Failed date night ends with sweet proposal for Celina and Colin
Published:Tuesday | August 1, 2023 | 12:05 AMKrysta Anderson/Staff Reporter
Organising a group date night with her partner in love, Colin Phillips, and a few of her close coupled-up friends, Celina Dixon was disappointed that the restaurant failed to meet their expectations. The occasion turned out to be the worst experience, and she thought, ‘What other bombshell could this night possibly present?’ To her surprise, after returning from the restroom, she saw Colin making the bravest attempt to turn the night around. He was on one knee, asking her, the love of his life, to be his wife.
“Everyone was telling me to do the proposal at a different time, but I refused. My sister asked Celina to accompany her to the restroom and had her in there for a few minutes while we got the roses and I positioned myself for when she came out. They then came out to see me, and she was so surprised that she asked, ‘A when yuh find time to buy ring?’,” he told Island Wedding with a smile.
Colin recalled the team laughing at her honest inquiry. And when he popped the question, her response went to the tune of ‘You know I’m saying yes already’, providing the sweetest, most romantic melody for her musician’s ears. The two went on to declare their unwavering love for each other in their beautiful wedding at Vintage Gardens in St Catherine.
Celina and Colin first met in the house of the Lord and discovered that they were active attendees of the same church. Celina’s mind and heart were set on worship, but that didn’t stop her from recognising his charming way with words. “Initially, I wasn’t interested, but I did love the fact that he’s a musician. He’s easy to talk to and he’s hilarious,” she recounted.
Before anything had transpired, Colin couldn’t help but notice Celina’s enchanting beauty. It is one that continues to captivate him to this day.
“Beautiful, supportive, dependable, special, and God-fearing are perfectly fitting words to describe her persona. She has allowed me to do what I do best, create music; and even though I have been in the industry for many years, doing it with her support feels even better,” he shared, adding that he enjoys the benefits of the effective communication she has established for them.
After having the opportunity to get to know him better, Celina saw first hand just how authentic and reliable Colin is. He is not just a provider. He is someone who is also humble in her eyes.
“Colin has assisted in my personal growth on the emotional side because I used to be emotionally unavailable. He shows appreciation every day. And with reassurance and trust, I can now say that I am an emotionally dependable individual,” she said.
Strolling down memory lane, she made special mention of their very first date together, “We went to Dunn’s River Falls for our first date. The day went really well as we took the time out to just enjoy each other. The conversations were never awkward, and we just had a great time.”
They would go on to have more stimulating conversations while playing games or going on adventures together.
Unable to pinpoint the exact moment they fell in love, she explained that her feelings developed over time as he accomplished his mission of making her laugh every single day.
For Colin, he knew that she was the one the moment she loved his daughter as though she was her very own.
The vision for a lasting relationship was made clear in January of 2020. After one year and nine months of courtship, Celina, who is difficult to surprise, was delightfully surprised to see Colin on his knees in the middle of the restaurant, asking her to marry him. “I couldn’t feel any happier,” she reminisced.
Upon the recommendation of a friend, the bride-to-be entrusted wedding planner Shonick McFarlane of Let’s Talk Weddings and Events with all of the wedding-planning details. “It was such a hassle-free process. Shonick ensured that what would be a hectic time turned out to be seamless for us.”
Falling in love at first ‘site visit’ with the outdoor nature of Vintage Gardens in Spanish Town, Colin and Celina booked the venue and said ‘I do’ on July 8.
“The wedding had this intense feeling of happiness, and I could just feel the joy from our loved ones,” she said. But there was one crucial piece of the bridal puzzle missing on the big day, “My dad was unable to attend as he was admitted in the hospital a few days before my wedding.” She was accompanied by her mother, and her father, unfortunately, passed away a few days after.
Despite not seeing her nuptial dreams completely come true, the bride had the time of her life becoming Mrs Phillips.
The groom confessed that his favourite moment came at the entry to the reception, where they were able to showcase their dancing skills.
The newlyweds shared their official first dance as husband and wife to the song Don’t Change by Musiq. “I was feeling a rush of emotions that is hard to explain. It felt surreal,” Celina added.