High school sweethearts Maxley and Ikarra say ‘I do’

Marrying your high school sweetheart might seem like a fairy tale. But it was a beautiful reality for Ikarra Edwards and Maxley Bailey. Meeting at Papine High School, the two embarked on a love journey in December of 2013. Through devotion, dedication, support and unwavering faith, their bond strengthened. After a decade of love, Maxley asked his soulmate, Ikarra, for her hand in marriage.

“The wedding was so beautiful. I am obsessed! I keep looking back on clippings. Nothing went differently. Thank God,” the blushing bride, who also played an active role in planning her own nuptials, told Island Wedding.

Coasting down memory lane, Ikarra always found Maxley to be good-looking. And while he can never question his wife’s captivating beauty, he did admit that his feelings weren’t all smooth sailing from the docks. “Initially, I thought she was hype. She never really spoke to anyone and hung out with the hype girls group in school,” he confessed.

But after getting to know her better and having a change of heart, they decided to jump on the love cruise together. And it was there that he discovered just how intelligent, compassionate, supportive, selfless and truly gorgeous his co-captain Ikarra truly is.

“She’s a wise and insightful critical thinker who never hesitates to show empathy and kindness towards others. Her inner and outer beauty is mesmerising. She is always encouraging, she believes in me, and her generosity and willingness to put others first is inspiring,” Maxley revealed.

Through emotional support, she is able to help him resolve any challenges. “Additionally, she demonstrates positive habits, values, and behaviours that inspire personal growth in our lives.”

On high and low seas, Ikarra was able to locate and navigate her beloved’s loving, generous, supportive, strong and sexy sides. With his guiding compass, she has a greater appreciation for Maxley’s consistent motivation over the years.

“He’s always encouraging me to go for whatever goals I set. He makes me want to achieve more. He has been there for every achievement, with constant reminders that there are always more opportunities to embark on,” she said.

Being first mates meant introducing each other to new hobbies, interests and experiences that foster growth and exploration to spice up the relationship.

“We are both active listeners who give each other undivided attention. It’s important that we make an effort to understand each other’s thoughts, feelings, and needs. And we are always expressing gratitude, appreciation and admiration for each other, no matter how big or small,” the happy couple said.

From cooking to going out on date nights, Ikarra and Maxley have remained open to the immense joy and happiness that have flowed their way.

NEXT STOP: THE WEDDING

Since boarding this relationship in 2013, the two sailed on the waves of love for 10 years; until last year, when Maxley made a romantic stop at the port of engagement.

As a man with a plan, he explored and executed a successful post-date-night proposal. This, however, wasn’t without its fair share of hiccups. “I had to hide and purchase her ring because she observes all my actions. Despite my efforts, I failed after she kept asking me, ‘What are you hiding?’”

On the day of the proposal, Maxley told Ikarra that they were going on a date. “She went to the nail and hair salon, which gave me enough time to plan out my execution. When she came home, she got dressed and left the house. Upon her return, I was on my knees, asking her to marry me.” Of course, Ikarra said yes.

Known for organising family trips, it came as no surprise that Ikarra would double as wedding planner and organiser.

On July 13, these high school sweethearts finally docked at their destination of Mr and Mrs Bailey in a wonderful wedding ceremony at the Gordon Town Methodist Church in St Andrew. The newly-weds went on to have a festive reception at Pollyanna Caterers.

Making their dancing début as husband and wife to Kenny Lattimore’s hit song, For You, the groom revealed that the wedding was “... one of the best days of my life. I would love to relive the moment again”.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com