Dennis and Denise renew commitment to each other for pearl anniversary

After 30 years together, Dennis and Denise Samuels have a lot to celebrate as they have created memories spanning over three decades. The couple marked their pearl anniversary with a celebration for the ages for a union that has seen God, and, by extension, faith at the helm of their relationship over the years.

Retying the knot at the same church they were married in – the Mount Carey Seventh-day Adventist Church – the officiating pastor, Leroy Burnette Robinson, led the ceremony for the couple, just as he did 30 years ago. Of the 12-member bridal party at their wedding 30 years ago, the chief bridesmaid and chief groomsman were the only ones who participated in the second ceremony, and their black-and-white theme then was replaced by blush and beige.

Both Dennis and Denise grew up in Mount Carey, just on the outskirts of Montego Bay, St James. Despite the fact that they were from the same community, they did not know of each other until, by fate, an evangelical conference brought them together.

“There was an evangelistic campaign that was conducted by a senior pastoral ministry student from the then West Indies College. A girlfriend of mine invited him to the campaign. I was an usher, and during the meet-and-greet he caught my attention,” Denise said.

According to Dennis, he was not religiously inclined, but his friend persuaded him to attend the campaign. “I loved sports and girls,” he quipped.

After their initial chance encounter, both kept in touch and remained friends. However, their first official encounter happened during a social at the Anchovy Primary School. They ended up walking home afterwards, and as Dennis indicated, it was two miles of leisure with a beautiful woman.

Denise knew Dennis was interested in courting her, but his intentions became clearer one Sabbath morning during church service. “I caught him staring at me intently, and when he picked up that I was also looking at him, he shifted his gaze. That was my first clue that there was something happening, and we were not just exchanging words,” she said.

Even though Dennis had an interest in Denise, he was a bit hesitant to make his true motives known to her. “In those days, the ministerial guys were the ones to get the best ladies in the congregation, so I didn't fancy my chances; however, she told me my chances were just as good as any,” he said.

Although Denise had quite a few suitors, her interest was with Dennis. “He had an imposing stature. You could not miss him as he entered the church. Although he was not religiously inclined, you could see that he had a passion to find out what God had in store for his life, and this made a good impression on me,” she said.

Dennis was attracted to Denise, as he saw her as a progressive lady, bright and multitalented. “She was on the quiet side and beautiful. To the best of my knowledge, she had a sound record as it related to character and morals, and I was impressed by this,” he said.

However, for some time they remained platonic friends, and enjoyed each other's company; then things changed. “I was in a sky-blue dress one Sunday afternoon returning from a function at the Mount Carey Baptist Church, and we were walking home that evening. It happened right around the deep corner; he asked for us to be 'friends',” Denise said.

Dated for eight years

After their relationship was solidified, Dennis and Denise dated for eight years before they became married. According to Dennis, he was of the opinion that having a career or a skill was vital for when you are considering marriage. “You cannot declare your independence without being able to sustain your independence,” he said.

Denise wanted to become an industrial chemist, and she started that career path. However, she did not like it, and made the switch to becoming a pharmacist. But with the notion that she did not want a sedentary job, she chose to become a registered nurse. After Denise completed her studies at The University of the West Indies, Dennis made the steps for her to become his wife.

“We went out for dinner, and the drink was ordered. When I was coming to the end of my drink, I saw a mass in my glass and it turned out that it was a ring; and then he popped the question,” Denise said.

The couple were engaged for one year, and after Denise completed her internship, they got married on July 11, 1993. “It was a memorable day. There were tears of joy, and we cried a lot. I have never seen Dennis so tearful,” she said.

So, how did the Samuels' stay together for over three decades. “We decided from the beginning of our relationship that when we became married, there would be no divorce. Whatever the situation or challenges, we would work through it. We also decided from very early that we would not live apart. Many of my batchmates were migrating, and we declared our hands that we would not have a long-distance relationship,” Denise said.

Denise also worked in public health, and this arrangement worked well for the couple. “It gave our marriage in the early stages some stability, and a very healthy start. The hours were structured, and we were able to have our weekends free,” they said.

Today, Dennis and Denise Samuels are part-owners of a medical and dental distribution company, and a pharmaceutical retail business. Dennis is also a dental technician.

The couple has one biological son, Dennis Samuels Jr; however, they legally fostered three girls, and have also mentored a number of children. “Ours was the privilege and challenge of mentoring and nurturing a family. The progression of just wife and husband into a household of five had deep, fulfilling experiences, as we witnessed developmental milestones and positive behavioural changes,” Denise said.

All four children have done exceptionally well.

Their words of wisdom for couples who are desirous of entering marriage is to find someone of common faith. “Marriage demands tolerance, unconditional love, guidance from God, forgiveness; and these are just some requirements for a good marriage,” they said.

It is important, they said, that as a couple, if there are issues or discomfort, that they should freely and respectfully express how they feel. “Many people are afraid to express their discomfort. However, you should not be intimidated in speaking the truth. We express ourselves freely,” Dennis said.

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