A timeless Thomas love story

A sure, consistent, and loving partner makes all the difference in lasting love – a truth Amanda Powell and Richard Thomas continue to beautifully live out. Theirs is a relationship built not only on the words ‘I love you,’ but on the everyday actions that quietly and steadfastly proved their devotion through the years.

For Richard, it felt natural for him to be himself around her from the moment they met.

“My first impression of her was how genuine and welcoming she was. She carried herself with confidence but also had this kindness that made her easy to talk to,” he told Island Wedding.

While Amanda was getting to know the entrepreneur, there was one thing that stood above everything else: his calm nature.

“He had this quiet confidence that made me feel safe right away. What really caught my attention was how attentive he was [as] he listened while [I was] yapping. He noticed the little things, and he made me laugh without even trying”, Amanda explained.

Initially meeting through mutual friends, their relationship began with casual interactions and gradually grew as they spent most weekends together while Amanda attended the University of Technology, Jamaica.

The couple’s first date was at the now closed Rodney’s Arms in Portmore. They spent quality time learning about their family history, playing catch up on their lives prior to meeting each other and it became clear this was the start of them being in a committed relationship.

Confessing to her early attraction, Amanda said, “I even caught myself copying his playlist, he has the best taste in music, and I started listening to all the songs he loved. That’s when I knew it was more than just a crush”.

Realising he had found his soulmate, Richard added, “I found myself calling her to check on how she was doing. I knew her timetable, so I anticipated hearing from her during her breaks at school. I looked forward to weekends seeing her.”

During their five-year relationship, the couple faced a difficult period when Richard was hospitalised following an unfortunate car accident. Navigating that challenge together ultimately brought them even closer.

“He was in the hospital for a few days, and his hand was broken, which took months to heal. It was a really tough time, but it reminded us how important it is to lean on each other. We got through it with patience, care, and a lot of faith,” Amanda said.

WHEN YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW

By supporting, encouraging, and staying consistent for each other, they shared both good and bad moments and grew to deeply admire those qualities in their relationship.

“I realised Richard wasn’t just saying stuff, he followed through on what he said. I told my friends about two months into knowing him that this was my husband,” Amanda recalled, laughing.

And just as she had predicted, Richard planned the proposal for October 24 last year at Azul Beach Resort in Negril, during a late-night dinner by the beach. Amanda and her friends had sensed that Richard had something special in store for the vacation, but they didn’t realise he had an even more long-term plan in mind.

Discussing the moments leading up to her proposal, Amanda said, “I thought it was just another one of his thoughtful ‘just because’ gifts; he’s always been the kind of guy to give something meaningful for no reason.”

On Sunday, June 15, the couple tied the knot at St Andrew Scots Kirk United Church.

“From the moment I started getting ready, everything was filled with anticipation and excitement,” Amanda, who described the day as a dream said, adding, “Walking down the aisle and seeing Richard waiting there, it was such an emotional moment.”

The beautiful bride, escorted by her father Lascelle Powell, also shared with Island Wedding one of the bittersweet moments from her special day: “My grandparents were about to migrate, and our wedding ended up being the last time I’d see them in Jamaica for a while. Being able to celebrate such a special day with them, knowing it would be a while before we saw each other again, made that moment both joyful and deeply moving.”

The newly-weds continued the celebration with an intimate reception held and catered by the Christar Villas Hotel in St Andrew.

“It was full of laughter, dancing, and a few slightly questionable dance moves from some of our loved ones,” Mr and Mrs Thomas shared.

ruth-ann.briscoe@gleanerjm.com