It was American author Minister Max Lucado who said, “A woman’s heart should be so hidden in God that a man has to seek Him just to find her.” On its own merit, this enriching statement echoes an inspiring sentiment. And this act of faith resonates deeply in the hearts of Deborah Henry and Stephen Morrison.
These God-fearing individuals first laid eyes on each other in the house of the Lord. And as if ordained by the Heavenly Father himself, they began their whirlwind courtship. Set on developing their own personal connection with the Creator seemed to have been the common factor which drew them even closer to form an unbreakable bond. After all, as said in Proverb 18 verse 22, “He who finds a wife, finds a good thing. And finds favour in the Lord.”
Deborah’s first impression of her soon-to-be significant other was that he was very humble. This positive attribute was exhibited on full display when the two decided to see each other outside of church. “Our first date was very nice,” she told Island Wedding, adding that since then, her dashing Prince Charming has also shown her his more caring, thoughtful and romantic side. She continues to be impressed by his consistency in chivalry and affection.
“He has a great work ethic, which has encouraged me to step up in that department. He brings stability and security to the relationship. And as a couple, we enjoy simple and spontaneous things, like talking, dancing, going to the beach, and on road trips,” she explained.
On their initial encounter, Stephen saw first-hand just how nice and sweet of a person Deborah was. Planted firmly in her beliefs, her warm and inviting character traits bloomed to reveal a rare and most radiant flower. “She’s so beautiful. Deborah is one of the strongest persons I know, very helpful and encouraging to those she holds near and dear to her heart. She motivates me to pray more,” he shared. Cherishing his interests, Deborah enjoys treating her beloved to quite a few of his favourite things. Additionally, he treasures the fact that she is always speaking words of affirmation over their relationship.
Stephen discovered quickly that Deborah was the one for him. Six months later, after praying and fasting, he asked her to be his girlfriend. But that wasn’t enough. After a year of courtship, he made the honourable move by asking the love of his life if she could embark on a new chapter of their journey by becoming his wife.
After purchasing the ring, he went to church the Sunday morning, informing their pastor that he wanted to do a surprise proposal. The plan was to invite Deborah to the front for a special prayer and when that was over, uncover an eye-opening declaration of unwavering love. “While she was praying, I knelt in front of her. When she said ‘Amen’, I was already on my knees with the ring out. I popped the question and she said yes,” he said, enthused.
The engaged couple decided to plan their own wedding. Close friends and family members were also recruited to assist in making the dream a nuptial paradise. “The process was long, and the planning was tedious, but in the end everything came out beautifully, and the day was so lovely; there were moments that brought me great joy,” Deborah said.
Among those joyful planning moments was the ‘I do’ dress hunt. She went on social media platform Instagram to look at different styles and designs, when she found Unions Bridal Boutique. The experience, she remembered, fulfilled all of her wedding dress fantasies, so much so that this bride got not one, but two glamorous gowns as well as tailored suits for her groom.
On February 26, specially invited guests gathered at the Boone Hall Oasis in Stony Hill, St Andrew, to witness Deborah and Stephen unite in holy matrimony. The bride sauntered up the aisle in an unforgettable white mermaid silhouette gown, while her husband welcomed his wife in a matching white tuxedo with green highlights.
The reception saw the newly-weds reigning in regal fanfare, changing into attire that was fully in line with to the theme. It was during this entrance that the couple shared the first dance as husband and wife to You Want to Bamba by Goya Menor, Nektunez (Ameno Amapiano remix).
“The wedding was beautiful, it was breathtaking. It was all I had hoped for, plus more. The best moment was after the wedding. The reception was surreal, with laughter, dancing and jokes,” Mrs Morrison disclosed. The groom agreed wholeheartedly with his bride, adding that his favourite moment was when the pastor advised him that he could finally kiss his bride.