Naomi and Stephen have known each other for over half their lives. They first met at ages 10 and 11, unaware of what the future held. On the first day of high school, they were seated one in front of the other, marking the start of a love story neither could have predicted. Their relationship wasn't love at first sight but a connection grounded in one of the strongest ties of all—friendship.

Throughout high school, Stephen admired Naomi’s outgoing nature, and Naomi could depend on Stephen to make her laugh. The two always felt at home with each other. Even when they joined separate friend groups and drifted apart, their care for one another remained strong. Naomi wrote the valet under Stephen’s photo in the yearbook. He trusted her to capture his personality in a few words, and she knew exactly what to write. The two knew each other in a way only made possible by a long-term friendship.

However, it wasn’t until years after high school that they “re-met” as they like to call it. Naomi had returned from studies abroad and Stephen was at Norman Manley Law School. Despite not speaking for several years, a happenstance meeting on UWI campus reminded them why they were so close. Now, as young adults, a new friendship formed that retained the same playfulness and honesty they had as kids.

As their new connection blossomed, the two began to recognise the true depth of their connection. They spent several hours talking about their hopes, dreams and aspirations. They began sharing with each other their lowest moments and their great successes. When something notable happened (or even something plain), they told each other first. A few months later, Stephen and Naomi realised that their friendship had developed into something more.

Now, they can’t imagine their lives without each other. So they’ve decided to embark on a brand new journey as husband and wife. As they step into married life, they look at their story with awe and gratitude.

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