Journey to Watsonville: Jodi-Kaye finds her ‘Ray’ of sunshine

The moment Jodi-Kaye Kelly enrolled in college to pursue her degree in guidance and counselling, she began hearing about a ‘Ray’ character around campus. Everyone had good stories to share: some featured him as a comedian and others highlighted his musical skills. When she finally met Reinhold ‘Ray’ Watson in person, she didn’t see what all the hype was about. That was until she got to know him better. Attending the same classes and working in groups together, the two developed a beautiful bond that blossomed into so much more eight years later.

“Through prayers, encouragement and revelations, we realised that the start of our friendship was leading to something bigger, somewhere that God wanted to take us; it was a journey,” Jodi-Kaye told Island Wedding.

Over the course of their friendship, Jodi-Kaye got greater insight into his kind, genuine and caring side. “His personality is warm and captivating. I can be my complete self around him,” she said, adding, “He’s more calm and diplomatic than I am, so whenever there is an issue or something that affects me greatly, while I’ll be either hot-headed or emotional about it, he would quickly try to find a solution or the best method in dealing with the situation. He is more solution-based, and that’s something I needed.”

Reinhold, who recalled first meeting Jodi-Kaye at the Jamaica Theological Seminary, on the stairs of the dormitory, initially thought that she looked so serious and strict. But as time went on, he was amazed by how supportive, resilient, compassionate and radiant she is.

“She will stand by your side through thick and thin, offering unwavering encouragement and support in all endeavours. Despite facing challenges, she remains strong and bounces back with grace. She has a deep empathy for others and is always willing to lend a helping hand. Approaching life with zeal and enthusiasm, she pursues her interests with fervour and dedication. And her inner beauty shines through, illuminating every room she enters with her presence,” he revealed.

When it comes to nurturing their relationship, Jodi-Kaye remained sincere, determined and committed. “From day one, Jodi-Kaye has been my accountability partner and I was hers. She ensured that I was walking the straight and narrow [path], and we always checked on each other. There were times we spent time in prayer, and had discussions that would make us do some heavy introspection and make the necessary adjustments to our individual lives.”

The pair loved to travel across the island, making the best out of going on new adventures and making new memories.

Reinhold decided to take the risk of a lifetime by asking his best friend to be his wife. “Something Jodi-Kaye taught me was to challenge God with anything that you want, and that’s what I did, I challenged God. With every challenge I threw at Him, Jodi-Kaye did what I challenged God about. But then I started to question Him to see if He was sure, because being with my best friend seemed unreal. So I challenged God again, and Jodi-Kaye kept on doing what I asked for, so I said, ‘Okay Lord, if it is your will, let it be.’”

Reinhold planned to propose to Jodi-Kaye on the beach the day after her birthday, aiming for a romantic sunset setting. When that fell through, he moved the proposal to her birthday instead.

“Jodi-Kaye is big on family, so I invited a few of her family members to share with her on her birthday celebration. When we got to her house, dinner was being prepared. I sat her down and let her listen to the voice notes her friends had sent her for her birthday. After dinner, we started the birthday celebrations. We all gathered around and shared our love and well wishes to Jodi-Kaye for her day. I was the last person left to give my birthday wish. So, I gave a little history of how Jodi and I became friends and how I admired the woman she had become, and I wished her a happy birthday.“

But he wasn’t done. “That is when I slowly walked up to her and said, ‘Jodi-Kaye Monique Kelly, will you do me the esteemed honour and be my wife?’ By then I was on one knee, the ring box opened, reflecting the light that illuminated both the space and her face. Jodi stared in awe and utter shock, looking around at her family who were equally surprised and excited. Then, she said ‘Yes’.”

Enlisting her childhood friend as the wedding planner, she orchestrated the wedding of her dreams while overseas, with family and friends pitching in to help. As for her dress, she went on the hunt and nodded to a ball gown from Unions Bridal Boutique. “The boutique was very accommodating and flexible with my situation. I was set on having a ball gown fit for my style and budget and they had just what I needed,” she added.

The ‘Journey to Watsonville’ saw the ending of a chapter and the beginning of another on January 26, when Jodi-Kaye and Reinhold went from best friends to husband and wife in a beautiful wedding ceremony held at the Meet Conference on the Hip Strip of Montego Bay, St James. The reception took place at the same venue.

For the groom, the wedding was beautiful and emotional. The best moment for him came when he turned around and saw his bride in her gorgeous dress walking up the aisle towards him. “I was filled with emotions, but I held it together for as long as I could.”

The bride was equally excited basking in nuptial bliss. “We had our travel-themed wedding. And the moment we were pronounced as husband and wife was the high point for me, because I can say I married my best friend,” Mrs Kelly-Watson reflected.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com