From love at first sight to happily ever after

The probability of ever finding love again seemed impossible for Kennal Bennett; however, after his encounter with Randi McLennon at a mutual friend’s housewarming party in Mandeville, Manchester, it was love at first sight. The two shared incredible conversation, and the night flew by.

Kennal was smitten, and he knew in that moment that Randi was the person he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. “I was too shy [initially] to talk to her, but deep down I knew she was the lady of my dreams,” he said. Before they parted ways, the duo exchanged numbers and spoke on and off for a few months despite the distance. Randi lives in Canada, while Kennal lives in Jamaica.

Kennal also caught Randi’s attention with his heartwarming smile and calm disposition. Their first date took them to Murray’s Fish and Jerk Hut in Clarendon. Here, the sparks were further ignited and both started developing very strong feelings for each other. After more dates over the next few months, the duo made their relationship official.

“She is understanding and loves hard. She has a strong work ethic, is health-conscious and loves nature,” Kennal said. For Randi, she loves Kennal’s dedication and sweet nature, coupled with his hard-working, selfless and confident disposition. “He is an introvert and I am an extrovert. We share similar goals and values in life, and these qualities brought us closer to each other. We decided from early in our relationship that we would not give up on each other,” Randi said.

Just nine months into their relationship, Kennal and Randi decided that they didn’t want to be apart from each other. In an intimate proposal, Kennal asked Randi to be his wife. “It was great seeing her happy! The reaction on her face was priceless,” he shared of her response.

They planned their dream event in just five months with the help of South Coast Elite Events. “As soon as I got engaged, I knew we had to hire them. They really make you feel so special on your big day, and go out of their way to make sure you don’t have to lift a finger and can just enjoy [the day]. That feeling is priceless,” Randi said.

In a boho beach themed wedding, Kennal and Randi committed their lives to each other. They pulled on natural hues for the occasion: brown, beige, burnt orange, pink and white. “We wanted something warm and inviting,” both said.

Married on the beach behind Randi’s childhood home in Black River, St Elizabeth, the venue had special significance, as her mother’s ashes are sprinkled there.

With 30 specially invited guests, and a six-person bridal party, Kennal and Randi said ‘I do’.

Westmoreland-based make-up artist Raquel Reynolds provided her services; while Avis Hammond’s vanilla cake, with strawberry rum filling, was the talk of the evening’s proceedings.

Marriage, like a garden, takes time to grow. But the harvest is rich unto those who patiently and tenderly care for the ground. Randi said it was amazing how one day someone walks into your life, and suddenly you can’t remember how you lived without them. “He makes me feel happy, loved and safe,” she said.

For Kennal, it’s Randi’s unconditional love. “She understands me and loves me for me. She has a genuine and happy soul. She is perfect in God’s sight, so she is perfect in mine. There is nothing I would change. [I] just wish I had met her earlier,” he said.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com