Tisha and Orville tie the knot in sneaker-themed wedding

When love walks into your life, there’s no turning back. It was 12 years ago, during a conversation, that one friend turned to another and said he had a girl for him. Orville McKenzie, the recipient of this good news, never took the blind set-up seriously until he was introduced to the beautiful Tisha Lee. They’ve been stepping in the name of love ever since.

The butterfly effect was in the play from the first time Tisha laid eyes on him. But she wasn’t sure if he had liked her initially due to their five-year age difference. “His friend and I went to the same high school and lived in the same neighbourhood. One night, he carried his friend to see me, and that’s where it all started. To be real and frank, I thought he didn’t want me,” adding that she believed this was more a casual set-up. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Orville could not recall the line of conversation they had on that fateful night, all he knew was that she was the one. “I don’t remember what exactly I said to her, but I put on my sweet voice. All I do know is the first time I saw her, I said yes, I want to get into a relationship with her. She’s gorgeous,” he explained to Island Wedding. He asked if he could see her again, and she said yes, and he was able to close the night with a hug, and for him, that sealed the deal.

“Afterwards, I asked her if she was okay with me hugging her, [and] she said yes because I smelled good. I considered that a win in my book,” he added.

As time grew, so did his adoration for her. Orville continues to be blown away by how amazing, sexy, passionate, loyal and compassionate Tisha is. “She completes me in every way. She still gives me butterflies, and she’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

She described their first date, going out to dinner, as awesome. The pair kindled an enchanting romance then, bringing laughter, good conversation and the possibility of love to the table. Since then, the two have created a date night chill spot by the waterfront in downtown Kingston, finding peace and relaxation by the waves.

Tisha couldn’t help but marvel at Orville’s kind, outspoken, caring, genuine and loving nature as they got to know each other better. “He’s so handsome, very humble, and he is also spontaneous. We are always laughing with each other so that nothing becomes too serious,” she added.

After making their relationship official, starting a family together and courting for over a decade, Orville decided to make a serious move: he asked the love of his life to be his wife.

The plan was to create a workable diversion that would distract Tisha enough not to suspect the excitement that was about to take place. The couple was planning a surprise gender reveal for her best friend, while the best friend was planning the proposal with Orville. Already dressed for a special occasion and surrounded by loved ones, he popped the big question.

“Her best friend was shocked by the gender reveal. And when the time was right, I gathered close friends to take a picture. That’s when I went down on my knees, asking her to marry me.” The crowd proceeded to get wild. “She saw the ring and was so frightened, she wanted to run, but the crowd held her back. She held her face, crying and attempting to run, only to be held back by the crowd. I was there for a good minute going on to two, just waiting, when she finally said yes,” he shared.

Dream Wedding planned the significant occasion. And Tisha commended the company for excellently following through with the nuptial vision and putting her mind at ease. For the dress, the budding bride said yes to a long sleeve illusion wedding dress boasting a statement split from Unions Bridal Boutique. What started out as hectic, initially, soon grew into a fun and exciting experience. But nothing beats the magic of the wedding day.

Orville and Tisha became husband and wife at Medallion Hall in Kingston. The ceremony might have been off to a late start, but sharing timeless moments in love and happiness made up for that hiccup. With the bridal party, newlyweds included, adhering to the sneakers theme, the groomsmen were decked in blue and white, styling with the groom. While the bridesmaids were just peachy for the special occasion, with the exception of the maid of honour, who stood out from the set in olive green. But it was the bride who delighted her guests and her groom.

“The moment for me was when the pastor said, “You may now kiss the bride”. That was my wow moment,” the groom revealed. The bride shared the same sentiment. And to celebrate their new chapter, the newlyweds shared their first dance as husband and wife to I Wanna Love You Forever by Jessica Simpson.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com