What does love look like when two people, raised thousands of miles apart and shaped by completely different cultures, choose to build a life together? In our latest episode of Married to a Jamaican, we meet Theresa, a proud Jamaican educator, and Ivan Meza, a Mexican artificial intelligence professional, whose relationship is as layered and colourful as the cultures that define them.
A Chance Connection That Went Further Than Expected
Theresa grew up in Riverton, Kingston, before moving to Mexico over a decade ago to pursue a career in education. Ivan’s roots lie in the lush, culturally rich region of Chiapas, known for its archaeological treasures and deep indigenous heritage.
Their paths crossed on a slightly questionable dating website—where Ivan initially suspected Theresa might be a bot thanks to her lightning-fast replies. Two months later, he invited her to a wedding in Mexico City. Their first meeting wasn’t exactly cinematic; he arrived more than 45 minutes late, and she was understandably irritated. Still, Ivan managed to rescue the moment, and that imperfect beginning marked the start of a beautiful Jamaican–Mexican romance.
Direct Meets Indirect: A Lesson in Communication
Like many intercultural couples, The Meza’s quickly discovered that communication is both the conflict and the cure. Theresa is unmistakably Jamaican—direct, clear, and uninterested in ambiguity. Ivan, on the other hand, comes from a culture where conversations tend to circle gently around a point rather than strike it head-on.
These differences could easily create tension. Instead, they sparked growth. “You have to unlearn and embrace,” Theresa says—a line that could double as a thesis for their marriage.
And while Ivan recognises that Jamaican directness can feel blunt, he also sees how well it serves Theresa in Mexico. “Everyone else is dancing around, she just says what she needs. ” And it works.”
Bonding Through Food and Tradition
Their home is a gentle blend of rituals, tastes, and traditions. Ivan is endlessly charmed by Theresa’s headwraps and bold Jamaican style, which turn heads in Mexico for all the right reasons. He also looks forward to Easter each year for the Jamaican classic—bun and cheese—though finding a worthy substitute for Tastee cheese in Mexico remains an ongoing mission.
His love affair with Jamaican food doesn’t end there. Ivan describes ackee and saltfish like a royal feast. Meanwhile, Theresa has developed her own culinary loyalty: Chiles en Nogada, a dish she considers so exceptional she’s willing to travel outside the city just to have it.
In return, Theresa has embraced Mexico’s annual Day of the Dead tradition. Initially, she approached it with deep scepticism; as she puts it in Jamaica, “we nuh deal wid dead.” But over time she has come to appreciate the sentimentality and symbolism of the celebration. Even without family members in Mexico to honour, she finds the annual ritual deeply moving.
Two Countries, One Family
Theresa has taken Ivan across Jamaica—from the misty hills of Portland to the cliffs of Negril, the plains of St Elizabeth, and the beaches of Montego Bay—giving him a full taste of the island she calls home. Ivan, in turn, introduced her to his own corner of Mexico in Chiapas, where word of “Ivan’s Jamaican wife” spread through the town long before she even arrived.
Language has been its own cultural hurdle, particularly because Ivan’s parents speak no English. Yet, between the two of them, they’ve created a shared linguistic world filled with everyday expressions that double as inside jokes. Ivan now uses the Jamaican “Yeah, man” with ease, while Theresa has fully embraced the Mexican “Órale”—a versatile exclamation that earned her the affectionate nickname “the Órale girl” in the neighbourhood.
Despite the gaps in translation, there is warmth, enthusiasm, and genuine curiosity on both sides of the family that have only deepened with the arrival of their young daughter.
What Their Story Teaches Us About Love
When asked what advice they would offer to couples navigating cultural differences, their responses were thoughtful and refreshingly grounded.
“Be open to differences. Learn, unlearn, and enjoy the process,” Ivan says, summing up the quiet work that has shaped their relationship.
Theresa echoes the sentiment, “it’s not just embracing the other person’s culture—it’s examining your own, and being willing to grow.”
Are You Married to a Jamaican? Share Your Love Story!
If you’re married to a Jamaican, we’d love for you to share your journey with us. Tell us how you met, the cultural surprises you’ve encountered, and what makes your relationship special. Submit your story here.
