Just the two of us: The Smith and Hines love adventure

 Krysta Anderson, Lifestyle Reporter

On May 17, 2014, Andre Smith and Nicole Hines followed in the tradition of his parents and her grandparents. They became the third generation that would make May 17 their anniversary when they exchanged vows at the University of the West Indies Chapel.

The two met at college, and while they did not profess their true feelings to each other, they did confide in their mutual friends.

Smith recounts the start of their blissful journey, noting, "Nicole and I started dating from way back when we were in college, and a nice lunch for students at the time was at the nearby Burger King. At that time neither one of us were brave enough to tell the other how we felt. Our friends must have grown tired of us not making a move, so one day they systematically cancelled on us, leaving the two of us to either cancel lunch, or go by ourselves."

That was the beginning of their adventure. Their usual 45-minute lunch lasted three hours. From that day on, the booth upstairs in the Liguanea branch of Burger King became their 'love spot'. They went there at least once a week and sat in the same booth for years. For Smith, it was only fitting that he pop the question to Hines at their 'love spot'.

Engagement Execution

Being a gentleman, Smith went to Hines' father and secretly asked for her hand. Receiving her father's approval, it was time to execute his plan.

They were due to return to the island to attend a mutual friend's wedding, and Hines had only a few days to execute his plan. He choose the day after the wedding to make his move.

The plan was to attend a brunch that morning, but little did Hines know that it would be a morning she would never forget. "On our way to the brunch, I made a call, making sure she could hear the conversation. I asked if they were still on time for the brunch (which was really the call to give the photographer the heads up). I made it seem like they said they were 'running late' by about 30 minutes. I told Nicole they were running late and that I was hungry, and suggested we stop by Burger King so I could get an apple pie."

While they were placing their order, Hines noticed a photographer taking pictures. Realising that she saw him, the

photographer asked her if it was ok if he took a few pictures of her because he was taking pictures for Burger King to record the renovations and he wanted some customers in the shot. He sealed the story by asking other customers as well.

Finding their regular booth, emotions consumed Smith and his nerves kicked in. "Luckily, her back was to the stairs ,so she didn't see the photographer standing there. I gave the signal and I began my speech. Even though I had an elaborate speech planned in my head, I don't even think one of those sentences left my mouth. All I can remember is that I went down on one knee, and while saying something, tears began to flow. I was so happy to be right there in that moment making the love of my life the happiest woman on earth. Then, I asked her if she would marry me, and with both of us crying, she said yes and gave me a hug, then immediately pulled away and asked, 'Did you ask my father?'"

The Wedding

On their wedding day, love was in the air as it was also their parents and her grandparents' anniversary. The beautiful bride, wearing a strapless mermaid gown, was escorted down the aisle by her father to an anxious groom.

After the I Dos, the husband and wife sealed it with an idyllic kiss.

As the day progressed, so did the enchantment. Well-wishers gathered as the bride and groom went on board their uniquely embellished horse carriage. The celebration advanced to the Sunken Gardens at the Hope Botanical Gardens.