A cookout ignites romance for the Bryans

When Yanick Issacs’ mother was having her birthday cookout at church three years ago, she had no idea that one of the customers, Ashanti Bryan, would go on to become the love of her life. But the event ignited a romance so enchanting that they tied the knot in September.

“My mom’s friend had sold him a ticket and he came and ordered his food, so I served him,” Yanick told Island Wedding.

Ashanti recalled seeing what he thought was Yanick’s mother’s profile on Facebook, only to find out that it belonged to her daughter. About a week later, he was assigned the task of collecting some food from the cookout.

While she served the food, he found her first question to be a rather strange one: “Are you Elephant Man?” He later clarified that his stage name at the time was Ele Trunk, “He looked familiar, like the man who would pop up in my friend’s suggestion list on FB who went by the name Ele. When he smiled and said no, Ele Trunk, which was his stage name at the time. At that moment, all I could think about was his handsome smile.”

And in his eyes, the name didn’t even matter because he was immediately drawn to her beauty and aura. “When I got home, I revisited her profile and scrolled through all her images. I loved all of them. I think she is stunning; her eyes, smile, body and hair. I was captivated by it all. And I really love her vibe.”

Ashanti messaged Yanick on Facebook, saying, ‘You, me, on a date; choose the date’, to which she replied with her number and a request to WhatsApp her. The two got to talking and eventually met a few times before officially going on their first date.

“For our first date, we went to Hellshire beach with a bucket of KFC and some drinks and had a wonderful time. I knew from the start that he was my husband,” Yanick added.

She could not get enough of how kind, loving, jovial and supportive Ashanti is. It helps that he is a good listener, too. “Not only does he show affection and care through his words and actions, but he makes me feel valued and safe, teaching me the real definition of love. His empathy and compassion extends beyond our relationship, touching the lives of those around him. There is never a dull moment around him, he makes everyone laugh and he’s fun to be around. And he is always striving for growth, working hard to achieve his dreams.”

She continued, “He was everything I prayed for and hoped for in a man. He has such a charming personality; he never fails to make me feel adored, and regularly compliments me. He is definitely my soulmate.”

What Ashanti admires about Yanick is her ambition. “She’s always in a job; she’s not fussy, and she aims to acquire things to make her comfortable. Over the years we have grown together, from walking to riding a bicycle to riding three motorcycles, to soon driving together. She has been a pillar of strength in the life we’ve built.”

The couple continued dating for two and a half years before Ashanti asked Yanick to be his wife. This mission was achieved two weeks after tragedy struck with the loss of their first-born child last December.

After work on a Friday night, Ashanti called his beloved to ask what she wanted for dinner. She chose Chinese food. Along with her order, he decided to propose.

“I was there wondering when he got home why he was taking so long to share the food. After a few minutes of waiting, he came into the room and said I can come out now. When I opened the door, I saw candlelight shaped in a heart, flowers, Chinese food and champagne on the table right in our living room. It was just beautiful.”

After indulging in the romantic dinner, Yanick noticed there was one plate left covered and untouched. When she asked about it, Ashanti uncovered the mystery, presenting a ring box, which he opened. “He got up and got down on his knees, telling me how much he loves and appreciates me. Then he asked, ‘Will you marry me?’ I was so happy, and couldn’t stop smiling! I said yes and he put a ring on it.”

With the help of a wedding planner, along with assistance from friends and family, the engaged pair was able to make their nuptial dreams a reality. As for the dress, Yanick was excited to say yes to a stunning ball gown from Unions Bridal Boutique.

On September 28, Yanick and Ashanti joined hands and hearts in holy matrimony at the Boulevard Church of the Nazarene in Kingston.

“The wedding ceremony was absolutely perfect. I walked up the aisle to Bless the Broken Road by Matt Bloyd, crying tears of joy seeing my husband smiling and waiting for me. It was everything I prayed and hoped for; the best moment of my life,” the blushing bride said.

The reception took place at St John the Baptist Church, where the newly-weds shared their first dance as husband and wife to A Thousand Years by Christina Perri.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com