistence, humility and support are truly inspiring. “Thoughtful and caring, I admire Al-Raheem’s boundless aspirations. Whatever he sets his sights on, it will come to fruition. He believed in us before I did. He has taught me that fixating on my worries won’t resolve my problems; embracing the positive aspects is the best approach. He inspires me to find hope in every situation. I could not have asked for a more ideal partner.”

Blown away by her beauty and passion, Al-Raheem admires how trustworthy, special and irreplaceable Ashleigh is. “She is the most beautiful woman who operates on dignity, integrity and pride. She believes in me and cares for me 1,000 per cent. Only a special soul can capture my heart from when we were 13 years old; no one can take her place.”

Making him feel loved and appreciated, she is able to read his needs without him having to articulate them. “She has significantly improved my communication skills. I am very attentive to her, even in moments of silence. And I can’t overlook how much she satisfies my palate. She is the complete package,” he added.

THE PROPOSAL

After dating for 15 years, Al-Raheem decided it was time for an upgrade and asked the love of his life to be his wife.

“I booked a private dinner at the Lodge Restaurant in Negril. Playing the song Stuck On You by Lionel Richie, I looked at Ashleigh and told her I love her and that I didn’t see anyone else in this world but her. I went on one knee, slowly took the ring out of my pocket and I asked the question, ‘Will you make me the happiest guy in the world and marry me?’ And she said yes.”

Enlisting CK Luxury and Planning Services to bring her nuptial visions to life, Al-Raheem and Ashleigh said ‘I do’ on December 28 during a beautiful garden ceremony at the Palm Terrace Villa and Events in St James.

Walking up the aisle with her father to meet her groom, the stunning bride turned heads in an amazing Maggie Sottero ivory lace mermaid dress with a corset back detail from Bliss Bridal Boutique.

“The most unforgettable moments was the walk up the aisle with my father and witnessing Al-Raheem’s vulnerability as tears cascaded down his cheeks. I was also filled with profound emotions as the realisation dawned on me that I was stepping into a lifetime with the love of my life. The wedding was exquisite,” she said.

Noting that the day was filled with pure love, the groom continues to bask in the bliss of the official kiss as husband and wife.

For their first dance, the newly-weds celebrated the exciting chapter to You’re Still The One by Shania Twain. “Holding her closely, I never wanted to let her go. Lost in our own world together, I wish we could have danced the entire night,” Mr James said.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com