Workplace encounter ignites eternal flame for the Duncans

It’s always a plus when co-workers develop a good rapport. But what happens when they start yearning for more? Cassandra Riley, a gas supervisor at the time, was in charge of checking off Bryanor Duncan’s work. But Bryanor, a fuel tanker driver then, was more concerned about checking her out. He kept his eyes on the main prize and did not stop until he made his feelings known. Although she was initially scared, Casandra eventually gave in, and the two went from working at Cool Oasis to basking in the bliss of a nuptial paradise.

“I couldn’t take my eyes off her. I looked forward to going to work every morning to take in the sweet scent of her perfume,” he told Island Wedding. They would soon go on a lover’s edition of hide-and-seek. He would seek her out, and she would hide her feelings.

“I always saw him staring down, and as soon as I realised that he was about to look in my direction, I would take my eyes off him and start looking elsewhere. I wanted to say something to him so badly that I went home and said it to my neighbour. She said to me, if I said that I saw the man of my dreams, she believed me, and she encouraged me to go to him and find something to say.

One Sunday, Cassandra saw the perfect opportunity to strike up a conversation. She called to inform him that there was a delivery at the station for him. And when he arrived, she could not get enough of how handsome he was, but he only smiled and said thanks for the delivery, failing to make further conversation.

On days that he wasn’t at work, she noticed that she was unable to go through the day on a happy note. Something was missing, or in her case, someone. So what more convincing did she need? Well, one evening, Bryanor decided to confront her about their feelings with a breathtaking kiss. Afraid that someone else might have seen them, this was Bryanor’s response to her, “I like you, and I know you like me, too, but you’re hiding it.” She immediately smiled at this confession.

“I never talked to him for the rest of that night nor the next day. Deep down, I was happy. But I still couldn’t face him the next day,” she shared. He broke the silence, complimenting her on their physical encounter, and that opened a gateway to a new beginning and exciting possibilities.

Exploring their feelings in secret, he went to his manager, asking if the company had a no-dating policy because he saw someone on the team that he had desired to date. “When my name was mentioned, he was told to go ahead, as long as we keep it professional at work,” Cassandra added.

The pair went on their first date at Las Vegas in St Elizabeth. Cassandra recalled being over the moon about the occasion because it was also during the time of her birthday, and the outing was really romantic.

Since meeting in April of 2019 and embarking on a relationship together in August of that same year, she has remained fascinated by how faithful, loving, and committed Bryanor is, noting that he is one of strong belief and an awesome father to both his children and hers as well.

“He understands me like none other, encourages me to always try new things, supports my every dream, [and] believes in me, no matter what. He always says the only time I fail is when I don’t try. He puts me first and always explains to others that he will have to discuss [whatever the matter is] with his wife first,” she shared.

While he always found Casandra to be very beautiful, Bryanor continues to be intrigued by her creative, generous, hard-working, empowering and loving side.

“She comes up with ideas that others have not considered before. She speaks with eloquence and confidence for herself and others when necessary. She is happier providing for others than she is providing for herself. Not only is she self-disciplined, but she is truly the most loving person I have come across,” he revealed.

On a nurturing note, she values his thoughts and views, and she contributes to his growth by making sure that he saves. After realising all that she had gone through because of him, he decided 10 months into the courtship to ask for her hand in marriage.

“With the help of my stepdaughter and my father-in-law, I took her to our favourite spot, Las Vegas, where we went on our first date. We had lunch, and with some music in the background, a special shot was ordered. That’s where the waitress placed the ring. She almost swallowed it. Thankfully, she didn’t, and I [got] on one knee and popped the question. She cried and said ‘yes’. It was an incredible moment,” he said.

Cassandra enlisted wedding planner Cher’s Bridal to cover the location and the vision for the wedding day. When it came on to the dress, the bride-to-be said yes to a beautiful dress from Unions Bridal Boutique. “I was looking at some dresses on Instagram and came across Unions Bridal page. I made the right stop. The owner, Chardonnay, was so patient and worked with me late nights and early mornings. My wedding gown and reception dress, along with my husband’s two suits, all came from this boutique, and we loved them.”

On December 12, Casandra and Bryanor said ‘I do’ in a beautiful wedding ceremony at Holiday Haven in Runaway Bay, St Ann. The bride gave her guests a stunning view of her long-sleeved illusion gown with a ruffled mermaid tail and train. Her groom complemented her in an all-white suit.

For the reception, the wedded duo had changed into a festive red theme. It was truly a dream wedding come true for the married couple. “Every moment was the best, especially our first dance,” the newly-weds revealed. They shared their first dance as husband and wife to Til Death Do Us Part by Brian Nhira. “I cried because the words of the song [were] just perfect for us,” Mrs Duncan reflected.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com