From fruitful conversations to happily ever after

It was the moment that the enamoured couple and specially invited guests had been waiting for. After years of dating, Sashoy Haughton and Brian Redmond embarked on a new chapter of happily ever after in a beautiful wedding ceremony in Connecticut. Basking in the heart of nuptial euphoria, the Jamaican bride and New York groom shared a romantic dance as husband and wife to the soulful sound of Always and Forever by the late Luther Vandross.

“The feeling during that moment could only be described as pure bliss, ecstatic joy of Heaven on earth,” Sashoy told Island Wedding.

Brian was first introduced to Sashoy by a mutual church friend. “Her height caught my attention; she was a little taller than me. I also noticed her pretty face, as well as the fact that she was smart and could engage in a meaningful conversation,” he revealed.

Sashoy admitted to seeing him as a handsome, short fellow. Despite his best efforts to kindle a spark that would light their twin flame, Sashoy hesitated at his attempts to break the ice and get to know her better.

However, his persistence paid off and after some refusal, Sashoy decided to give Brian a chance. “In conversations with him which were often fruitful, and easy,” she said, “I quickly realised that we were equally yoked on [a] spiritual level and that he is humble, sweet, and [a] kind man of God.”

The four-hour long conversation that transpired on their first date sealed their fate for a long and lasting love.

“We went to a Jamaican and Mexican blend restaurant in Connecticut named Rum & Tequila Fusion for brunch that ended in dinner. We effortlessly engaged in a four-hour conversation, learning more about each other, while enjoying the eatery’s ambience and music,” she shared.

The two would continue to date for two months before mutually agreeing to enter into a committed relationship together.

Sashoy is amazed by Brian’s humility, generosity, thoughtfulness, along with his loving and godly nature.

“Brian is warm and affectionate in his display of love towards me and how he treats his relatives, as well as mine, whom he quickly called his own. Giving and sharing with others freely, he chooses to honour God in every way possible and put Him first. Brian is always praying, and it flows and shows in even how he has treated me from the start, and even up until now,” she pointed out.

Now more inclined to be mindful of her words, Sashoy doesn’t anger as easily as she did before, all thanks to her love. “He motivated me to build my relationship with God. He is very prayerful and encouraging, and he finds ways to help lessen any load that may be overwhelming on my plate. He is playful and jovial, which lightens any tension that may want to present itself.”

Sashoy said she had received a vision or dream of Brian prior to meeting him, which she shared with her mother. Almost immediately, she was able to identify him based on the reaction she was getting from her interpersonal relationship with God.

For Brian, Sashoy is the epitome of ethereal beauty. He can’t help but remain fascinated by how caring, faithful, family- and goal-oriented, and jovial she is.

“She takes the time out to encourage me to improve my health, work on my finances, encourages me to keep in touch with friends and family, while ensuring that I eat well. [She prays] for me. Wanting better for the both of us, she sets goals and works towards accomplishing them. I have always observed how loving and caring she is with her family and children, and I see the kind of mother she will be to our children one day,” he highlighted.

Sashoy’s orderly nature has helped Brian positively in his personal growth. “She nurtures our relationship by encouraging us to get healthier and praying for us often. When I saw that we had mutual biblical beliefs and her desire to have a family, like me, [I realised that] a lot of what I observed in Sashoy aligned with a lot of what I desired in a wife.”

So after one year and one month of courting, Brian decided to pop the question. “My plan was to propose to her at the restaurant where we had our first date. But things didn’t go as planned, because the music was too loud and we could hardly hear ourselves. So, I had to pivot, proposing to her at her house. She said ‘yes’.” Sashoy recalled the engagement being intimate, sweet and perfect.

The bride-to-be was honoured to have two of her friends, who are wedding planners, by her side to bring her vision to matrimony, one of whom was Shonick McFarlane of Let’s Talk Weddings Ja and Eve Murdaugh.

On June 25, Brian and Sashoy said ‘I do’ at the beautiful RiverHouse at the Goodspeed Station in Haddam. The bridesmaid made fashion statements in white, leading up to the stunning bride, who stole the show.

The groom reflected on the fun experience, noting that he would have wanted more friends and family members present, and wished his mother and father were alive “to witness me marrying the love of my life”.

“It was a joyful, blessed, and memorable day, just as we prayed and asked for. The vibe, the ambiance of the atmosphere, the music and the food were just right. I was asked a couple of times to have part two of the wedding; it was that spectacular. The best moment for me was when Brian and I said ‘I do’ to each other in front of our loved ones, as well as when he performed the snake to remove the garter,” Sashoy added.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com