Fated Attraction
Fortune’s favour smiled on law enforcement officer Courtney Goode with a digital match to aircraft maintenance supervisor Devon Simmonds, sparking a love destined for paradise. Their happily ever after culminated at Borghinvilla in St Ann on May 25, 2025.
The spark ignited on May 12, 2022, with Courtney and Devon, both from the United States, matching on Bumble. A direct message from Courtney sparked their initial conversation, quickly arranging their first date within days. Despite the evening beginning with a touch of panic when Courtney got lost en route to the restaurant, Devon’s calm and resourceful handling of the situation spoke volumes. “He stayed on the phone with me, talked me through the directions, and greeted me with the most reassuring smile when I finally arrived,” Courtney shared with Tuesday Style Vows (TSV). “He casually mentioned he’d spoken with the host and moved our reservation to a slightly later time, so we didn’t lose our table. Not only did he guide me through the difficulty I was experiencing, he had a solution. That moment told me more about him than words ever could.”
Their shared interests, especially for travel, linked them, but it was on their third date, with a memorable kiss, that their connection blossomed. The following month, after several more dates, Courtney bravely asked Devon to be exclusive. Though initially hesitant, Devon realised, just a day after their conversation, the profound connection he shared with Courtney was too precious to let slip away.
“I wasn’t used to being that vulnerable, but I also knew the importance of having patience. I agreed to keep things open, even though my heart was already his,” Courtney reflected. “But then, to my surprise, the very next morning he reached out to apologise. He told me he had a lapse in judgement and that he didn’t want to risk losing what we had. That’s when we decided to be exclusive — and in that moment, I knew he was worth it.”
After two years filled with romance and countless shared experiences, Devon surprised Courtney with a proposal during a trip to the Turks and Caicos Islands on June 8, 2024.
“During dinner, as the sun began to set, he got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. He had even coordinated with our waitress to capture the entire moment on video! I felt overwhelmed with emotion and so grateful that God had brought this incredible man into my life,” Courtney said.
Their wedding was a dream occasion, with Borghinvilla perfectly complementing their sunset-themed décor provided by Tropical Weddings Jamaica. Courtney embodied timeless grace in a Lina gown from the Arbella Collection by Allure Bridals, as Devon awaited her in a crisp white tuxedo. As Usher’s There Goes My Baby filled the air, Courtney was escorted up the aisle by her father, Elisha Harris III, walking towards a future intertwined with Devon, under the guidance of Rev Dr Norman Higgins.
The celebration continued at the reception, where Junior Francis Catering provided the fare. Following stirring toasts to the bride and groom, Courtney and Devon cut their two-tier vanilla and rum-flavoured wedding cake, also a creation by Francis. A particularly touching moment unfolded as they lit a lantern in cherished memory of their late mothers, adding depth to the occasion. For their first dance, Courtney and Devon chose a two-part sequence: Starting with the soulful Unthinkable by Alicia Keys, then ramping up the energy with Michael Jackson’s iconic Remember the Time. It was a truly magical close to their special day, as they embarked on a grand adventure together.
The newly-weds honeymooned in Tokyo, Japan.
Courtney walks up the aisle escorted by her father, Elisha Harris III. (Photo: Too Cool Photography)
Devon recites his vows to Courtney. (Photo: Too Cool Photography)
Courtney and Devon (right) display their signed marriage certificate with officiant Rev Dr Norman Higgins.(Photo: Too Cool Photography)
Courtney and Devon share their first kiss as husband and wife.(Photo: Too Cool Photography)
With their loved ones cheering in approval, Mr and Mrs Devon Simmonds make their way down the aisle.(Photo: Too Cool Photography)
Love in full bloom (Photo: Too Cool Photography)
Sharing in Devon and Courtney’s joy are the bridal party (from left) Nicole McCarthy, Allan Monrose, Asher McAuley, Ashley Cason, Dane McAuley, Cheyanne Harris, Daniel Iacono, Celina Harris, Giana Goode and Dillion McAuley.(Photo: Too Cool Photography)
Under the setting sun, their journey begins. (Photo: Too Cool Photography)
Courtney and Devon’s two-tier vanilla and rum-flavoured cake created by Junior Francis Catering. (Photo: Too Cool Photography)
Courtney and Devon cut a rug to Unthinkable by Alicia Keys followed by Michael Jackson’s Remember the Time. (Photo: Too Cool Photography)