A love rewritten for Charles and Claudia Rose

WESTERN BUREAU:

Villa Mimosa in Discovery Bay, St Ann, was the setting for a love story that proves second chances can be breathtakingly beautiful. Two Saturdays ago, under a cloudless Jamaican sky, Charles Rose and Claudia Stanley said, "I do," amid its grandeur. Their journey to this moment was anything but ordinary, a testament to resilience, faith, and the serendipity of love found online.

Eight years ago, both Charles and Claudia were navigating the emotional storms of divorce when they stumbled upon each other on a dating website. For Claudia, who hails from Spanish Town, St Catherine, the decision to join BlackPeopleMeet.com was an impulsive one, fuelled by curiosity and the loneliness of an uncertain future.

The Kingston-born Charles, a charming financier with three decades on Wall Street, quickly captured her attention with his authenticity and worldly charm.

"It was like medicine for the soul," Claudia, a healthcare professional told Island Wedding. "We were both going through the same thing at the same time, and somehow, we became each other's healing."

Their wedding was a reflection of their unique bond. Instead of traditional bridesmaids, Claudia chose a line-up of what she affectionately called her "FBI agents"– a group of protective, supportive men who included her two sons. "Women bring drama," she quipped with a laugh, adding "And my guys have always been my anchors. Each one is special to me."

Charles, who described Claudia as "unfazed by her surroundings" and possessing a depth of character that captivated him, has spent the last eight years ensuring their love remains vibrant. "My father, who was married to my mother for over 50 years taught me the importance of always valuing the depth of a woman," he shared. "Claudia has that depth, and I treasure it."

The couple's bond is not just built on mutual understanding but on shared adventures. "He's always dating me," Claudia said. "Eight years of date nights and spontaneous plans – it’s what keeps the spark alive."

Choosing Villa Mimosa was a perfect addition to their journey. Renowned for its timeless elegance, the venue was transformed into a dreamscape by its owner and wedding planner, Ruby Robinson Hardware, with the décor beautifully crafted by Kenisha Brown of ZT Events Décor and Party Rentals.

Describing the vision Brown told Island Wedding, “We embarked on pure white elegance with a touch of grandeur."

The setup was breathtaking. Oversized floral arrangements of fresh blooms graced every corner, with just a hint of artificial hydrangeas to withstand the Caribbean sun. Padded Oba chairs framed the dining area, while the bride and groom enjoyed the luxury of a sleek, illuminated Lexi Ed table, bathed in the soft glow of fairy lights cascading above them. "It’s their day, their night," Brown explained, "and every detail reflected that."

The reception mirrored the couple’s uniqueness, with a striking departure from tradition: every table had its own cake. The idea, brought to life by baker Tenita Anderson-Smith, added a touch of personalisation to the celebration. Guests indulged in marble cakes – vanilla, chocolate, and a hint of rum – all beautifully crafted and paired with table-specific cutting sets.

The couple’s main wedding cake, a classic Jamaican fruitcake adorned with elegant detailing, was a nod to tradition, baked by the bride and designed by Anderson-Smith.

Charles and Claudia swayed under twinkling lights to soft music, surrounded by their closest friends and family. With a honeymoon on the Amalfi Coast in Italy ahead, their story continues.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com