Timing is everything: the Phillips' love story
Published:Wednesday | December 21, 2016 | 5:04 PMKrysta Anderson
You know how they say timing is everything? Well, that reigned true for the love shared between Andrea Moore and Howard Phillips.
The two met through mutual friends in 2012, but never made a friends, Don and Maria Douglas, introduced us, and suggested that we would be good for each other," Andrea told Flair. She continued, "When Howard, affectionately called Tony, visited Florida, he immediately requested my number. Tony called me, and coincidentally, it was just before my mother's knee surgery, so he decided to postpone our talk for me to focus on the preparations. I thought that was so thoughtful. Tony recalls that when we concluded our conversation, he thanked me for answering the call, to which I replied, 'The pleasure is all mine'."
HEART-TO-HEART
They continued speaking over the phone for prolonged periods, and in September 2013, Cupid showed his true loving colours when the lovebirds officially met face to face at their friends' wedding.
Aside from his good looks, what attracted Andrea to Tony was his Christian faith, his great sense of humour, warm personality, how important family was to him, and his service to humanity. "He actually went Thanksgiving shopping with me until 5 a.m. So you know he was definitely a keeper!" she added. There began their long-distance romance.
In February 2014, Tony visited Jamaica to celebrate Andrea's birthday with her. He met her siblings and realised that he had already been acquainted with one of her brothers through a mutual friend since 2012. "We shared treasured memories on his trip, including a day at the Sandal's Grand Sport in Ocho Rios. And on that occasion, we expressed our affection for each other and sealed it with a kiss!" an excited Andrea expressed.
The two lovebirds were together for a year when Tony began talking about marriage and plans to return home to Jamaica to explore business opportunities. He came home monthly, to work between Jamaica and the United States, and naturally,
spend quality time with her.
SURPRISE PROPOSAL
The proposal was a surprise for Andrea, who had no clue that Tony was going to propose. It started out with a day of pampering. The dinner later that day functioned as her niece's high school graduation dinner, and secretly, her engagement dinner. While at the Courtleigh Hotel in June of 2016, the night went according to plan with congratulations flowing her niece's way. But she realised that Tony had a few friends and family members in attendance. When she questioned him about it, he said that he thought of inviting them after their joint birthday dinner in February. She accepted the answer.
"Later, carrot cake was served and I noticed a piece of foil at the bottom of my slice of cake. My immediate thought was 'How could the hotel allow this to happen?' I picked up the foil and realised it was circular, turned and looked at Tony, and we both smiled. Then Tony went on his knees and proposed to me, sharing that he had earlier asked my father for my hand in marriage, and that he would love for me to be his wife. I responded with a resounding 'Yes' and many kisses," she revealed.
They decided their wedding day would be in the festive month of December 2016.
FESTIVE LOVE
The intense wedding planning went on for five and a half months with assistance from her three sisters - Diane, Denise and Natalie; nieces Shari and Donna, and Tony. Yes, the groom was actively involved, and Petal and Promises.
On December 3, 2016, in-between showers of blessings, Andrea and Howard made their union official, in front of family and friends at the elegantly decorated University of the West Indies' Chapel.
The bride was a vision of beauty in her ivory, off the shoulder, sweetheart neckline mermaid dress, topped with a racer back design and veil. The groom beamed with pride as his bride walked her mother then father up the aisle. The groom's and groomsmen's bow ties matched the bridesmaids' flowing coral dresses.
After exchanging vows and a candle ceremony, the groom kissed his bride and they both took their first steps as husband and wife, with bubbles and kisses blown their way.
The festive celebration continued with their reception at The Venetian at Terra Nova All Suite Hotel.
Their first dance to John Legend's All of Me was nothing short of majestic. While the father of the bride and his wedded daughter danced to Louis Armstrong What a Wonderful World.
The after party got under way with Renaissance Disco playing hit after hit, keeping the dance floor alive. "Our Wedding Day was awesome, simply amazing," the newly-weds remarked.