Tasheba Sutherland and Oliver Nelson first laid eyes on each other through mutual friends at the Faculty of Science and Technology at The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. Although there wasn’t any chemistry at first, familiarity developed into deep fondness and, after embarking on a romance in the summer, the college sweethearts became inseparable. Almost eight years later, they made their union official.“We met at UWI through a mutual friend, and we would see each other from time to time over the Science and Technology faculty,” Tasheba confirmed with Island Wedding. “Back then, I thought he was too short for me,” she added. Oliver, on the other hand, was enchanted by her beauty but found her to be quite shy at first.For their first date, the pair went to Emancipation Park on Tasheba’s birthday. “It was right before work, so it was about an hour long, but it was so refreshing and peaceful. I still look back at our pictures from the first date and smile,” she said.As the two got better acquainted, the initial impressions shifted. “After getting to know each other for about a month and liking each other’s vibe, we decided to make our relationship official on the last day of May in 2018, just in time for the summer,” Oliver revealed.Tasheba was drawn to Oliver’s engaging and amusing personality. After they began dating that summer, the pair spent much of their time together on campus, rarely apart during their university years.Describing her other half as handsome, smart, optimistic and helpful, Tasheba said, “He’s always telling me jokes to make me laugh, and his facial expressions are hilarious. He never limits himself in what he can do. Just having a conversation with him, I can learn so much about the things he loves, like science, the weather, his car, and electrical work. Also, he has the gentlest soul, and he allows me to be myself around him.”As her cheerleader, Oliver is her voice of reason who motivates her to achieve her hopes and dreams. “He has always encouraged me to communicate so that we can fix issues. He is also quick to apologise, and he keeps the relationship grounded,” she shared.As for their favourite activities together, Tasheba said they enjoy binge-watching different shows, playing card games, and going on local adventures.For Oliver, Tasheba is just as gorgeous as she is intelligent, caring, fashionable and supportive: “She has taught me a lot about little adulting traits that I would have taken years to develop. It’s true when they say girls mature faster than boys. Even before then, back at university, when I was struggling with some courses, she stood by me and helped me navigate the studying and completion of them. I knew then and there that she was the one for me.”Additionally, Tasheba is the one who keeps their relationship spicy and festive. Dating is a must, and they always have a great time together.Speaking of dates, after six years and seven months of being in love, Oliver had a new date in mind: one that included getting married to his soulmate.“I had a lot of help from Tash’s sister, Tanya, who helped me pick out the ring and assisted with the proposal plans. We bought the decorations and family members, and friends aided with the set-up at Hope [Botanical] Gardens in St Andrew while Tash and I made our way there for a random date. I led her to where the romantic spot was and popped the question there!” he highlighted.His fiancée was pleasantly surprised. “The proposal was so sweet and thoughtful. When Oliver got down on one knee [and] confessed his love while our song was playing in the background, of course I said yes! He was so nervous, and even though my friends and family were hiding, I had seen my sister’s car and got a glimpse of my niece, so I knew something was up,” she explained.For the planning process, Tasheba received assistance from her husband, family, and friends, who all made the nuptial dreams a radiant reality: “At first, I was having fun choosing the colours and the cute little decorations. But, towards the end, it became overwhelming. Shout out to my maid of honour and sister, Tanya, for communicating with the majority of the vendors for me and helping me whenever I needed her. The planning brought me and my sisters even closer. Everyone was so helpful, and I never felt alone.”On May 3, Oliver and Tasheba became Mr and Mrs Nelson in a private ceremony and reception at a local hideaway in Bushy Park, Old Harbour, St Catherine. According to the suave groom, the wedding was magical. His favourite moment came when the pastor pronounced him and his bride husband and wife.The stunning bride shared similar sentiments, noting the wedding was beautiful and intimate: “My favourite colour is pink, and his favourite colour is green. The two became our official wedding colours, and they blended well together. I was a little late, but the day was amazing, and I couldn’t stop smiling. Seeing Oliver so happy made me even more happy to marry him.”The highlight of the main event was sharing their first dance as newly-weds. “We danced to the Afrobeat hit Ku Lo Sa by Nigerian singer Oxlade. It was so fun and different from what we normally see at a wedding. At that moment, it was just me and Oliver doing the routine we practised. He loves to dance, so it was so mesmerising to see him in his element and being a part of it all,” Mrs Nelson recounted.krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com