De-Andrea and Marlon join ‘Hinds’ and hearts in matrimony

It was a look of familiarity that allowed De-Andrea Bryan to do a double take when she first laid eyes on Marlon Hinds. While on her first day of work at a local telecommunications company, she was introduced to the handsome stranger on her team. Locked in her gaze, Marlon found her beauty both enchanting and radiant. Soon, his fate intertwined with hers. And the two walked into a new chapter a few years later as Mr and Mrs Hinds.

“My initial thought upon meeting De-Andrea was that she was my type. She had the most beautiful skin that I desired to hold close to me, with a warm radiating smile and bright eyes to match,” he told Island Wedding.

After that curtain-raiser, the main performance came during their first date in October of 2016 at the now closed C&C South Beach Restaurant.

De-Andrea explained, “I was nervous at first, but he helped me to relax. He was a complete gentleman. We had good conversations and got to know each other outside of work. It was a really good evening.”

Captivated by her appearance and in-depth discussions, Marlon shared that he decided to enter into a relationship with her after their first date.

It wasn’t until February of the following year, at an event where he referred to her as his girlfriend for the first time, that De-Andrea truly recognised their relationship had become more serious:“We spoke about it after and made things official.”

Since then, she has thoroughly enjoyed getting to know his passionate, dedicated, patient, and family-oriented side.

“He has taught me how to really enjoy the moments of life, to be patient, and take it all in. He also helped me to understand the importance of rest and not always trying to be busy. Supportive of my plans and ideas even when they may seem silly, he helps us to stay grounded and focused on the plans ahead. Additionally, he plays a major role in how we express ourselves emotionally. He creates a safe space to discuss our feelings, so that we continue growing closer together,” she shared.

Never afraid to admit when he’s wrong, he openly expresses his love and is always willing to understand what she needs to feel truly appreciated.

Fascinated by her patience, dedication, and virtue, Marlon remains inspired by De-Andrea’s heart of gold.

“De-Andrea has not only inspired me to be a better version of myself, [but] she continues to be an inspiration to the younger ones around her. Believing in me when I did not believe in myself, De-Andrea saw the potential in me at times where I did not display my best attributes. These facts resonated with me, allowing me to really appreciate her presence in my life and what it means to grow as a man with a strong woman by my side,” he said.

After open and honest discussions about husband-and-wife expectations, Marlon decided to turn those talks into reality after seven years of courtship, proposing at a pop-up shop where she was displaying her work.

“De-Andrea had a pop-up shop appearance for her Luna Care Company at a Jamaica National event. Asking me to help shattered my plans, as I had another surprise in store. I managed to have a bouquet of roses waiting for the moment. While she tended to a few of her customers, I took my time and went for the bouquet and the ring. To her surprise, and the rest of the venue, I gave her the roses and asked her to marry me, to which she responded ‘Yes!’” he revealed.

Going with SL Weddings to plan the main event, the duo played a significant part in the process, enlisting the assistance of friends to make the day even more special.

On June 30, De-Andrea and Marlon joined ‘Hinds’ and hearts in holy matrimony. The gorgeous bride walked up the aisle at the enchanting Tranquillity Gardens in Dunn’s River, St Ann, in a stunning wedding dress, custom designed by Ghanaian designer Sadia Sanusi.

“Our wedding was beautiful,” the blushing bride shared, adding, “We put a lot of effort to give our guests a personal feel of the event, adding things that were meaningful to us. The wedding showcased both of our personalities. And the best moment; we did a first touch. I was super emotional, and I was just so happy to feel Marlon near me.”

For the dapper groom, he was so happy that family and friends came out to show their support. “The best moment for me was hearing my wife go through her vows and giving mine in exchange. I believe this really was a strong point in solidifying all we’ve been through, highlighting the promise to be for and with each other for a lifetime.”

For their official dance as husband and wife, the newly-weds chose to cherish the priceless moment with Let’s Stay Together by Al Green. Recalling how content she was during that time, Mrs Bryan-Hinds said, “We were having fun, and it was as if no one else was there. Just the two of us resonating on the words and basking in the moment’s bliss.”

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com