Real Wedding: Jhana & Wayne, Jamaica

JHANA & WAYNE BRANKER
Wedding Date : Friday, November 8, 2013

When, where and how did you two meet?
We met in college at Bucknell University, which is a small liberal arts University located in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Given the diversity of Bucknell at the time was minimal, as the only Jamaican on campus I felt it was my duty to represent my country at our Annual International Food Fair. As a Trini, Wayne was very excited that there was another Caribbean person at Bucknell so this where he made his move.

How long were you dating before deciding to tie the knot?
Funny story; we were dating for exactly 9 years and 1 day prior to our wedding date. When we got engaged we got a lot of “congratulations” along with a lot of messages saying “finally!” or “it’s about time!” We love our family and friends.

Tell us about the ring, did you choose it or did he buy it on his own?
Wayne knows that I like to be unique so he had an idea that I would be more into a vintage looking ring. He picked it out and I had no clue.

How would you describe your relationship?
Wayne and I have a lot in common; however we have very different personalities. This is the main reason our relationship works perfectly. He helps me open my mind up to new adventures and I center his chi when he gets a bit too adventurous.

What are some of the things you two enjoy doing together as a couple?
There are quite a few things that we love doing together. If I were to pick only a couple it would definitely be trying new foods at different restaurants and not surprisingly playing mas.

If you could choose one quote to symbolize your relationship, what would it be?
“Hope and love, and hope and life have made our heroes great, made men travel endless miles all because of faith. It has no bounds, no limitations to which we blame our faith, and so profound its force and strength can cause a heart to break. But hope and love, and hope and life can still a loved one’s hand, can take the pain we feel away or turn a boy to man. It keeps the world, the one we love, spinning while we dance. Hope can help us with our time but it cannot stop the hands. Hope and love, and hope and life have brought this love to bloom. It shone its light beyond the night, majestic like the moon. If hope can breathe its breath so fresh that we can feel anew, then hope can keep a beating heart filled with love that’s true. If hope has done such wondrous things, then what I leave you with is this, what’s to say it can’t do more than grant your every wish. So hope and love, and hope and life does more than help us cope. So love each other through and through and please do not lose hope.” Michael Branker, Best Man, Brother of the Groom

Were you one of those women who has been planning her wedding since childhood?
Not at all. I am one of those women who was not looking forward to planning her wedding because she is a perfectionist and the thought of a one-time only event is quite daunting lol.

Tell us about the wedding ceremony, and the emotions you felt as you walked up the aisle?
Walking down the aisle was extremely exciting. I didn’t even care that it was a torrential downpour and in all honesty I have no idea how I stayed dry. I was elated to see for the first time all my friends and family that turned out and the smiles on their faces made the walk even more special. It felt as if time slowed down just for a moment, just for me.

Is there a special song that you’ve chosen to walk up the aisle to?
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s rendition of Everything I Do I Do It for You

What song did you choose for your first dance as man and wife?
For our first dance we chose Al Green’s Let’s Stay Together, along with a few other special surprises for our guests.

Wedding Location /Venue:
Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church, Ocho Rios