Faith made room for love with the Bonfields

The best love stories often arrive when you least expect them, and Amanda Gordon knows this well. On Saturday, May 24, at God Family Ministries International, she married Jeremy Bonfield in a ceremony celebrating their union and God’s perfect timing.

The couple first met at a church camp in 2019 but didn’t reconnect until 2023. A chance encounter at the University of Technology, Jamaica, sparked an instant recognition. Just two weeks after exchanging numbers and looking through old photos, they realised they had already met. A few months into their renewed friendship, Jeremy knew he felt something deeper.

“It was her beauty that drew me in. But it was when we spoke that I truly felt captivated. Beneath that breathtaking exterior was a heart deeply devoted to the things of God, and that sincerity made her even more attractive in my eyes. In that moment, I knew there was something profoundly special about her,” Jeremy told Island Wedding.

Jeremy developed feelings months before Amanda, who was deeply focused on her faith, studies and career goals. Despite that, his honesty and desire to grow spiritually caught her attention. For about three months of hanging out, Amanda saw him as just a good friend.

A turning point came thanks to their pastor, Reverend Dr Otis Manning.

“He asked, ‘Then what are you doing with the guy?’ He said this is one of the things women do and miss out – focus[ing] too much on their careers – because the guy is serious and my mind was not in it… so I would waste his time,” Amanda recalled. “It was then I had to get myself together. My mindset changed.”

Their relationship grew from there, and they began dating in February 2024. They kept things simple, meeting at school or grabbing a bite, often sharing meaningful conversations and praying together. Jeremy came to appreciate the quiet strength of Amanda’s character, qualities that helped deepen their connection.

“[I love that] she is God-fearing, wise, and willing to submit to the word. [She’s] a selfless person, always considering others above herself, a loving person, and a caretaker,” Jeremy added.

Amanda’s humility, self-awareness, and expressiveness shaped their journey. For her, it was the small, intimate moments over the year that deepened her feelings.

“Hearing him laugh brings me so much joy, and I find it cute when our laughs sound the same, making us laugh even harder when we realise it,” Amanda shared, adding, “Whenever I call him my best friend he smiles [and] when I compliment him, he smiles [but] tries to hide it.”

They continued courting by meeting up after classes, diving into conversations about the Bible and their shared passion for God. Although Jeremy left for the summer on the Work and Travel programme, the distance didn’t strain their bond. They stayed intentional and made it work.

BIRTHDAY PROPOSAL

With help from Amanda’s friends, Jeremy planned the proposal for her birthday. On November 2 last year, he asked for her hand in marriage at Uncorked in Barbican.

“We were outside preparing for a group photo and I knelt down behind Amanda and without realising she asked ‘Weh yah bend down fah?’... after she caught up with what was happening, she began to run and scream,” Jeremy explained.

True to her cheeky personality, and with loved ones looking on, Amanda eventually said yes.

“I realised I hadn’t answered the question and everyone was waiting, so I shouted the first thing that came to mind: ‘Daaah!’” Amanda recalled.

‘AISLE’ BE THERE

On the day of their wedding, Amanda was escorted by Reverend Dr Otis Manning to marry Jeremy, turning their private relationship into a public promise. Reverend Percival Palmer officiated as they exchanged vows before friends and family.

Behind the bride’s glowing entrance was a story of grace under pressure. The original gown she ordered months earlier didn’t work out and had to be returned. Though a replacement was due a week before the wedding, Amanda saw no progress as the day approached.

“On my wedding day? Nothing. I was trying to hold my peace, not get angry or anxious,” she admitted.

While Amanda was getting her makeup done, one of her bridesmaids was searching locally for a new gown. She trusted God to come through, and no one else knew what was happening.

About 30 minutes before she was due to walk down the aisle, Amanda’s friend sent an encouraging message and then showed up with four dresses in hand.

She confessed, “The first one I saw, I said yes. And funny enough, it looked almost exactly like the one I had ordered that’s probably still lost at sea somewhere!”

After the ceremony’s quiet moments, a lively Nigerian-style celebration erupted. The couple exited to Carry Am Go by Moses Bliss, beaming with smiles amid cheers. The night continued with a garden-themed reception where they shared their first dance to Why I Love You by MAJOR.

To seal the joy of it all, the Bonfields honeymooned at Hotel Riu Ocho Rios, happily welcoming their life together as newly-weds.

ruth-ann.briscoe@gleanerjm.com