Sanya finds love and clarity with DJ Narity

When Sanya Wallace learned that her boyfriend of three years, Richard Innerarity, had cancelled a deejay gig on May 3, she was puzzled. Her concern grew when the client — a dear friend and bride-to-be — mentioned that Richard’s reason for the cancellation was that he was getting married the day before. Little did Sanya know, the wedding in question was hers: her engagement ring was already waiting in the wings, and the date was set for May 2, 2025.

Seeking clarity about the mysterious wedding date, Sanya spoke with Richard, uncovering a dramatic plot twist. She tells Island Wedding, “We had a minor argument to which he added fuel to the fire, telling me midway that he needed to go downstairs.” To her surprise, he returned with a glistening ring in hand, going down on one knee and asking her to marry him.

Although the two attended the same high school and had mutual friends, Richard and Sanya never really exchanged words in the beginning. Remaining in the same social circles, their familiarity gradually influenced their relationship to blossom from being simply platonic to increasingly romantic in recent years.

“He was friends with one of my friends, so initially I just viewed him as a really cool guy [who was] very unbothered by nature. Getting to know him was different, but still cool. I got to see new and different sides. He’s super romantic and great at planning surprises, especially for me, because I need to know and be involved in everything,” she shared.

The duo confessed that it is hard to pinpoint how an intimate relationship was formed. It started out with an unconventional date and gradually progressed into a beautiful union.

“Our first date was a sushi picnic in the living room of my apartment. It was different and I think she liked it,” Richard shared. Sanya added that she found the occasion to be pretty special, “We have been inseparable ever since.”

As their bond deepened, Sanya admired Richard’s loving, hardworking, ambitious, supportive, and gentle nature.

“Richard’s way of loving has really softened me. He has given me a sense of calm that I didn’t know was possible, offering me emotional stability and giving me a safe and loving space to grow. He supports me, while giving me space to be myself,” she said.

As a couple, they enjoy travelling, dancing in the living room, going on long drives, trying new restaurants, and, best of all, sharing the responsibility of caring for their dog, Houston.

“Richard made me feel different from anything I had ever felt before. It was almost as if his space in my life had already been carved out. And he was the perfect fit,” she revealed.

With a beauty that continues to astound him, Richard remains enchanted by her drive, style, ambition, focus, and independence.

“She has always been the one who helps me to improve my personal approaches to lots of things, whether it’s conflict resolution or interpersonal interactions. She has also pushed me to improve my craft, suggesting ways to expand my brand. I realised I couldn’t go a day without talking to her,” he explained.

After three years of courtship, Richard decided it was time to take the next step.

“While at home one evening, I asked her about ideas regarding our wedding date. She told me that she wasn’t making any plans with me until she got engaged. I had bought the ring maybe two weeks before and I had it hidden. I told her I’d be right back. I then went downstairs for it and proposed to her right then and there where we had our first date,” Richard recounted.

To make their wedding dreams a reality, the bride-to-be planned her own nuptials, alongside her soulmate. “We wanted an untraditional wedding. And we had just under six weeks to plan. I created our wedding playbook with everything outlined. Richard approved it and I teamed up with my close friend and her partner to bring our plans to life. The process was not as stressful as I heard it would be. It was actually fun and so exciting seeing everything fall in place.”

It was a scene of love on May 2, as Richard and Sanya joined hearts in a beautiful ceremony at Villa Ronai in Stony Hill, St Andrew.

The wedding was everything Richard had envisioned, “The best moment for me was seeing her coming down the aisle. She was stressed about her dress, but I thought she looked absolutely stunning!”

While for Sanya, their special day was so perfect that not even the rain could dampen the celebration. “It was a standing wedding, so the ceremony was very short. We only had lounge seating for older family members and we wanted everyone to party with us afterwards. We’re so happy that they did.”

The bride’s favourite moment came as she walked up the aisle to meet her groom, “Nothing beats seeing the biggest smile on his face as I walked towards him.”

To commemorate the next chapter, the newly-weds shared an official first dance to their favourite song, For You by reggae singer, Dennis Brown. “Specially invited guests gathered around us with sparklers to make the moment even more special,” Mrs Innerarity highlighted.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com