Deborah Cox puckers up to plant a tender kiss on her hubby, producer and songwriter Lascelles Stephens, whom she’s known since high school. The two reunited as music partners and fell in love in 1994, but didn’t marry until 2001.
“We knew six months into our relationship that we were going to get married,” says Cox, who married her love in Negril, Jamaica, seven years after he proposed.
High school friends turned soul mates and newlyweds Stephens and Cox chill in style seaside before boarding a boat to celebrate their blessed union with 70 family and friends.
“I love how laidback he is,” says Cox of her hubby. “He has a great sense of humor as well.”
After a late-night studio session, Stephens and Cox made a pit stop at Mickey D’s in their native Toronto, Canada, and Stephens surprised her with a ring in the box.
“I couldn’t stop screaming and the folks in the restaurant thought I had a rat in my food,” says Deborah, laughing. “When I calmed down he asked, ‘Will you?’ and of course, I said yes.”
The dynamic duo basks in the glow of love and their Caribbean honeymoon.
“We spent two weeks in Jamaica,” recalls Cox. “it was beautiful but we were so hot on our wedding day I didn’t think anyone was gong to survive the heat.”
Cox’s son, Isaiah, 5, is all smiles as he stays near and dear to his mom.
Sumayah, 2-and-a-half years-old, sits pretty on mama Cox’s hip as she takes in the view of a giraffe.
Stephens and Cox take Sumayah and Isaiah on a horse-and-carriage ride in New York.
Cox sits for a portrait with her son Isaiah.
The Chipmunks hang out with Isaiah and Sumayah at Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
Stephens and Cox go on a carriage ride with their children Sumayah and Isaiah.
Young graduate Isaiah shows that he comes in peace as he celebrates his graduation with baby sis Sumayah and mommy.
Sumayah enjoys the merry-go-round as she keeps watch to make sure the rest of her family is standing nearby.
Siblings Sumayah and Isaiah go treasure hunting without the help of their parents.
Sumayah gets a kick out of big bro Isaiah who prepares to toss his snowball.
Isaiah shows his baby sis Sumayah how it’s done.
