Loving McKnights

From the very beginning, Robert McKnight and Marsha Brown were united by a deep spiritual connection and genuine affection. Like a sweet fragrance, their romance gently filled the air, blossoming into a love that would stand the test of time. After six months of courtship, the two joined hands in holy matrimony on April 16, 2000. Now, as they mark 25 years of marriage with hearts overflowing with even greater love and joy, the couple gathered with specially invited guests for a beautiful vow renewal ceremony.

Marsha told Island Wedding that she first met Robert while attending church. The two saw each other, had a conversation and later exchanged numbers.

“I noticed from early that Robert is a humble man of God. As I got to know him better, I discovered that he is also kind, intelligent, loving and supportive,” she explained.

Robert also shared similar sentiments, “Meeting my wife for the very first time was like a heaven-sent experience. We have so much in common. We both like nice things. And we both love the Lord very much. That has been the key of our 25 years together; God is the first and last of our relationship.”

Marsha recognised as early as two months that she was standing face-to-face with her soulmate. Robert shared the feeling, “I also knew two months in that she was the one I wanted to be with, and I wasted no time in making up my mind.”

After an exciting proposal, the beautiful bride was elated to exchange vows with her dashing groom during their wedding ceremony at the Hagley Park Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kingston.

Beyond the ‘I do’, the newly-weds settled comfortably into married life, raising their children in a household filled with love. “Marsha is a beautiful soul,” Robert revealed, adding, “She is a very strong woman. She is ambitious, driven and kind; a woman who loves her family very much. Loving her each day has made me appreciate life even more. God is great for blessing me with her.”

And she has nurtured their marriage by encouraging him to work towards his goals, keeping him focused along the way.

For Marsha, being married to her twin flame for 25 years has been such a positively life-changing experience, “It has been really great! We’ve taken in the lessons of learning how to apologise and accept when we’re wrong. The secret to a happy and lasting marriage is prayer and forgiveness. And we also enjoy the simple pleasures of spending quality time together by going to the beach and watching movies.”

So with their silver anniversary approaching, the lovebirds decided to celebrate the milestone in nuptial fashion with a vow renewal. “It was exciting to know that our children are all grown and could be a part of it,” Marsha added.

TRULY A BLESSING

Speaking of children, their son, Rojeé had this to say about their parents’ marriage. “It was truly a blessing to have both parents in a household where my siblings and I felt loved and appreciated.”

He describes his mother as vibrant and outspoken. And her good vibes and energy provides the perfect balance for his father’s laid back and relaxed nature.

“I love that they always tried to find a balance. My father would actively take my mother on outings and give her gifts. While my mother would surprise him with gifts of his choice. They have never made each other feel less than or unimportant. And they always find a way to make their children’s lives just as impactful as their love,” he added.

His brother, Najeé, agrees that it was indeed a blessing to be raised in the McKnights’ household, “Both of my parents show love and compassion in their own unique way. No matter what obstacle life threw at them, they would always get through it together,”

He admires his parents’ unwavering dedication and how they always go above and beyond for each other.

“My mom expresses love through acts of service. She may not always say it out loud, but you see it in how she prepares my dad’s favourite meals. Or how she anticipates his needs, and how she constantly gives of herself to support him. For her, love is shown through effort, care, and generosity; it’s in the little things she does every day,” he explained.

And for their dad, the unconditional love he has for their mom shows up in the form of protection, strength, and loyalty. “He’s my mom’s backbone, always holding her up, especially when she feels weak. He provides, stays present, and he never walks away, even when things get tough. His way of loving is steady, dependable, consistent and deeply rooted in commitment,” Najeé explained.

Having them as parents, Najeé said, has definitely been a great experience because they are living proof that love conquers all, “I am so proud of them.”

CHOOSING YOU, ALWAYS

On April 20, the stunning bride walked up the aisle to meet her handsome groom once again at Andrews Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church in St Andrew. This time around, she was escorted by her three sons and her father.

Firmly bonded by their renewed vows, the couple continued the celebration with a reception at Pollyanna’s. To mark the occasion, the McKnights shared their official first dance to All of Me by John Legend.

“It was a joyous day, celebrating love with family. My wife was so beautiful that day. And she continues to be, in such an amazing way. It’s one of the best feelings ever knowing that we are not only role models, but we are setting an example of what a happy marriage should look like for so many others,” the groom reflected.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com