Jodie-Kay Kelly started hearing about the character of “Ray” around campus the moment she entered college to pursue a degree in guidance and counseling. Everyone had a good story to share. Some present him as a comedian, while others highlight his musical skills. When she finally met Reinhold 'Ray' Watson in person, she didn't understand the hype. That was until she got to know him better. By attending the same classes and working together in groups, the two developed a beautiful bond that blossomed even more eight years later.
“Through prayer, encouragement, and revelation, we realized that the beginning of our friendship was leading to something bigger, where God was taking us. It was a journey.” Jody =Kei said island wedding.
As their friendship grew, Jodie-Kay came to understand his kind, honest, and caring side more deeply. “His personality is warm and inviting. I can be my complete self around him,” she added. “He's more calm and diplomatic than I am, so when there's an issue or something that affects me a lot, I get impatient or emotional about something.” I immediately tried to find a solution or the best way to deal with it. He is more solution based and that's what I needed. ”
Reinhold remembers meeting Jodi-Kay for the first time on the dormitory steps at Jamaica Seminary, and at first he thought she seemed very serious and strict. But over time, he was surprised by how supportive, resilient, caring, and radiant she was.
“She will be there for you through thick and thin, offering unwavering encouragement and support in all your endeavors. Despite facing hardships, she remains strong and bounces back with grace. She has deep empathy and is always willing to lend a helping hand. She approaches life with zeal and enthusiasm and pursues her interests with enthusiasm and dedication. And her inner beauty shines through. , she lights up every room she enters with her presence,” he revealed.
Jodie-Kay remained honest, determined, and dedicated when it came to nurturing her relationships. “From day one, Jodi-Kay was my accountability partner and I was her accountability partner. She made sure I was on the straight and narrow. [path], and we were constantly checking on each other. At times, we spent time in prayer, introspection, and discussions where we made necessary adjustments to our personal lives. ”
They loved traveling around the island and made the most of going on new adventures and making new memories.
Reinhold decides to risk his life to ask his best friend to become his wife. “What Jodi-Kaye taught me is to challenge God with whatever you want. And I did that and challenged God. Every time I challenged God, Jodi Kaye did what I challenged God to do. But then it seemed unrealistic for me to be with my best friend, so I went to see if he was sure. So I challenged God again, but Jodi-Kay continued to do what I asked, and I said, 'Okay. Lord, if it is Your will, let it be.”
Reinhold had planned to propose to Jodi-Kaye on the beach at a romantic sunset the day after her birthday. When that failed, he moved the proposal to her birthday instead.
“Jodie-Kay is a big fan of her family, so she invited some of her family to celebrate her birthday with us. When we arrived at her house, dinner was being prepared. I sat her down and let her listen to the voice memo that a friend had sent her for her birthday. After dinner, the birthday celebrations began. We all gathered together and listened to a day in the life of Jodie Kay. We celebrated and shared our love and blessings. I was the last person to whom I could convey my birthday wishes. So, I would like to share with you how Jodi and I became friends and how I We celebrated her birthday by talking a little about how much we admired the woman Jodi has become.”
But he wasn't done yet. “That's when I slowly approached her and said, 'Jodie-Kay, Monique Kelly, will you do me the honor and be my wife?' By that time I had lost my mind. Kneeling down, the ring box opened, reflecting light illuminating both the space and her face. Ms. Jody stared in awe and complete shock, looking around at her equally surprised and excited family. Then she said, “Yes.''
She asked a childhood friend to be her wedding planner, and with the help of her family and friends, she planned her dream wedding overseas. As for her dress, she kept looking and got the nod for her gown at her boutique ball at Union's Bridal. “The boutique was very accommodating and flexible with my situation. I was looking to get a ball gown that fit my style and budget, and they had exactly what I needed. ” she added.
“Journey to Watsonville” ended one chapter and began another on January 26th. Jodie-Kay and Reinhold went from best friends to husband and wife in a beautiful wedding ceremony held at the Meet Conference on the Hipstrip. Montego Bay, St. James. A reception was also held at the same venue.
For the groom, the wedding was beautiful and emotional. His best moment was when he turned around and saw his bride walking down the aisle towards him in her gorgeous dress. “I was full of emotions, but I kept them in check as best I could.”
The bride was equally excited and immersed in wedding bliss. “We had a travel-themed wedding. And the moment we were pronounced husband and wife was the best moment for me because I could say I married my best friend.” recalled Mrs Kelly Watson.
krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com