Stefon and Danae go from college friends to soulmates

It was a typical day in college for Stefon Henry, who was invited to hang out at a table with friends. While sitting with the group, an unfamiliar face captured his attention. Her name was Danae Watson. And their fortuitous encounter laid the foundation for a great friendship, which later grew into an enchanting and all-encompassing love.

“We met at the University of Technology. When I sat with the table of friends and girlfriends, I had on my headphones listening to music, totally oblivious to what was happening. However, once I looked into Danae’s eyes, everything else faded,” he told Island Wedding.

Stefon was immediately fascinated by her commanding presence, a stark contrast to his introverted nature. “Initially, she seemed to be totally self-reliant and independent,” he said, adding, “The more I got to know her, the more I could see she’s a real softie wearing a hard shell.”

Danae, who shared she found him quiet, reserved, and handsome, was pleasantly surprised by their first exchange. “There is more to him than what meets the eye. Once he’s comfortable with you, you’ll know,” she shared.

The two took the time to get to know each other on a platonic level, but after 10 months of friendship, they began to explore an even deeper connection: one that involved a chance of romance.

“Our first date was a beach outing with his family. It was my first time meeting them. I was very nervous, but it was a good day,” Danae revealed.

Since embarking on their journey as a couple, Stefon’s strength, support, drive, and dedication have all been seen as winning qualities in Danae’s eyes. She also admires his kind and protective nature.

“He’s strong, not only in build and stature, but he’s emotionally and mentally secure as well. Once he sets his mind to something, there is very little he won’t do to achieve it. Showing up as my biggest supporter is one thing, but he is always showing up for our friends and family too,” she explained.

As the one to put their relationship first, Stefon, according to Danae, is big on quality time, doing whatever he can to get them talking and bonding. “He’s firm on perspectives when necessary. But he’s also the first to gently nudge me to try new things or address uncomfortable conversations.”

Stefon is amazed by Danae’s calming spirit. Caring and protective, being resourceful comes second nature to her. And she continues to inspire him in all that she does. “Her presence brings me peace even after my most stressful days. Even when we disagree, I can never be upset for long. She gives until it hurts. She will literally give so much of herself that she has none left for her. She never lets circumstances dictate how she operates. She finds a way to achieve her goals, regardless of the cards she’s dealt. Her mindset has always been one that was grounded in the fact that God didn’t carry you this far to leave you. So, even in difficult times, she perseveres,” he pointed out.

Motivating him to go after his own dream, Danae is his ultimate safe place. “She always finds ways for me to try the things I would mention to her that I had an interest in trying. With her, I am able to remove the armour from the day and be comfortable being myself. Her unwavering support and care during the most difficult time in my life really showed me the type of woman she is. It made me love her even more.”

After seven years of courtship, Stefon decided it was time to take their relationship to the next level and ask her to be his wife. The aim was to do a grand proposal. Unfortunately, life had other plans. He would, however, find another opportunity to pop the question.

“She told me she wanted to do a joint sports day with our friends for her birthday. I took the idea and ran with it. I booked an Airbnb for the friend group and had some of her friends help me plan the sports day. There was a relay race as the final event of the day. I anchored the race for our team. My event was the sack race. I purposefully hopped my way to victory, complete [with a dive] across the finish line. I faked an injury severe enough for her to run to my side with worry. While she tried to pick me up off the floor, I went down on one knee and asked her to spend the rest of her life with me,” he explained.

With a clear vision for ‘I do’, Danae did most of the wedding planning, with the assistance of family and friends. “Although it was stressful, it was still a very exciting and enjoyable process to see my vision come to life,” she told Island Wedding.

On July 12, Stefon and Danae were joined in holy matrimony at the University Chapel, located at The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. “Our wedding day went perfectly. We had a few hiccups, but that was to be expected. I think my favourite part of the day was looking into the congregation at the church and seeing everyone who came to support our union,” the beautiful bride said.

For the groom, who never dreamed of getting married before his soulmate entered the picture, he enjoyed every minute of the main event. “I thoroughly enjoyed my wedding. The most memorable part for me was seeing her in her wedding dress at the end of the aisle for the first time; so beautiful.”

The newlyweds continued the celebration of love with a reception at the Jamaica Officers’ Club at the Up Park Camp in St Andrew. “We shared our first dance as husband and wife to Lightning by Mortimer. It felt surreal and, for a moment, it felt like it was just the two of us in the room,” Danae recalled.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com