Love in play: Den and Zen’s soundtrack to happily ever after
Published:Tuesday | March 21, 2023 | 12:22 AMKrysta Anderson/Staff Reporter
Denille Ashwood has always been a hopeful romantic, but she never imagined that love would be waiting for her so close to home at a sleepover. Rushane ‘DJ Zen’ Bahadosingh wasn’t exactly a stranger. He was Denille’s best friend’s other best friend and her secret crush. To her surprise, he would go on to spin his way into her heart and make a play on love, creating the forever soundtrack for husband and wife.
“We both have the same best friend, Brian Ingleton, and we met through him at his sleepover. But I had a huge crush on my husband before we ever came in physical contact. I followed him on Instagram and thought he was very cute,” the YouTuber and lifestyle content creator told Island Weddings.
From the start, Rushane realised that Denille’s beauty went beyond the skin-deep setting. “I could tell she was a smart girl who talks a lot, and that’s what caught my attention. We initially clicked while giving her general business and life advice. She listened very keenly to my suggestions and recommendations,” he explained.
Denille shared similar sentiments, noting, “I was captivated by his mind.”
Before they knew it, they were on a romantic date for two at Saffron Indian Cuisine in Kingston. Already sharing a love for adventure, gastronomic or otherwise, this encounter trended its way into an active exchange of new and exciting dishes that came their way.
Together, they decided to board and co-captain a relationship during an unprecedented time in history: at the start of COVID-19 and the global pandemic.
“When nothing in the world was making any sense and everything had slowed down, all we had was each other. And the only thing in life that was clear and felt right was us being together,” Rushane revealed.
As they got to know each other better the personal-brand consultant was amazed by how patient, considerate, family-oriented, supportive, and zen her beloved was.
“He always supports every growth move I make. He motivates me to monetise my talents. He plans my content with me and helps me put the pieces together for my big ideas,” she said, adding, “I recently started my brand classes, and he was one of the biggest driving forces behind this. He promoted my class like it was no one’s business but his own.”
An added bonus is witnessing the love that he shows, not only to her, but to her family, too. “I love how he loves my father. They are best friends forever. I always wanted to marry someone who loves my family like I do.”
Loving, kind, smart, patient, and beautiful are the melodies that came to Rushane’s mind when describing his soulmate. “She shows me a different perspective when it comes to everyday situations or life in general. She is the most loving person I’ve ever known. She has taught me how to give and receive love in ways that I’ve never experienced in life.”
Giving his queen full credit for his growth and maturity in recent years, this king shared that by taking in and learning from the wisdom and life lessons she imparted, he was able to become a more patient and understanding man towards his family and friends.
While working together amid waving waters, the couple would often dock at the favourite chill spot, Hellshire, where relaxation was the order of the occasion. Or watch a new movie at the theatres in the Sunshine City of Portmore in St Catherine. And of course, dining excursions are always high on the date list.
After courting for two years, this wonderful match set sights on steering into a new horizon, uniting two into one.
From there, the engaged pair went on to spend a year planning the big day, with the help of close family members and friends. “All of the planning was done between me and my best friend, Toni Mogg, who was also my maid of honour. We are event ‘girlies’, so I knew we could do it! My aunt Jannette Fisher, of Events by Janyve, brought all my designs to life,” the bride added.
On November 6, 2022, Denille and Rushane said ‘I Do’ in an enchanting wedding ceremony at the Boone Hall Oasis in St Andrew. Her husband desired an outdoor garden wedding and both of her parents are from Stony Hill, so the venue was kismet.
Among lush greenery, the blushing bride, who was supported by her bridesmaids in blush pink, wore a white dress with a slight V neckline and a high-split detail as she walked up the aisle to meet her groom, suited in a navy-blue tuxedo.
“The wedding was all I wanted and more! Absolutely beautiful! Even the sunshine was just right. The best moment was when my husband was reading his vows. There was not one dry eye in the house, and he definitely outdid me,” Mrs Bahadosingh recounted.