Lessons in love with Dalkeith and Rohanna Thomas

In early 2023, Rohanna Dixon walked into her university economics class and met Dalkeith Thomas — then a master’s student leading her tutorial. Though their relationship remained strictly professional throughout the semester, he caught her attention from the very first class, partly because he didn’t look like the tutor she expected.

“I remember noticing him because his big bag stood out. He was wearing a blue shirt and grey shorts. I said to myself, ‘Why does this prep-school pickney need to carry such a big bag in uni?’ He sat at a desk from me and I was wondering where our tutor was. It was him; I was expecting an older looking teacher,” she told Island Wedding.

On the final day of class, a conversation about church and family came up, and Dalkeith made a point to include Rohanna. He asked if they could continue the discussion after class, and she agreed. Even though they hadn’t spoken one-on-one during the semester, Dalkeith was quietly impressed by her.

“I found her very beautiful; her demeanour was extremely modest and feminine, she wasn’t very loud and that caught my eye,” he added.

As their conversations deepened, Dalkeith began to realise that his admiration for Rohanna was turning into something more.

“She became so ingrained into my days and I desired her attention. I just found myself going from a stranger to sharing everything with her, simply because her presence was so warm and welcoming,” he explained.

As for Rohanna, admiration surfaced in other ways, “I found myself wanting more of his attention. I remember purposely sending TikToks just to hear his input or see his reactions.”

Away from academics, their first official date came on June 17 of that same year at South Avenue Grill. Dalkeith drove his dad’s van to pick her up, arriving on time and greeting Rohanna with a big, welcoming smile. True to form, he documented the special occasion with his camera.

“Given that it was our first date, I was like, ‘She’s so beautiful’, and she was blocking the camera, because she’s a little shy and I [said], ‘Look at her’, and she [replied], ‘Let me see!’” Dalkeith said, laughing at the memory.

Between photos, conversation, and a long walk along the Palisadoes strip, the two were ready to take their connection to the next stage. Months later, Dalkeith made things official with a gesture reflective of his thoughtful nature.

“He had me sign a letter which was a series of four that asked ‘Will you be mine?’. I signed that paper on August 26, 2023,” Rohanna said.

Shortly after, their relationship transitioned into long distance when Dalkeith migrated that December. The couple remained intentional about staying connected, including using a couples’ app called Agapé to answer daily questions together.

MILESTONE YEAR

The following year, Dalkeith returned to Jamaica for his economics master’s graduation at The University of the West Indies, Mona, and with another milestone in mind. The evening before the ceremony, he gave Rohanna jars filled with more than 400 handwritten notes, along with instructions not to open them until the next day.

“I said to my sister, ‘I think [Dalkeith] is going to propose, but I’m not sure exactly when because tomorrow is graduation day’,” Rohanna recalled.

On November 1, 2024, what appeared to be graduation photos at Hope Gardens became the proposal Dalkeith had been planning for months.

“I ensured that I had nothing on me that resembled a ring so she wouldn’t be suspicious. The photographer and I coordinated for us to pose back to back, and when she turned around, I would be on one knee,” he said.

For Rohanna, the moment was overwhelming: “I told myself I wouldn’t cry, but I bawled. It felt surreal. That day marked the beginning of many promises he would keep,” she said. The pair celebrated the engagement at the same restaurant that they marked their first date.

One memory that remains significant for her happened inside the classroom that first brought them together.

“I remember a particular time when a student kept asking repetitive questions, and although I could tell Dalkeith was overwhelmed, he remained kind and patient, answering every question,” she said.

For Dalkeith, it was her faith that truly solidified his admiration, “I love her devotion to the Lord, I love how she perseveres, I love how she’s graceful and never gives up– all those attributes ultimately come from her relationship with Jesus.”

THE BIG DAY

On December 20, 2025, Rohanna woke up at 4 a.m. for her personal devotions, just hours before she was to make her public vows to Dalkeith.

The couple tied the knot at the Constant Spring Church of Christ, with Pastor Lancelot Brooks officiating the ceremony. Following the service, they celebrated with a reception at Boone Hall Oasis.

Rohanna walked down the aisle to meet her groom wearing a Frederique ivory beaded mermaid gown from Bliss Boutique, with Luther Vandross’ Here and Now playing in the background.

Dalkeith, supported by his groomsmen who decorated his vehicle as a surprise, focused on the moment he had anticipated for years.

“I was so excited to read my vows, because I love expressing how truly important she is to me. My bride was stunning; she’s honestly everything I could’ve dreamed of,” he said

Following heartfelt speeches and a lively reception, the newly-weds departed for their honeymoon in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

ruth-ann.briscoe@gleanerjm.com