Taje Chantelle-Marie
she said
“yes”
dream wedding feature
February 10, 2019
Struan Castle Gardens
Images courtesy of Wedd TV
Tajé and Chantelle-Marie met at age 7, but their love story officially began after forging and maintaining a friendship throughout their high school years via social media.
In 2014 they decided to give their relationship a try; that day they saw each other for the first time in 2 years. The couple dated dated for 4 years and officially got engaged on February 13, 2018.
The Proposal
There was an unofficial proposal in 2017, but the real deal happened in a most unusual fashion. As told by Taje:
After the ‘unofficial’ proposal, I tried to devise the most romantic engagement that I could imagine. However, the most unexpected of opportunities presented itself a week before the proposal. I received a call to say that our marriage counselor had recommended us to enter a competition put on by CVM TV entitled “She Said Yes.”
It required the submission of a 150 word essay and a photo of Chanz and I; the prize was a dream wedding and a proposal on live tv!
Later in the week, I was elated to hear that I won! All this time I did not tell Chantelle that I had entered the competition. I figured that if I won and I was to propose to her on tv, it would be best if done unexpectedly.
The show’s producer then asked me to curate a story to invite Chantelle to the studios for the proposal. So I told Chantelle that CVM came to UTech to find young couples for its Valentine’s Day feature and I was chosen. Next, I told my uncle about the amazing offer and my dilemma of having no ring to propose with. Instantly, he offered me my grandmother’s (his mother) wedding band.
Things were officially falling into place. Tajé asked Chantalle’s parents for her hand in marriage and after getting their blessing, the secret proposal was officially underway!
We set out on Monday at 6:30 a.m. en route to CVM TV. We got there and patiently waited until 12 noon; when we were told to come back the next day.
The next day ran smoothly. We got there for 6:30 a.m. again and went in studio by 8:15. As far as Chanz was concerned, the interview was going according to plan. It was based on our relationship over the years and she was still unaware of what was about to transpire.
When the host, Mr. Raymond Pryce asked me if I had any final words, I turned to Chantelle and expressed how much I loved her, and wanted her to be a part of my life, and how I wanted us to continue to mature as a young couple and even as husband and wife.
I asked if she wanted that as well and she said yes with a quirky smile on her face. That was when I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me.
As I did, tears flowed freely from her eyes and streamed down her face. She said YES! And it was greeted by much fanfare.
Staff members in the production room and elsewhere were running into the studio in shock and with phones to capture the moment.
It was a surreal experience; one that I’ll never forget.
The Wedding
Tajé and Chantelle-Marie James got married on February 10, 2019 at Struan Castle Gardens in Stony hills, St. Andrew. The venue provided a beautiful backdrop and lush vegetation – perfect for a garden wedding and reception.
Mr. and Mrs. James got their dream wedding, now onto their Happily ever after!
The day was littered with memorable moments, from the couple’s personally written vows to their first kiss, and their first walk down the aisle as husband and wife. Finally, the reception, then the newly married couple along with family and friends danced the night away. Young and old got busy on the dance floor just as Tajé and Chantelle-Marie had envisioned.
