Riding on endless love with Jonoy and Georgette

When Jonoy Craddock rode his bicycle by Georgette Henriques’ house, little did he know that he would be riding his way into her heart. Georgette, who was 15 years old at the time, recalled her friend, who knew Jonoy from basic school, requesting to borrow the bicycle for a ride. From there, Jonoy took the opportunity to turn on his charm and get to know Georgette better.

“When I first met Jonoy, I initially saw him as a friend I could confide in. He would come over to my house often, and we had conversations about various topics. As time went by, and we spent more time together, I started to develop feelings for him,” Georgette told Island Wedding, noting that most Sundays, he would take her to get ice cream.

But for Jonoy, the love story began much earlier than the fateful ride. “I was in my backyard in 2008 when I heard laughter. I climbed a guava tree to have a better view, which is where I saw her and her nephew playing with a balloon. A few days later, we finally met as I passed on my bicycle, where I was stopped by a friend of mine who happened to be her friend, too, who then asked for a ride. While our friend rode, we exchanged names and talked for a while,” he shared.

“My initial thoughts of her were that she was cute, intriguing, intelligent, a bit rough, but so full of life. I used to rush home from school earlier and earlier every day just to spend at least an extra minute with her and if I reached home late, I would use homework as an excuse to see her. That’s what I told my parents. The more time I spent with her, the more I wanted to do better at my schoolwork, and now, every day I want to do better and better,” he added

Although Georgette relocated a few months later, Jonoy remained consistent in his courting, visiting her on Sundays. Eventually, he mustered up the courage to ask her to be his girlfriend. “I agreed to be his girlfriend, but a few months later, we broke up due to different external factors,” she said.

The two lost contact for a decade before reuniting in June of 2020. Reminiscing on all the good times they had had, they decided a few months later, in October, to rekindle the passion for each other.

“I went by her house and told her I didn’t just want to be good friends. I am done dancing around each other and hiding my true feelings of how much I loved her from when we were teenagers and how that love has grown even more. I didn’t want another night to pass by and we’re not cuddled up with each other. I also told her she will be my wife. She didn’t believe it,” he said.

FIRST DATE

For the first date, the pair went to the Living Room Bar and Dining. “It was an amazing experience,” she said, even though she had a bit of a mishap. “The heel of my slipper fell off upon entering the restaurant, and he helped me to remove the other slipper and put both in his pocket. It was in that moment, that night, that I knew he was the one. He convinced me that he was a true gentleman through his acts.”

Chivalry was far from dead for that occasion. In fact, it was living luxuriously as he held all the doors that night.

Awakened by this new chapter, Georgette couldn’t help but be impressed by how affectionate, selfless, adventurous, patient, and protective her beloved is.

“He is warm, tender, and loving in all that he does. He has supported me in everything since we have been together. From house chores to teaching me to drive, getting my licence and car. We started from scratch because he was out of a bad relationship, and I was just leaving from under my big sister’s wings. He is a complete gentleman, He still opens all doors for me and gives me random gifts,” Georgette highlighted.

Jonoy continues to be blown away by her beauty, but he loves how respectful, reassuring, loving, and loyal she is.

“There is a tranquil garden of gentleness in her touch and her actions. Her words are tender and calming. She has an addictive presence– when you are around her the world around you doesn’t matter and you feel important. She has an authentic personality. She is also strong-willed but very supportive,” he said, adding, “She nurtures our relationship by being open, encouraging healthy communication, and celebrating each other. She also will discuss and plan activities that will [strengthen] our bond.”

After dating for 13 months, Jonoy decided to open a new chapter, asking the love of his life to be his wife, not once but twice.

The two first shared a very intimate engagement five days after her birthday. But that wasn’t enough. So for the second time around, he planned a romantic proposal at Buzo Italian Restaurant.

“Just before the main course, one by one, her friends started to walk in. The violinist came a few moments later to play Ed Sheeran’s Perfect. As the song ended, I went on one knee, held her hands, looked her in the eyes while I expressed my love and appreciation for her. Then asked her, ‘Will you marry me?’ With tears in her eyes, she said, ‘Yes’,” he recounted.

On December 22, 2023, just three days before Christmas Day, two hearts became one in a beautiful wedding ceremony held at the Tarrant Baptist Church in Kingston. The reception followed at Alhambra Inn.

Sharing the sentiment that their wedding was exceptional, the groom noted that the main event was filled with joy, love, and surprises. The bride reflected on the fact that her husband, family, and friends did a great job in planning an extraordinary wedding, “I would say the kiss and the dance from my husband surprised me the most,”

The newly-weds shared a romantic first dance to Calum Scott’s You Are the Reason. “In that beautiful moment, when I was in his arms, I felt like we were the only people in the room and I didn’t want it to end. We were deeply in love, and I think the guests could share that feeling as well,” Mrs Henriques-Craddocks added.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com