After years of love, family bonding, and shared traditions, Chelsea Cole and Michael Nelson’s journey led them to their destination wedding last November at Moon Palace Jamaica in Ocho Rios, St Ann. The celebration, which reflected both their Caribbean roots and New York upbringing, marked a special moment for the couple, whose story began in January 2014 during a high school senior trip to Honor’s Haven Retreat & Conference in Ellenville, New York.
Though they attended different schools — Michael at Transit Tech Career and Technical Education High School and Chelsea at Clara Barton High School for Health Professions — a brief conversation led to an exchange of social media handles, setting their journey in motion.
“I thought she had very nice cheekbones and was pretty,” Michael shared with Island Wedding about his first impression of his other half.
Chelsea, meanwhile, was intrigued by Michael’s height and his style, noting that he dresses well. However, the pair have different recollections of their first meeting.
“If you ask Michael, he would say I stopped him and his friends in the hallway and said hello. But if you know me, then you probably find that hard to believe,” Chelsea said, smiling.
Four years after meeting, in December 2018, the two reconnected when Michael commented on one of Chelsea’s Facebook posts. From then on, they spoke almost every day. Although it was long-distance, with Michael still living in Florida, it was around this time that Chelsea said she “fell in love with every part of him”. On Sunday, November 17, 2019, Michael asked Chelsea to be his girlfriend, and the two have been inseparable ever since.
“I was welcomed by the Nelson family with shrimp fried rice and crab legs, which are two of the many things I love to eat, and at that moment, I knew I was in a relationship with the right guy,” Chelsea explained with a laugh.
Since the beginning of their relationship, their families have shared in their journey, celebrating birthdays, holidays, and vacations together. The couple also made a commitment to travel together at least once a year.
Michael knew he was going to marry Chelsea, saying he wouldn’t want to miss out on being with her a second time.
For their first date, which also marked their first kiss, the couple went to the movie theatre before heading to Red Mango. After the evening wrapped, Michael saw Chelsea onto public transport to make sure she got home safely. Chelsea describes Michael as someone who makes her feel “loved and safe”.
POPPING THE QUESTION
On March 23, 2024, Michael brought together close friends and family under the guise of a dinner at Fushimi Japanese Cuisine in New York, where he had secretly planned a proposal. Chelsea arrived thinking she was simply attending an evening out, only to realise she was walking into a proposal.
Chelsea shared, “I thought we were going out for dinner, and then the door opened, and I saw all my friends and family with cameras. Then he pointed to the sign, ‘Will you marry me?’. I couldn’t believe it! It was an amazing proposal surrounded by love.”
Michael, sure of Chelsea’s response to his proposal, felt normal leading up to the moment. “I knew she was going to say yes. I was just hoping no one spoiled it,” he added.
And, six years later, on the same date they began their courtship, Chelsea and Michael officially marked their new chapter as husband and wife. Reflecting on the day, Michael said, “The day was a blur; honestly, it went very fast…It was nice seeing everyone in their Sunday’s best and there for us, especially since Hurricane [Melissa] hit two weeks before.”
The blushing bride chose her wedding dress from New York-based Pantora Bridal, owned by Jamaican-American designer Andrea Pitter. The mermaid-style gown featured a flowing train that added a soft, elegant finish to the look.
“God smiled on us this day,” Chelsea said, adding, “It was a beautiful sunny day, but not too hot … it was a loving but funny time. We love to joke and be vibrant, and so do our friends and family.”
Chelsea, CEO of The Virtual Collab, took charge of her wedding planning and travel arrangements through her business, overseeing the details herself. It’s this same drive and ambition, Michael says, that he loves most about her.
The decor for their special day was handled by Janice Riley Brown of Izma Designs, with catering provided by the Moon Palace staff.
“The reception was breathtaking. The bridal party and the bride and groom’s entrance were dope. We are Caribbean American, specifically from St Vincent and New York, that energy came through in the music. Then it was time to fete, which is what we wanted. We danced all night!” Chelsea shared.
Music played a central role in the celebration, with the couple making their entrance to Love Yuh Bad by L Pank and Kem’s 2010 hit Share My Life.
As it relates to why the couple chose Jamaica for their destination wedding, Chelsea told Island Wedding, “My family is from St Vincent so I needed a country with the same culture. Jamaica was the best option… [it] has good people, food, and vibes.”
The celebrations didn’t end at the altar, as the couple continued their journey with a honeymoon in Thailand.
ruth-ann.briscoe@gleanerjm.com
