It’s not every day that a friend introduces you to the woman of your dreams. But that was the case for Michael Williams. Working behind the scenes, this matchmaker shared Britney Francis’ Instagram profile, and an intrigued Michael wanted to know more about the beauty on the screen. Before they knew it, love had become their secret ingredient. These strangers-turned-soulmates went on to tie the knot three years later at a beautiful wedding ceremony in Portland.
So how exactly did Michael, originally from Mandeville, break the ice? He decided to hire Britney as a tutor for his son, “Even though I was a New York University graduate-turned-engineer, I thought she was out of my league. She was as beautiful then as she is now,” he told Lifestyle.
Not only did they share a mutual friend who helped them exchange contacts, but they also share a healthy love for food.
Britney, who hails from Kingston, recalls the details of their first date. “We went to an Indian restaurant and had the spiciest curry. He struggled to finish his plate, so I had to help him. We both have a healthy love for food, and this is why we created a restaurant. He loves Indian food,” the co-owner of Toss’t and Press’t, based in New York, revealed.
While others were trying to adjust to the global pandemic, Michael and Britney seized the opportunity to spend quality time together. And, by 2021, the two were officially a couple.
Britney, who initially found Michael to be sweet, calm, happy, and very good-looking, went on to fall in love with how smart, generous, and family-oriented he is.
Changing her life in the best possible way, she shared: “He is very imaginative while practical. He can literally build anything. His actions are always smooth, and he is able to keep his calm and resolve any situation. He has been my calm during a lot of storms. And he is the reason that I can now follow my passion of opening my own restaurant. He keeps me safe, and I love that. I melt when I am with him.”
Speaking to her heart and soul, Britney has been a keen listener, and it was for this reason she knew he was the one, “It had to be him. God told me so.”
Fascinated by her vibrant energy, Michael was equally mesmerised by Britney’s strength and resilience. As a chef, she accomplishes anything she sets her mind to. “The restaurant is not only where we work, but it is our little piece of community.”
Additionally, he continues to marvel at her unique ability to figure anything out. “She has allowed me to see that I have the willpower to achieve anything. She has taught me the true meaning of, ‘Why not now?’ and ‘Why not me?’, he said, adding, “I realised she was the one when I only wanted to talk to her and be with her every day.”
About two years into their courtship, Michael decided it was time to put a ring on his beloved’s finger. And he did this while on ‘bae-cation’ in Panama.
“Panama was one of my favourite places in the world. Bre knew this, and I felt that she’d know how important everything meant. I found the most beautiful and secluded island, Isla Mujeres, through a travel agent, and we drove for about three hours, stopping to explore different towns,” he shared. From there, the happy couple took a boat to the island.
“The driver hid the biggest bouquet and all the champagne. I convinced her to go for a swim once we set up on the beach. By the time she came out of the water, I was on my knees with her requested ring from her favourite jeweller. She put the bouquet down and said yes. I put on the ring, picked her up and kissed her,” he added.
Selecting Cattleya Decor as the official wedding planner for the upcoming nuptials, Britney took the bridal reins, creating a wedding that she and her husband would both luxuriate in.
On May 24, the couple exchanged vows and said ‘I do’ in New York. The wedding was officiated by the mayor of Mount Vernon Shawnee Patterson Howard. And because it takes two, the couple couldn’t just have one wedding.
Mr and Mrs Williams took all those feelings and caught a flight, tying the knot once more at Sea Cliff Hotel Resort and Spa in Portland. “We first took our children on holiday. It was such a happy time for us all, and we wanted to share the beauty of it all with our families,” the beautiful bride revealed.
With the dashing groom listing the garter toss as one of the highlights of the reception, he revealed that the wedding was one of the happiest days of his life.