We're Getting Married!

LaVerne and Kenny…Our quintessential love story began at the age of 16. Daily walks home from school ignited the flame of emotions only to have the flames extinguished by Clifton (Laverne’s dad) standing guard on the front porch. As such, with the imminent threat and rising danger Kenny never embarked beyond the fence. Our love for church and relationship with God continued to evolve throughout our teenage years, as members of New Bethel COGIC. It was there that extended van drives, for church experiences, provided the opportunity for literally hours of constant communication. While other may have found it extremely annoying, the dialogue served as a means to strengthen our bond. Through the process of time, the teenage years would result in a pause in our relationship…Delayed, not Denied.

University of New Haven (Kenny) and Southern CT State University (LaVerne) offered a unique encounter of love and fate. In between classes, the drive across town to visit LaVerne at her college served as the opportunity to rekindle an effortless chemistry between two best friends. While there was always a spark, the budding flame yet again was not ignited…Delayed, not Denied. Distance nor time could thwart divine destiny. In December of 2023, after an encounter in Hartford, CT, LaVerne helping Kenny navigate the Global Entry process, at the airport, turned into breakfast at a diner, a walk in the neighboring town and of course there would be a sharing of mutual cultures for a Jamaican lunch. It was this day and subsequent visits to CT that the flame of this quintessential love story finally ignited and continue to blaze afire today,

The sharing of two hearts becoming one has become the joy of our families. The pride of my heart are my four children who have fondly embraced Laverne and provided their blessing for their dad’s happiness and peace. The golden girl friendship of Alberta (Kenny’s mom; deceased) Vineth (Laverne’s mom) established a positive path forward for the two to become one. The host of family and friends continue to be a source and symbol of joy expressed for the love that these two share.

On August 30, 2024 a quaint gathering of family and friends gathered at Vernon Rondo Osteria in Cheshire, CT for the SURPRISE Engagement. After a few pivots from previous venues, dates, and times being revealed to LaVerne, the occasion is confirmed, the decor is divine, and the guests are gathered in burnt orange and white. The time is 5:45 pm and the entrance of the bride to be is moments away. The ring, a spectacular round diamond in a cushion setting, was a custom design of Hannoush Jewelers in Albany, NY. The time has come…delayed but not denied! Upon one knee Dr. Newman asked LaVerne Campbell to join the last phase of this journey called life as his wife…She SAID YES!