A chance encounter leads to matrimonial bliss for the Ellingtons

Suzette Sutherland first laid eyes on Handasyde Ellington in 2017 during a test for a job. Captivated by his looks, she went home thinking about this handsome stranger. When their paths crossed again in 2018 at work, she joked with her best friend about making him hers. By the time fate intervened, they were finally introduced in May 2019, when she was selected for the company’s netball team. A friendship ensued in the first session and Suzette went on to be the love of his life, and later his wedded wife.

Suzette recognised early that he was the one for her. But this was tested and proven as early as July of that first year. When her daughter had fallen ill, she was pleasantly surprised and grateful that Handasyde was right there by her side. “I was a bit sceptical at first, so I asked my mom for some advice. Based on her response and blessings, we started dating,” she told Island Wedding.

Seeing first-hand how family-oriented he was, and that he shared most of the character traits that she was looking for in a man, only confirmed what she sensed all along.

For Handasyde, he warmly reciprocated the feeling. “She’s not like any other females I had ever met. She seemed very responsible and seemed to have her head screwed on the right place. After taking her daughter to the hospital, I noticed that the fatherly support was needed. Plus, I was already really into her.”

After a few conversations, he realised that she is not only family-oriented, but she knows what she needs. So, he decided to make their relationship official.

Reminiscing on the wonderful first date they had at Sky Dweller Ultra Lounge, Suzette explained how charmed she was by his caring, hard-working, loving, jovial and protective side. “Always the life of the party, he puts family first, foreseeing dangers beforehand. He encourages me to go for what’s best for me, no matter how risky it may seem. He has taught me to be cautious, as persons will take disadvantage. And by being himself, he lets nature take its course, and it works out in his favour.

Enchanted by her beauty, Handasyde is also in awe of her authentic, unique, creative, loyal and humble nature. “She always knows how to think from the box to accomplish her tasks. While she’s not the fussy type, she’s very classy. Her humility is a defining quality. She’s very devoted and focused and will never cause hurt or harm to the ones she truly loves.”

Since embarking on this journey together, he has received her unwavering support, especially in situations that seemed difficult to accomplish: “She’s the one who supports the family in times of emotional distress.

After four years of courtship, Handasyde asked for his girlfriend’s hand in marriage with a romantic proposal. “I surprised her by taking her to Holiday Inn Resort in Montego Bay. With the room decorated, I asked on bended knees to marry me.” Surprised, Suzette happily said yes.

“We didn’t want the traditional wedding, so we planned our nuptials together,” she revealed. When it came time to choose a wedding dress, the bride-to-be said yes to a stunning ballgown from Unions Bridal Boutique. “When I saw the designs offered, I selected a few and sent them to my bridesmaids for their input, because they were going to wear dresses from the boutique as well. Everyone was pleased.”

Returning to the hotel where they got engaged, the couple said ‘I do’ in a beautiful wedding ceremony on December 30, 2023. With the newly-weds expressing similar sentiments of excitement and joy in tying the knot, the groom shared that his favourite moment came when the pastor pronounced him and his bride, husband and wife.

“The wedding was exciting, exceeding expectations, despite the hiccups. The best moments for me were walking up to the aisle to see my husband, and our entrance into the reception,” Mrs Ellington reflected.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com