Joelle gives Richard ‘Notice’, becomes Mrs Barnett

Joelle Notice had just moved from Mandeville to Kingston and was settling into her new church when she first met Richard Barnett, an active member. Her father was the new pastor, and the duo became friends through the children’s arm of the ministry. It wasn’t long before fate and faith intertwined, setting them on a shared path as husband and wife.

Richard was candid in sharing that, on their first encounters, he thought Joelle was a bit mean.

“She never smiled,” he told Island Wedding, adding, “But over the years, after becoming friends, I saw her for the beautiful woman that she is.”

Tall, quirky and nerdy in Joelle’s eyes, she explained that her view of Richard also changed as she got to know him better. “I realised just how sweet he is.”

After discovering this unexpected connection, the two became intentional about their friendship, going on their first date at Tutti Frutti in Kingston a year later. And, while the occasion was a pleasant one, it was a bittersweet moment for Joelle because she was gearing up to go overseas for school. “We had just worked up the courage to let each other know how we truly felt and just as we did this, I had to leave,” she explained.

The distance didn’t deter the couple from flourishing in love. They took the challenges in stride and basked in the joys of being together. “We enjoy[ed] watching series, and going on restaurant dates.”

While embarking on this new chapter, Joelle admired just how gentle, loving, patient, goofy and godly her beloved is. “He has helped me to be more patient and calm in difficult situations. He also helped me to stay grounded in my relationship with God.”

For Richard, he appreciated his soulmate’s strength and couldn’t help but marvel at how outgoing, loving, hard-working and caring she is by nature. “Talking to her is a breath of fresh air. She has helped me to say no. And, she has contributed significantly to deepening my relationship with God,” he shared.

When asked about how they knew they were the one for each other, Joelle revealed that the answer didn’t come in an instant. “We prayed about it. And God gave me peace and several confirmations. There was one event though that made me go head over heels and I knew then I had a desire to spend the rest of my life with him. I was editing a video at church one evening for church the next day. I was overwhelmed and tired. Richard came to church with my favourite candy and kept me company until I finished the video,” she recounted.

Richard said he felt at peace while praying about Joelle and knew she was the one. After years of courtship, he proposed at home in an intimate setting surrounded by close loved ones.

“I told my big sisters and mentor about the plan to pop the question. It was an ‘in-the-moment’ decision. They went to her house and decorated, while I kept Joelle on the road distracted. When we went back to her house, both our immediate families were there. And I asked her to marry me in her living room,” he said.

Joelle recalled just how surprising, effective and simply sweet, Richard’s proposal was. She didn’t hesitate in saying yes.

Taking an active role in the nuptial planning, the bride-to-be led that charge, receiving assistance and support from family members and friends. “The process got a little stressful at times because I have more than one job. Plus I am a full-time student.”

Choosing their church as the location for the ceremony, she went with The Jamaica Pegasus as the ideal venue for their reception.

On April 12, Joelle and Richard joined hands and hearts in holy matrimony at the Escarpment Road New Testament Church of God in St Andrew. The dashing groom, who remained in awe when he saw his beautiful bride, shared that the wedding was fantastic. “The wedding was all that I had hoped for. The best moment, for me, was the exchange of vows.’’

For the blushing bride, the ceremony was exactly what she had imagined. “It was beautiful, worshipful and meaningful. Exchanging vows with my husband was also the highlight of the wedding,” She shared.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com