Island wedding | sajato powell finds his ‘rose’

Growing and unfolding, especially in faith, was the order of the day for Sajato Powell. But he had no idea that after moving from Clarendon to St Andrew, he would find the rose he had always been looking for. The two met as he attended a youth fellowship at her place of worship, King’s Gate United Church. True to her nature, she proved to be as captivating as her name. Over a decade later, Sajato married his enchanting Alaina Rose.

Alaina recounted that their initial interactions were both platonic and minimal. She tells Island Wedding: “I did not know much about him at the time. However, I did view him as very outgoing and friendly. While that first impression proved to be true, I also came to realise that there was much more to him as I got to know him better.”

Only then did she discover Sajato’s selfless, intelligent, ambitious, adventurous, and jovial nature.

“He genuinely cares more about others. The way I’ve seen him care for his mother, relatives, and friends has been not only heartwarming but very inspiring. He has a vast range of knowledge. Many times, he feels like my personal encyclopaedia. He has held numerous leadership roles throughout his life and has demonstrated dedication in balancing them alongside his work and other personal commitments,” she revealed, adding that the joy of his laughter continues to melt her heart.

Always up for exploring nature, Alaina explains that her beloved will go to new heights, if necessary, just for scenic views, “He has taught me to be more spontaneous, not to overthink situations, and to relax instead of letting things bother me. I also learn something new from him almost every day about the environment and different countries around the world.”

Additionally, quality time is never lost on him. In fact, it is treasured more than anything. “He always makes sure we set aside time to simply enjoy each other’s company, whether it’s going out to eat or staying home for a games’ night. And he is the one who ensures that all our plans and activities are kept up to date in our schedule,” Alaina added.

Sajato, who initially thought Alaina was quiet, said that changed once they began their relationship. 

“I found out that I didn't really get to [experience] her silly side. And I'm now glad that I did,” he explained.

After attending a play together and realising their feelings for each other, the two went on to spend another day at a Chinese restaurant.

“We talked in the restaurant until the staff members told us that they would like to go home. Then we went outside and saw that it was raining. So, we sat outside and spoke until around midnight, when the plaza was closing. This has been the recurring theme of our dates ever since,” he said.

A month later, Sajato invited Alaina to a picnic date at Hope Botanical Gardens. From there, adventure took them up to Skyline Drive for a breathtaking view of the sunset. “Then and there, I asked her to be my girlfriend.”

SOULMATES

According to Sajato, his soulmate is a great listener, patient, loving, amusing, and kind. 

“Alz (Alaina) is the kind of person who listens, not to respond but to understand your viewpoint.  She takes her time, even if she is not sure what she should say or do, but she will be there to hear you out and to give feedback. She encourages me to take chances. And she isn’t afraid to tell me when I need to get myself together and stay focused on my goals,” he said.

She is a woman of God, he declared, and this love is evident in the way she interacts with others. “Even though she seems reserved, she loves hard. And her ability to show love to others is accompanied by her kindness. I saw how she would greet the older generation in church and have meaningful conversations even when others are seemingly too busy to talk with them,” he said, adding, “She makes up songs on the spot for the most random of things, and best believe a dance is coming along with it.”

After courting for a year, one month, 15 days, and 11 hours, “I don’t remember the minutes, but who is counting,” Sajato said with a laugh, the journey which began on February 14, 2024, entered a new chapter when he asked Alaina to marry him.

Since the couple like to relax after long weeks of work and school with picnics, Sajato felt it was the perfect setting for a surprise proposal.

With Strawberry Fields Together secure, the couple ventured to the location. “While driving through the junction, we had some extra-heavy rain, and we both started wondering if the day was completely messed up. But once we reached the Annotto Bay roundabout and saw that there was no rain, we were both happy,” he shared. 

The couple arrived at the office, where a picnic setup for two had been arranged. Alaina initially thought it was simply part of the setting until Sajato revealed, “It’s for us”. After a sweet exchange, he went down on one knee and asked her to marry him. Surprised, an excited Alaina said yes. Planning their wedding with the assistance of loved ones and wedding coordinators, Sajato and Alaina exchanged vows before God at The University of the West Indies (UWI) Chapel on the Mona Campus in St Andrew on the last Saturday in January.

Guests stood in awe as the bride made her way down the aisle to meet her groom. Once the ‘I dos’ were said, the newly-weds celebrated their nuptial love at a reception at Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel on Waterloo Road in the same parish.

“It was such a joy-filled and beautiful day. And it was such an amazing feeling to know the day had finally come when I became Sajato’s wife and he, my husband. We were determined to make our focus be on God and each other, and that is exactly what we did. The moment our minister pronounced us husband and wife was by far the best moment for me,” the blushing bride said. 

The suave groom shared similar sentiments, agreeing that their wedding was amazing, “The chapel felt huge, and I felt right at home. And the wedding was all that I hoped for. I just wanted the day to be amazing for Alz and me. The best moment for me came when I turned around and saw my bride, smiling and waiting for me.”

The married pair shared a first dance as husband and wife to the track I Get to Love You by Ruelle, and amid the celebration, her husband had a surprise in store.

“I was so excited to be dancing with my husband and was taken by surprise by the sparklers that were included as background effects, all planned by Sajato as a beautiful surprise for me,” Mrs Powell highlighted. 

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