Keeping love on track with the Lennons

They say sometimes you have to get off track to find a better one. Samantha Manahan and Colin Lennon first met in 2003 at Rousseau Primary School, where they were both active members of the track and field team. After moving on to different high schools, they went their separate ways until their paths crossed again in 2011 at Maxfield Park Health Centre. From this reunion, their relationship officially began, and they have tracked their love story all the way to marriage.

“We met up over the Maxfield Clinic after years of not seeing each other prior to graduating from primary school. We were both collecting prescriptions for family members, which we had a good laugh about. We talked for a long while and it was so effortless. Seeing the connection between us, I ended up inviting her to my youth club at my church,” he told Island Wedding.

At first, Samantha found Colin to be quiet and reserved. “I was more outgoing. He was the total opposite, and that’s the first thing that pulled me to him. Initially, I liked him as a friend, but as I grew with him, I identified good character traits that stood out.”

On that fateful Friday at a church function, she recalled how handsome Colin looked with his fresh haircut and ‘scentsational’ cologne. “He had overdressed to impress me,” she said, smiling.

Since then, they enjoyed their weekly meetups and embarked on a beautiful journey together. As they grew closer, Samantha admired her soulmate’s selflessness, drive, optimism, encouragement, and humility. His leadership skills deepened her love even more.

“He puts everyone’s needs before his and he does this naturally. He doesn’t just have one plan, but numerous backup plans. Throw him out to the wolves and he will come back leading the pack. He attended Kingston College, and I believe his education background has a positive impact on the man he is today. How he speaks and helps others, he has a presence which [people] automatically gravitate towards, and he encourages them to be the better version of themselves.”

She continued, noting, “The first thing he made evident was that he valued me and had an interest in my growth. This motivated me to partner with him in every area of my life. When I have challenges or failures, he is always there to listen, not just to respond, but to understand. And then he shares best practices to do better next time. He is always happy to give recommendations. And, he allows me to have a say, helping me to control my emotions and shift focus to what’s important.”

Colin described his twin flame as kind-hearted, loving, resilient, high-spirited, and disciplined.

“She has done so much for me, it’s hard to keep track,” he’s explained, adding, “But the first thing that comes to mind is how much consistency she has brought to my life and how much of a rock she has been in the darkest period of my life. When nothing was going right, she held my hands until I found myself at the end of the tunnel. She has nurtured the relationship by loving me endlessly, even when I fell short of her love. She gave me two handsome sons [who] we both love endlessly, and this still haven’t subtracted or distracted the love that we both share.”

SECRET PROPOSAL

So, nearly 13 years and two princes later, Colin asked Samantha to marry him. Naturally, she fell for his romantic proposal. It came as no surprise that Colin would make special birthday plans for the love of his life, gathering close family members and friends to celebrate her at AC Hotel Kingston. He relied on secret agents around him to assist in executing the engagement mission.

“My mother kept the ring [hidden], so [that Samantha wouldn’t] see the bulge in my jacket. Her brother had my phone to record the moment. Samantha’s mother kept the focus on her, so when I re-entered the dining area from the restroom Samantha’s back was turned to me, giving me time to pretend that I tripped and fell to her feet. From there, I got up on one knee with the ring my mother had quickly handed to me. I watched with amazement, witnessing the look of surprise on Samantha’s face. It was a moment to remember; and with the cheering of the crowd, it brought her to happy tears as I proposed, and she said yes.”

The excited bride-to-be planned the nuptials herself, with help from loved ones. Though overwhelming, it’s an experience she holds dear to her heart. “I wanted a dream wedding, with an outdoor setting to showcase natural lighting and breathtaking views,” she shared. Samantha initially envisioned a ball gown but opted for a stunning mermaid dress from Unions Bridal Boutique.

On June 22, Colin and Samantha officially became the Lennons as their hearts united. They tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony at Craig Bank Estate, followed by a festive reception. The groom was delighted by the outcome and thrilled to celebrate their love with supportive guests.

To commemorate their journey as husband and wife, the newly-weds celebrated with not just one, but two dances together. Their first dance was to When a Man Loves a Woman by Michael Bolton, followed by a memorable final dance reminiscent of the movie Dirty Dancing to the soundtrack (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes.

“I did the dance of my dream at my dream wedding. And that lift was everything! The wedding was perfect. I wish I could relive that moment, one of the best moments of my life to date,” Mrs Lennon added.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com