Keron Wood
STYLE & ROMANCE WITH DR. JAHAN AND ETHAN MUNNINGS
MEET THE BRIDE & GROOM:
Dr. Jahan Johnson – Munnings. 35, Dentist at Bahamas Orthodontic Center.
Groom: Mr. Ruiz Ethan Munnings. 37, Restaurant Manager at Seashells Café.
WEDDING DATE:
December 21, 2019
HOW DID YOU TWO MEET?
The couple first met as teenagers as they were just finding themselves as young adults. In a bit of a twist, Ethan dated one of Hanny’s high school classmates and at that time would visit the campus of St. Augustine’s College. Without an inkling as to how life would unfold, the two would see each other only in passing.
Long after the high school days, maturing into adults and taking on careers, the journey of life would lead Ethan and Hanny back to The Bahamas. In 2016, Hanny came down with a cold and wanted soup to feed the soul and nourish her back to health. This would take her to Seashells Café, Ethan’s family business which he manages. During this chance encounter, Ethan stopped Hanny to say hello, however, Hanny did not recognize him right away, having to be reminded of their teenage years.
As fate would have it, a few days later, Hanny went to a party with a friend and Ethan coincidentally was also to the party. They socialized at the party and exchanged numbers. They found that they hit it off quite well. A friendship developed, and they would speak every day. Friendship was accented with romance which blossomed into commitment and love of a lifetime. The couple soon became inseparable
TAKE US TO THE MOMENT WHEN YOU FIRST KNEW YOU WANTED TO MARRY YOUR WIFE ?
After spending the essential time getting to know my wife and becoming captivated by all the dynamic elements that make her special, I knew that our lives were destined to be intertwined and that this amazing woman had a vital role in my future.
WE COULD SEE THAT BOTH OF YOU WERE VERY INTENTIONAL WITH STYLE, INCLUSIVE OF ACCESSORIES, FIT, COLOR SCHEME FOR YOUR BRIDESMAIDS, GROOMSMEN AND INDIVIDUALLY.... WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR COUPLES TO TAKE THEIR OVERALL BRIDAL PARTY AND INDIVIDUAL STYLE SERIOUSLY ON WEDDING DAY?
Selecting the attire of our wedding party and ourselves was extremely important to us, because we wanted the appearance to be a reflection of our individual styles combined. Ethans style is traditional and classic, while Jahan's style is a bit more edgy – marrying classic with fashion forward. We chose our base color of Navy Blue not only because it is a classic color but it also evokes class and sophistication. We paired the Navy Blue with Silver as a contrast to the dark color and by doing this it completed our look of elegance meets regalness….. Exactly the look we were going for!
WHAT’S ONE THING THAT MAKES A WEDDING IN THE BAHAMAS SPECIAL?
There are so many factors that make a wedding in the Bahamas special. However, if I were to pinpoint one thing, it would be the inclusion of Bahamian culture throughout the entire wedding, from ceremony all the way to the reception. Junkanoo is an integral part of Bahamian culture. You now tend to see and hear more Junkanoo music and groups doing rush-outs and rush-ins to entertain guests, as well as large Junkanoo pieces are being added as part of the décor for the wedding. The Bahamian wedding has pulse and rhythm much like the sound of the Junkanoo drum. The beat comes from the bringing together of family who share in the celebration.
WHAT ARE THE TOP 3 WEDDING PLANNING TIPS FROM A BRIDES PERSPECTIVE?
Start planning early and take one step at a time. Recruit family and friends (including that future spouse of yours) to pitch in and help out in any way that they can.
Set a budget and stick to it!
Try to have fun when planning! This is your wedding after all! Don’t get too hung up on small details but rather focus on what’s important….. celebrating the love you share with your fiancé while surrounded by who is most important to you.
WHAT ARE THE TOP 3 WEDDING PLANNING TIPS FROM A GROOMS PERSPECTIVE?
Financing : This $#@! is outrageously expensive. You need a realistic budget.
Coordination: My wife and her team hit the ground running early and meticulously strategized each integral detail of our wedding.
Stay involved: While a lot of the aspects of the occasion requires the female perspective, the grooms input is vital to achieving synergy and cohesiveness throughout the process.
WHAT IS THE #1 WEDDING SONG IN YOUR BOOKS?
The song that I absolutely adore is ‘I Choose You' by Ryann Darling. This is the song that played as I walked down the Aisle to meet Ethan. We love the lyrics and how it not only expresses the love we have for each other, but also that our love and lives are for God. It is through Him that we came together in life.
ANY MARRIAGE ADVICE FOR AN ENGAGED COUPLE TYING THE KNOT SOON ?
It is EXTREMELY important to remember that you are two unique individuals. Don’t completely lose yourself in your marriage. Never forget to cultivate your own interests and friendships. Besides, you will have so much more to talk about when you come back together at the end of the day.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SINGLES ON THE QUEST TO FIND TRUE LOVE?
I know that you may feel left out because everyone around you seems to be in a serious relationship or getting married and you just cant seem to find ‘the one’. Always be reminded that God’s timing is perfect. He can put someone into your life who loves you and treats you the way you deserve to be treated and this can happen in a short space of time. Relax! Your king/queen is coming….. maybe sooner than you think. I got married at age 35, and my husband was well worth the wait!
An exclusive interview by The Pico Brand.