From a ping to a promise

Antoinette Spencer did not expect a simple direct message to change her life, and Gareth Robotham likely did not either. What began as casual conversation soon blossomed into a bond built on listening, understanding, and showing up for each other. Last October, that connection brought them to Caymanas Golf Club, where they celebrated their love amid the soft greens and whites of a botanical-themed wedding.

“Early on, we both felt there was something different and special about our connection, especially because he was consistent, thoughtful, intentional, and always kept his word,” Antoinette told Island Wedding on what distinguished Gareth from anyone she had met before.

Their first exchange was on Twitter (now called X), when Gareth, out of curiosity — or perhaps a bit of boldness — was captivated by Antoinette’s display photo and slid into her DMs.

“We started by simply talking and getting to know each other, and it quickly became clear to both of us that our thoughts aligned and we shared many of the same interests and values,” she added.

As the pair took the time to get to know each other, Gareth found Antoinette beautiful both inside and out.

“She was understanding, compassionate, and rational. I quickly realised she was unlike anyone I had ever met before, and I was especially drawn to the fact that she was God-fearing,” he said.

Their first date was set for January 22, 2021, at South Avenue Grill in St Andrew.

“We talked for hours and didn’t even notice the time passing. When the restaurant closed, we kept talking in the car, not wanting the night to end,” Antoinette recalled of the date. “One of the sweetest moments was when Gareth came out to meet me in the parking lot so I wouldn’t have to walk in alone. It was such a simple gesture, but it told me a lot about him.”

Gareth remembers the night, laughing at a particular moment: “She was so caught up in both our conversation and my eyes that she couldn’t even finish her meal!”

As the weeks passed, it became clear that their connection was more than a casual acquaintance. Antoinette knew early on that Gareth was different. “Honestly, from the very first date, which was also the first time we met in person, I felt a connection that was different,” she explained.

For Gareth, the feeling grew as he discovered more about her personality and values. “I realised it when I found I couldn’t go a single day without talking to her. She became the first person I wanted to share everything with—the good, the bad, and everything in between,” he shared.

From daily messages to shared celebrations, their small rituals kept them close, even when a year into dating they faced the challenges of a long-distance relationship.

Through the years, each discovered what made the other remarkable. Gareth continues to admire Antoinette’s honesty, kindness, and, of course, her cooking, which he says is “A++++!” Antoinette, meanwhile, still finds herself drawn to Gareth’s warmth, his smile, and his unwavering commitment.

NEXT STEP

The moment to take the next step arrived in the Turks and Caicos Islands, where Gareth had planned what appeared to be a romantic dinner at Sui-Ren by the Shore Club. Antoinette had no idea the night would hold.

“It felt like any other beautiful evening out,” she recalled. But Gareth had orchestrated something extraordinary. After dinner, a bouquet of lush red roses and deep purple flowers was presented, and hidden inside a Cuatro Leches cake lay the engagement ring.

Gareth remembers the unexpected comedy of the moment: “I had asked for the ring to be on a plate that said ‘Will You Marry Me?’ but the staff decided to hide it inside the cake. I spent a few frantic seconds fishing it out while everyone watched. It was stressful, but hilarious!”

In that perfect mix of surprise, laughter, and love, Gareth popped the question, and Antoinette answered with a resounding “Yes!”

A photographer, who was initially disguised as a customer, captured the wholesome moment.

THE BIG DAY

With Hurricane Melissa approaching Jamaica, the morning of Antoinette and Gareth’s wedding on October 25 began with prayers and faith. The couple, their families, and vendors had adjusted the schedule, ensuring that despite the looming storm, the day would be everything they hoped for.

By noon, the sky had turned overcast, and just as the processional began, a soft rain started. Miraculously, the rain held through the vows and continued throughout the evening.

Antoinette walked down the aisle in a Chelsea gown by Eddy K Bridal, to the tune of Spend My Life With You by Eric Benét and Tamia. The vision for the day had been brought to life with the help of Celena Taylor of Taylor’d Events.

Antoinette and Gareth exchanged personal vows and united a three-strand cord, each weave a symbol of God at the centre of their relationship.

Gareth recalls the moment he first saw his bride: “Seeing her walk down the aisle in her wedding dress for the first time was incredibly special. She was breathtaking and looked truly regal. I had to fight to hold back the tears.”

Antoinette remembers a particularly memorable moment from the reception: “I serenaded Gareth with Snoh Aalegra’s version of Do 4 Love when he least expected it. That was very special to me.”

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