Subscribe Login
Jamaica Observer
ePaper
The Edge 105 FM Radio Fyah 105 FM
Jamaica Observer
ePaper
The Edge 105 FM Radio Fyah 105 FM
    • Home
    • News
      • Latest News
      • Cartoon
      • International News
      • Central
      • North & East
      • Western
      • Environment
      • Health
      • #
    • Business
      • Business Bites
      • Social Love
    • Sports
      • Football
      • Basketball
      • Cricket
      • Horse Racing
      • World Champs
      • Commonwealth Games
      • FIFA World Cup 2022
      • Olympics
      • #
    • Entertainment
      • Music
      • Movies
      • Art & Culture
      • Bookends
      • #
    • Lifestyle
      • Page2
      • Food
      • Tuesday Style
      • Food Awards
      • JOL Takes Style Out
      • Design Week JA
      • Black Friday
      • #
    • All Woman
      • Home
      • Relationships
      • Features
      • Fashion
      • Fitness
      • Rights
      • Parenting
      • Advice
      • #
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
      • Employment
      • Property
      • Motor Vehicles
      • Place an Ad
      • Obituaries
    • More
      • Games
      • Elections
      • Jobs & Careers
      • Study Centre
      • Jnr Study Centre
      • Letters
      • Columns
      • Advertorial
      • Editorial
      • Supplements
      • Webinars
    • Home
    • News
      • Latest News
      • Cartoon
      • International News
      • Central
      • North & East
      • Western
      • Environment
      • Health
      • #
    • Business
      • Business Bites
      • Social Love
    • Sports
      • Football
      • Basketball
      • Cricket
      • Horse Racing
      • World Champs
      • Commonwealth Games
      • FIFA World Cup 2022
      • Olympics
      • #
    • Entertainment
      • Music
      • Movies
      • Art & Culture
      • Bookends
      • #
    • Lifestyle
      • Page2
      • Food
      • Tuesday Style
      • Food Awards
      • JOL Takes Style Out
      • Design Week JA
      • Black Friday
      • #
    • All Woman
      • Home
      • Relationships
      • Features
      • Fashion
      • Fitness
      • Rights
      • Parenting
      • Advice
      • #
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
      • Employment
      • Property
      • Motor Vehicles
      • Place an Ad
      • Obituaries
    • More
      • Games
      • Elections
      • Jobs & Careers
      • Study Centre
      • Jnr Study Centre
      • Letters
      • Columns
      • Advertorial
      • Editorial
      • Supplements
      • Webinars
  • Home
  • News
    • International News
  • Latest
  • Business
    • Business Bites
  • Cartoon
  • Games
  • Food Awards
  • Health
  • Entertainment
    • Bookends
  • Regional
  • Sports
    • Sports
    • World Cup
    • World Champs
    • Olympics
  • All Woman
  • Career & Education
  • Environment
  • Webinars
  • More
    • Football
    • Elections
    • Letters
    • Advertorial
    • Columns
    • Editorial
    • Supplements
  • Epaper
  • Classifieds
  • Design Week
Fated Attraction
[OPENING SHOT]Too Cool Photography
Lifestyle, Vows
July 29, 2025

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.Too Cool Photography

Courtney walks up the aisle escorted by her father, Elisha Harris III. (Photo: Too Cool Photography)

Devon recites his vows to Courtney. 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.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.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.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 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.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. 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.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. 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)

{"xml":"xml"}{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
img img
0 Comments · Make a comment

ALSO ON JAMAICA OBSERVER

US doesn’t ‘have time for Ukraine’ because of Iran war— Zelensky
International News, Latest News
US doesn’t ‘have time for Ukraine’ because of Iran war— Zelensky
April 14, 2026
BERLIN, Germany(AFP)—Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday told a German broadcaster that US peace negotiators "have no time for Ukraine" ...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
MLSS seeks to clarify ROOFS disbursement process amid queries
Latest News, News
MLSS seeks to clarify ROOFS disbursement process amid queries
April 14, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) has moved to clarify that the distribution of grants under the Restoration of Ow...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Opposition MPs knock ROOFS programme, suggest victimisation
Latest News, News
Opposition MPs knock ROOFS programme, suggest victimisation
April 14, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Several Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) representing some of the parishes hardest-hit by Hurricane Melissa, took the Governme...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
New helmet standard targets road deaths
Latest News, News
New helmet standard targets road deaths
April 14, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Sydoney Preddie, lead for youth and education programme, JN Foundation, says Jamaica is losing billions of dollars annually due to m...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Reggae Girlz build cohesion in World Cup qualifiers
Latest News, News
Reggae Girlz build cohesion in World Cup qualifiers
April 14, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Jamaica’s national senior women’s football team, the ‘Reggae Girlz’, are continuing to build cohesion and sharpen their execution as...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Alleged Jamaican gangster facing charges after dragging Florida trooper with car
International News, Latest News
Alleged Jamaican gangster facing charges after dragging Florida trooper with car
April 14, 2026
An alleged gangster who is wanted in relation to murder in Jamaica was arrested during a targeted vehicle stop by law enforcement officers in Florida,...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Jamaica launches Destination Assurance Framework and Strategy to boost tourism product
Latest News, News
Jamaica launches Destination Assurance Framework and Strategy to boost tourism product
April 14, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica—More than five years in the making, Jamaica’s Destination Assurance Framework and Strategy (DAFS) document was tabled in the House o...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Jamaican dancehall artiste received $118 million via TikTok from Canadian non-profit exec, lawsuit claims
Latest News, News
Jamaican dancehall artiste received $118 million via TikTok from Canadian non-profit exec, lawsuit claims
April 14, 2026
A Jamaican dancehall artiste reportedly received more than US$750,000 ($118 million) in PayPal transfers from a former Canadian non-profit executive a...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
❮ ❯

Polls

HOUSE RULES

  1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper; email addresses will not be published.
  2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.
  3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.
  4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.
  5. Please don't use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed: advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.
  6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.
  7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy

Recent Posts

Archives

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Tweets

Polls

Recent Posts

Archives

Logo Jamaica Observer
Breaking news from the premier Jamaican newspaper, the Jamaica Observer. Follow Jamaican news online for free and stay informed on what's happening in the Caribbean
Featured Tags
  • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Health
  • Auto
  • Business
  • Letters
  • Page2
  • Football
Categories
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Page2
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Page2
Ads
img
Jamaica Observer, © All Rights Reserved
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • RSS Feeds
  • Feedback
  • Privacy Policy
  • Editorial Code of Conduct