It is said that precious moments last for a lifetime. For Shenea Needham Paul, and her husband, Levoy Paul, this moment was the day they first met. At the time, they were mere strangers, acquainted by mutual friends. Shenea and Levoy were both in attendance at the launch of gospel artiste Prodigal Son’s album Pure Gold in 2017. Among the familiar faces, Levoy couldn’t help but notice the attractive naturalista. He knew of her before the showcase, so it was easy to start a conversation. According to the musician, he asked her for the digits, and she obliged. It wouldn’t be long before they would find melody and harmony in love. But, if you ask him, he was the one who struck pure gold.
“I was attracted to her initially,” Levoy told Island Wedding. However, at the time, Shenea only saw the musician for his professional title, explaining that she never pictured a friendship or a relationship with him because she was already with someone.
But after severing ties with her then-boyfriend and taking the time to heal from the break-up, Shenea accepted an invitation from Levoy to worship night at Transformed Life Church (TLC). The tide soon shifted in his direction once she got a sneak peek of his spiritual side. “It was the perfect first date night. I saw him play, which was great, but I was exposed to his worship side, and I also gathered that at this point, he wanted me to understand how serious he was about his spiritual side and relationship with God,” she added.
GRATEFUL TO GOD
After 10 months of friendship, Shenea gave her soon-to-be beloved a reason to celebrate his birthday, since he was never one to recognise the occasion, by simply saying ‘Yes’ to a relationship.
Grateful to God for placing Levoy in her life, she is floored by his supportive, positive and passionate nature. “I’ve been through a lot, and it has had some negative impacts in my life. Since he came along, I look at things positively, handling situations and confrontations better. He has taught me to appreciate life, family and friends in a whole different light. And he has assisted in my spiritual growth. He continues to nurture the relationship with how we speak to each other, how we deal with issues, and how we make decisions,” shared Shenea. Plus, she added, he is incredibly talented. Not just with music. “I really don’t know if there is anything that he can’t do, to be honest,” she said.
Charismatic, impatient, persistent, strong and selfless, Levoy credits his queen for pushing him above and beyond to be the best version of himself. “She has, without a doubt, increased my level of responsibility, compassion and pride. She has been a tower of strength for me, and I’m sure for many others, and it is through these traits that she continues to make the relationship stronger and stronger,” he said.
The couple engaged in premarital counselling, and a month away from marking two years of courtship, Levoy did the honour of asking his girlfriend to be his wife at the AC Marriott Hotel. “On the day of the proposal, while she was at the location enjoying herself, I had planned the perfect surprise with a host of friends ready to walk in and surprise her. We have a favourite song, so I grabbed my guitar [and] called a friend of mine to accompany the musical selection. We walked in and surprised her. The shock was all over her face,” he revealed. “It was perfect!” said Shenea.
Enlisting Alicia Lawrence, owner and founder of Next Occasion, as their wedding planner, the bride-to-be felt relaxed and comforted by her expertise. She stayed true to most of the vision, given the ‘new normal’. It wasn’t easy planning through a pandemic with curfews, protocols, or pending bad weather, but the company eased her fears and did a fantastic job.
Introducing Mr and Mrs Paul. 
Shenea Needham Paul and her husband, Levoy (centre), were happy to be supported by their bridal party. From left: Celenia-Marie Palmer, Nicole Mais, Chantel Lamb, Jodi-Ann Evans, Devra Walker, Tabianna Whittingham, Shanique Robinson, Donalicia Hamilton, the bride and groom, Romaine Salmon, Marlon Senior, Kaheem Whittingham, Chevaughn Walke, Matthew Gayle, Davian Barnett, Odane Mais and Rouaj Shirley.
At Waterfalls on Hope Road, the beautiful Shenea and handsome Levoy were united in holy matrimony in the presence of close family and friends. Sealing the deal by marrying the love of her life is one that will be etched in Shenea’s heart forever. Her husband, steering sentiments in the more scenic route, declared that it was his gorgeous wife’s nuptial walk up the aisle that took his breath away.
