Forever in their ‘Layne’

How often can a single date become a significant milestone for a couple? For Jahnell McDonald and Bruce Layne, August 24 has marked at least three major moments in their relationship: the day they officially became a couple, last year’s proposal, and this summer, when they tied the knot at Boone Hall Oasis in St Andrew, cementing it as their special date.

The two first spotted each other in a training session at Sutherland Global Services in Portmore, around July 2020.

“I noticed him in my training at the back whilst I was at the front of the class but did not directly speak to him. However, I did notice he was cute,” Jahnell told Island Wedding.

Their first interaction came when Jahnell, still unfamiliar with Portmore, spotted Bruce while searching for a doctor’s office. “I was not used to Portmore at the time, so, when I saw him, I went to ask him if he knew any. He told me ‘no’ but he Google[d] the closest one and told me where,” Jahnell said.

Bruce, ever the gentleman, didn’t just help Jahnell find a doctor — he went a step further. Jahnell recalls that he accompanied her, leaving her wondering, “Why would he do that?” Afterwards, he even saw her safely to her taxi stand.

Although that moment gave Jahnell her first hint of Bruce’s interest, he had been intrigued long before they ever spoke. Even with the COVID-19 mask mandate, something about her caught his attention.

“I did not hear her talk much, she was always wearing a mask but I loved her long natural hair down on her back. I just knew she was the one when I realised I wanted to be with her every second of each day,” Bruce admitted.

Their connection deepened quickly as they spent more time getting to know each other. “We spoke over the phone for a few weeks and had lunch together consistently at work. He even let me know when he wasn’t coming to work,” Jahnell recalled.

Bruce opened up about what first drew him to Jahnell, explaining that he admired her drive and dedication to building the life she wanted. “Her honesty is unrivalled, and her gift of letting you know how much she loves and cares for you by her small and detailed deeds on a daily basis,” he added.

While Bruce was drawn to her ambition, Jahnell’s certainty came from seeing her family’s approval, which convinced her that he was the man she wanted to marry.

“When he met my father, the way they conversed was the exact moment I realised I wanted to marry Bruce,” she shared, adding that she loves that he puts her first and motivates her to reach her goals.

A month later, on August 24, 2020, Bruce moved their relationship beyond co-workers, expressing his desire to make Jahnell his girlfriend. “He asked me to be his girlfriend over email – very old school, and even asked me to list all my demands and he signed to all of them,” she said.

The two eventually moved to Kingston separately, and Jahnell changed jobs. Though they no longer shared a workplace, they remained committed to building a future together. A few months into their relationship, their first date was an early-morning stroll through Hope Gardens, sharing fresh fruit and their growing feelings. Jahnell realised she was falling in love whenever she woke up thinking about his calm, supportive presence.

“I admired his patience with me and everybody around him, and how soft-spoken he is. He also ensured my belly is always full. He is an amazing chef,” Jahnell explained, laughing.

For Bruce, it was — and always would be — Jahnell, simply because of how perfectly she complemented him, “From day one, I loved how she balances out my mostly soft and easygoing personality with a bit of fierceness.”

To stay connected through life’s changes, Jahnell says their routine included reading the Bible together and holding weekly check-ins to ensure their well-being.

IT’S ALWAYS HER

Committing to make Jahnell his lifelong partner, Bruce proposed on their fourth-year dating anniversary– August 24, 2024– at the now closed Buzo Osteria Italiana. Although they had already discussed marriage, the day was still full of excitement. Bruce not only booked the restaurant but also brought gifts to celebrate the milestone.

Jahnell’s excitement built with each unwrapped present. “Each time he gave me [a gift] and I thought it was the ring, and realised it wasn’t, I got sad and gave up, thinking [I] was being proposed to. I even told my sisters that he wasn’t going to, and I started laughing inside,” she said.

Bruce’s plan took effect shortly after. Once he had taken Jahnell outside for photos, he called a staff member over, “I was genuinely surprised and laughing since I convinced myself that tonight was not the night,” she recounted, after saying yes.

Bruce admitted that, despite the smooth execution, he was feeling the pressure, “​​There were no mishaps, I was extremely nervous but also confident that she wanted to be my wife.”

SPECIAL DATE

Exactly a year later, Jahnell and Bruce exchanged vows, officiated by Andrae Dixon at the popular Boone Hall Oasis. Stepping into married life on yet another August 24, the date that once marked new beginnings had now become their sweetest day yet.

The blushing bride walked down the aisle while a saxophonist played Kenny G’s Songbird. Describing the overwhelming moment, Jahnell said, “I saw everybody’s eyes looking at me, I [felt like I] could faint. I then saw my husband and I started to smile. Thank God the aisle was not long because the eyes were intimidating.”

A significant moment for him as well, Bruce said that, “There was absolutely no woman I have seen looking more beautiful in my life, and I didn’t want to take my hands or eyes off her.”

The final surprise came during the exchange of promises. Jahnell confessed, “I heard his vows and I was so teary [eyed]. His vows were beautiful, he is not a man of many words but I was surprised with how good it was.”

ruth-ann.briscoe@gleanerjm.com