From strangers to lovers: Nichelle Fiddler and Omar Vanzie tie the knot
Published:Tuesday | July 19, 2022 | 12:11 AMKrysta Anderson/Staff Reporter
Anyone can catch your eye, but it takes a special someone to catch your heart. When Omar Vanzie first laid eyes on Nichelle Fiddler at a party, he was sure of one thing: he wanted her. But they were nothing but strangers at the time. With patience, determination and promise, he won her heart and the two became lovers, forming a bridal party 16 years later for the best event they have ever attended: their own wedding.
“I met my wife at a party in Portmore. That’s the very first time I saw her, and a friend of mine said that he knew her from school,” Omar told Island Wedding. He ran with the familiarity, noting from then that she was a nice girl, one who was sexy, but also sweet. Nichelle wasn’t expecting to meet anyone, let alone this charmer, but you never know what life has in store for you. “Initially, he was a very nice and polite person,” she shared.
She did, however, remain in tunnel-vision mode, since her heart already belonged to another. So how exactly did they transition from acquaintances to soulmates? It was an incredible and undeniable bond that was formed in the face of tragedy.
Nichelle had lost her boyfriend and the father of her son, and Omar surprised her by stepping in and providing support she not only wanted, but needed. “He helped take care of my first child, my son, when he lost his father. Ever since, he made a promise that he will always be there for us, no matter what,” she revealed. Then and there, Nichelle realised that Omar was the one.
Loving, powerful, determined, loyal and faithful: these are the words that immediately came to Omar’s mind when describing Nichelle. “Nichelle never quits. She’s hard-working, she has overcome so many obstacles, she has a clean heart, and she cares about people. Once she is in your corner, she will never fail you.”
She also plays an encouraging and motivating role in her husband’s life. “My wife has been encouraging me for a long time to make a lot of changes. The mastermind behind my personal growth, we worked on our relationship and started focusing more on each other’s happiness. She knew who she wanted to spend the rest of her life with, and she waited until I was truly ready.”
Both sharing loving attributes, Nichelle discovered Omar’s caring side and appreciated the fact that he is kind-hearted, humble and family-oriented. “He’s always willing to help, and he sympathises with others. He’s the type that shows love and makes you feel loved. He’s soft-spoken, doesn’t let anything bother him, very affectionate, romantic and adorable! And he always puts family first,” she elaborated.
Additionally, as the captain of the relationship, he has steered through choppy waters of ups and downs, while riding the waves of her dreams.
As time passed, seeing the changes Nichelle made for him inspired him to feed into her heart’s desires. He proposed to her 16 years after the start of their relationship.
Omar gave more details of the planned proposal over dinner. “I bought the engagement ring, then I showed it to my daughter, Krishelle. Then [I]took her and the kids out to a restaurant named PLUSSH in Portmore. I then asked the girl that was serving us to hide it in her food. While she was eating, she found the ring, and I went on my knee and asked her to marry me. She said yes,” he said with excitement.
The bride-to-be played an integral role in the wedding planning process, seeking some assistance from family members and friends. It was hectic but worth it, she highlighted. On the matter of choosing the dress, Nichelle said yes to a beautiful white dress from Unions Bridal Boutique, “I loved the customer service the first time I met with the owner. She was like family.”
On July 2, 2022, Nichelle and Omar celebrated love among close family and friends, saying ‘I do’ in holy matrimony. Miracle Open Bible Church in Portmore, St Catherine provided the idyllic backdrop for reverence and union. Nichelle enchanted her audience and her groom as she walked up the aisle, dazzling in a stunning dress boasting a bejewelled sweetheart neckline and flare sheer, flowing from the waist downwards. She added a crown, for the royal effect. Her dapper groom framed the regal picture in a white suit, with pops of black.
The newly-weds carried the merriment over to the reception at Pollyanna Caterers on Stanton Terrace in Kingston.
“Our wedding was exciting, full of laughter and fun. It was a great feeling, and we loved the energy; we appreciate the love and support from our families and friends,” Mr Vanzie recalled.
While for Mrs Vanzie, it was all about the musical elements. “The best moment for me was the grand opening at the reception to Joseph Stepper’s song, Wife. I also enjoyed our first dance as husband and wife to Major’s hit song, Why I Love You, and Ed Sheeran’s popular track, Thinking Out Loud. It was the happiest day of my life.”