Island Wedding | Emiah and Nadia’s dream ‘I do’ in Jamaica

During the summer of 2011, Nadia Blake attended a one-week high school programme for incoming freshmen. Her vibrant presence quickly intrigued Emiah Douglas, who was also in attendance. The two grew to be best friends, but their initial encounter was the ‘smart start’ to unlocking a romantic chapter that culminated in wedded bliss in Jamaica years later. 

“I always dreamed of visiting Jamaica, and because both of our families are from islands, having an island wedding felt perfect for us,” Nadia explained to Island Wedding.

Choosing Moon Palace Jamaica in Ocho Rios as their venue, Nadia shared that they “wanted a place where everyone could relax, celebrate, and truly enjoy the experience together”.

Their connection, however, began years earlier.

Nadia didn't notice Emiah during the Smart Start summer programme, but he caught sight of her while she greeted one of her middleschool friends. 

“There was something special about her, but at the time, neither of us could imagine that one week would eventually lead to a lifetime together,” he said.

Since the very first day he met her in ninth grade, Emiah knew Nadia was the one. “Her personality stood out to me immediately. And I was sure she would always be important in my life.”

For Nadia, there was a beautiful sense of comfort and familiarity between them from the start. According to Emiah, however, she kept shutting down the idea of them being together.

Years would pass before the duo reconnected in 2022 and officially went on their first date. Despite her nerves, Nadia, who was attending dental school in Nashville, Tennessee, welcomed Emiah to the city for a visit.

“I decided to take him to one of my favourite parks. I imagined we’d walk and talk. Instead, we saw bikes available and spontaneously decided to try them. I had only ridden a bike once before. So, for two hours, I completely embarrassed myself trying to ride. Through all of it, he was patient, encouraging, and laughing right alongside me,” she recounted. 

Emiah then took Nadia for ice cream as a reward for her brave efforts, “He thanked me for being vulnerable around him and trusting him enough to let him guide and support me when I fell. Looking back, that date perfectly reflected the foundation of our relationship: safe, genuine, lighthearted, and full of love.”

A month later, while Emiah was deployed in Iraq, Nadia realised a relationship was beginning to develop between them.

“Because he and his roommate worked opposite shifts, he stepped outside late at night so we could talk without disturbing him. It was freezing cold, and I kept asking if he wanted to hang up and talk later, but he refused. We stayed on the phone for hours. By the end of one of the conversations, he looked directly into my eyes through the screen and told me he loved me. From that day forward, he never stopped saying it. More importantly, he’s never stopped showing it,” Nadia said.

Since then, she has admired how loving, disciplined, honest, hilarious, and detailed Emiah is. “He is one of the most genuine people I know. His discipline inspires those around him as well. He loves deeply and intentionally. He keeps me laughing constantly, and he notices every little detail — whether it’s in our relationship, his work, or caring for loved ones, he gives his full attention and effort to everything he does,” she added, noting that he constantly encourages her to believe in herself, trust her instincts, and push beyond her fears.

To Emiah, Nadia's loyalty, compassion, trust, drive, and astonishing spirit made it impossible not to admire.

“She gives her all to the things she’s passionate about. She’s incredibly loyal and will stand beside the people she loves no matter what. Her compassion and empathy allow her to love deeply and care genuinely for others. She trusts me to lead and supports me fully … She is truly my empress,” he declared. 

Filling the gaps wherever he falls short, Nadia brings balance to his world and always ensures that their relationship is fuelled by love, effort, and understanding, “She has helped to shape me into the man I am today simply by believing in me, supporting me, and allowing me space to grow. Her love motivates me to always improve myself.”

After two years of dating, Emiah wasted no time making Nadia his wife, popping the question while on a family cruise. “My sister secretly decorated our suite while I distracted [Nadia] around the ship. Once she gave me the ready signal, I casually told Nadia we needed to go back because I forgot my phone charger,” he recalled, adding, “As soon as she opened the suite door, she saw the balloons, roses, and decorations. Then she turned around and saw me on one knee with the ring in my hand. Seeing the look on her face at that moment is something I’ll never forget.”

The engaged couple sought help from the bride-to-be's mother, as well as her maid and matron of honour, who were instrumental in the planning and preparation process. Closer to the big day, the hotel assigned them a wedding coordinator.

On May 10, Emiah and Nadia became Mr and Mrs Douglas in an enchanting ceremony at the North Gazebo at Moon Palace Jamaica. As the stunning bride walked up the aisle, she left special guests and her handsome groom speechless.

“To walk up the aisle with my dad holding my arm while seeing my husband standing ahead with tears in his eyes waiting for me was a moment I will never forget. Then to see my bridesmaids – women who have loved and supported me through every phase of life – crying and smiling with so much joy, I felt loved and at peace.” 

For the dapper groom, marrying his soulmate has been the highlight of his life. 

“Our wedding was amazing. The best part was officially marrying my wife and celebrating with the people we love most. One thing that truly stood out to me was seeing the incredible work IZMA Designs did with our decor. The tropical oasis completely exceeded our expectations and brought our vision to life in a way we could have never imagined,” he added. 

The newly-weds kept the celebrations going with a reception at the resort's Starlight Terrace. There, they shared their first dance as husband and wife to an R&B, reggae, and Haitian kompa medley featuring If Only for One Night by Luther Vandross, Surreal by Natural High Music featuring Tessanne Chin, Rete La by Rutshelle Guillaume, and She's Hot by Pierre Jean featuring T-Jo Zenny. 

“At first, I was nervous because he hadn’t practised much, and I also hadn’t practised dancing in my dress. But as the songs continued, I slowly let go of the nerves and just enjoyed the romantic moment,” Mrs Douglas said.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com