The Smiths find love in the club

Romance has this uncanny way of sparking where you least expect it. One night, Shanae Simpson was out at the club when she caught sight of a guy in the corner with his friends. The man of the moment, Dane Smith, had already noticed her radiant beauty the moment she walked in and was immediately fascinated. Drawn to his unwavering gaze, she was equally intrigued, giving her number at the end of the night. This impulsive exchange started the chapter of their happily ever after.

Despite their passionate initial encounter, the two didn’t go on their first date until over a decade later.

“Our first date was in 2021, a whopping 12 years after we initially met in 2009,” Shanae told Island Wedding. “He asked me out with a refreshingly straightforward approach, saying, ‘Let’s go on a date. If you like it, we will move forward. If you don’t, we stay friends,’” she added.

Although he was nervous, he decided that this was a necessary step to take to get to know her better. “When I first met her, I was struck by her radiant smile and sparkling eyes. She still has the most beautiful smile,” he revealed.

Appreciating both his honesty and the clarity of his request, Shanae described their outing as effortless, noting that it gave great insight into their deep connection. “His directness set the tone for our open and honest communication, which has been a foundation of our relationship.”

The pair made things official the following year on June 25, 2022.

The two shared a sense of humour. And for Shanae, not only was he witty, he was approachable, easy to talk to, knowledgeable on a host of topics, comforting by nature, and naturally charming,

“Dane has gently guided me to embrace life’s beauty and joy. He’s shown me that every moment is a gift, and his infectious enthusiasm has taught me to prioritise living. Together, we’ve shared unforgettable experiences, like our Panama adventure, which opened my heart to new wonders. He has also helped me to cherish precious family time, a treasure I never knew I needed. His love and zest for life have nurtured my soul, and I’m grateful,” she shared.

For Dane, her embrace was his safe haven, radiating comfort and reassurance. “Her infectious laughter and playful spirit brighten every day. Her heart overflows with kindness, compassion, and devotion. With her, I’ve found my sense of belonging. And she is unapologetically herself: genuine, authentic, true, and real, and I adore her for it.”

He continues, “She has been my promoter for growth, encouraging me to embrace challenges and pursue my passions. She nurtures our relationship with empathy and active listening, creating a safe space for open conversations.”

‘He’s the one’

Shanae said she discovered that she was the one in need of his company while in mom mode at gym practice watching her daughter. “While watching my daughter’s gymnastics practice, I felt a gentle nudge in my heart; a deep longing for Dane’s presence. I reached out, and he sweetly obliged, joining me at the gym. From that moment on, we’ve been wrapped in each other’s love, inseparable. His tender response whispered to my soul, ‘He’s the one,’” she said.

Meanwhile, Dane realised during her absence that he could not live without her. “I was at a lounge with a friend and Shanae left work and just met me in the parking lot before heading home. It was just for a few moments but when she left, I knew she was the one. Our pre-existing friendship, trust, and shared adventures created a solid foundation. Every passing day only reaffirmed my feelings.”

So after dating for only three months, Dane took their whirlwind romance to the next level by asking her to make him the happiest man alive by being his wife.

“The proposal was a sweet surprise, with a hint of irony, Shanae explained. After purchasing the ring in July 2022, Dane carried it along with him, hoping that the right moment would present itself. Then the unthinkable happened. On the night of August 30, his fiancée-to-be glimpsed the box.

“I accidentally stumbled upon the hidden ring box,” she confirmed, adding, “Dane, being the calm and loving partner he is, seized the moment and told me he wanted to make me his wife. With a gentle smile, he asked me to be his forever. I was overwhelmed with joy and happiness, and I eagerly said, ‘Yes!’ It was a beautiful, intimate moment, filled with love and laughter. No tears, just pure elation and excitement for our future together.”

The pair chose Let’s Talk Weddings and Events to plan the ultimate nuptial experience and the unit was truly impressed by the expertise, attention to detail and warm professionalism that made the wedding planning process seamlessly enjoyable.

On July 11, Shanae and Dane joined hands and hearts in an enchanting garden ceremony at Hope Botanical Gardens in Kingston.

Showers of blessings only made the day even more perfect for Shanae, who walked up the aisle as a stunning bride, turning the heads of those in attendance. “With tears of joy streaming down, I saw Dane’s loving gaze and [heard] my wedding song on a violin, which came as a pleasant surprise.”

Surrounded by family and close friends, the groom recalled the day being intimate, joyful, and overflowing with love. “Every detail, every moment, exceeded my hopes,” he recounted, confessing that his favourite moment came with his wife’s personalised vows. “Her heartfelt promises, spoken with tears and smiles, left me breathless. Her words were a beautiful reminder of our journey, our love, and our future together. In that instant, I felt seen, heard, and loved beyond measure.”

The newlyweds shared their first dance as husband and wife to Ed Sheeran’s Perfect. “It was a mesmerising moment, swaying to the romantic melody. The lyrics seemed to whisper our love story as if written just for us,” Shanae reminisced.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com