Chennya and Jarrod’s Over Seas Love Story

A summer camp romance will burn forever with an “I Do.”

What is better than a high school sweetheart? A summer romance that lasted more than one summer. Finding the love of your life can sneak up on you, or it can be right in front of you, and you never know it. Chennya and Jarrod’s love story started in the summer of 2019 at Camp Champions, where we all met. Long hours in the Texas sun and running around with some kids can really be exhausting, but it's well worth it. As the directors would say, “The days are long, but the weeks are short,” so you really have to make the most of your time at camp. So, even though you may not have much time for a love life, I say, “Love will always find a way.”

Photo by: Pglphotography

That’s what happened with Chennya and Jarrod finding time to see the wonderful qualities in each other. I was excited to hear that after their initial interaction, they were talking because I had known both of them for years, but ironically, this was the first summer that they spoke more than simple pleasantries. It's wild to think that with so much going on at a summer camp, some people don't get a chance to meet and really get to know one another.

However, with a bit of help from a 6 year old, who was one of Jarrod’s campers, he gave the ultimate assist when the cabin was scheduled to ride horses on a trail. With Chennya being the head of horseback, she was there to give instructions and lead the trail ride. So an inquisitive 6 year old was not really concerned about the horses and decided to ask Chennya ma’am, “Was she married?” She responded with a sweet no, then he followed up with, “Do you have a boyfriend?” Again, Chennya responded no, and he finished off with, “What about JJ, sir?” She smiled, looked up, and after Jarrod and she made eye contact, she said, “Okay,” as most adults do when children ask about such things. They then started their trail ride, unknowingly awakening a spark. Soon after, they really started talking more and eventually went out on a few dates. 

Now, even though I was excited for both of my friends, I was a little nervous for Jarrod. Chennya can be quite fierce, and I did not want to see him get hurt. However, any fears I had of the two of them were easily put to rest when I asked Chennya how things were going with Jarrod. She did something I had never seen in the three summers of us working together; she blushed. I said, “Ohh, you really like him?” she slyly said stop and put her head down. I knew then I had nothing to worry about for Jarrod. The rest of the summer was like a whirlwind of excitement and romance with those two. 

They even took a trip together after camp to Hawaii with some other counselors. But Jarrod made his own special plans for him and Chennya. He surprised her with an excursion of horseback riding because he knew she loved horses, and after all, that is how this relationship started. Ironically, even with the hesitancy of never being on a horse, he was happy to do this for the woman he had spent so much time with in the summer. As the summer was ending, this could have been like a fever dream, but the summer ended on a happy note. They said the big “I LOVE YOU,” and it was reassuring they both felt the same way about one another. So, continuing their relationship was an automatic yes.

What made this relationship a little tricky is that Chennya was from England, and Jarrod was from Texas. Long distances could strain any relationship, but you add a whole ocean between you, and now that's another level. They made sure this was not there last summer together at camp. Both returned and were in different positions at camp for the next two summers. Every time they came together, it was like magic. So, in 2022, after their final summer at camp, they decided to take a European road trip together. Renting a van and driving to some of the coolest places you can see in England, Scotland, and Ireland. With being so close, their connection only got stronger, and more love was shown. They were essentially living together for 3 months in a van. Not a lot of space or opportunity to be alone. 

So, having this trip cemented their love for one another, and they knew there was no one else they would rather share a future with. They did not want to continue to have heartfelt goodbyes at airports and go months without wrapping their arms around each other in a sweet embrace. Now, the only question is, would Jarrod move to England, or would Chennya come and stay in America permanently? That was an easy choice for Chennya; she was coming to America to happily be in Texas with Jarrod.

In the spring of 2023, while I was visiting Texas, Jarrod told me the news I was waiting to hear. He was going to propose to his dream girl, Chennya. He knew he wanted to do it at camp, where they had met, and that he was ready for the next chapter of his life to start. Proposing in May, they were both giddy with joy and knew their forever person was standing before them. Jarrod mentioned he may have wanted me to officiate their wedding when he told me about the proposal, but I know things could change, and he could have asked someone else. I was more than excited. I was so honored that both he and Chennya called me to ask me to officiate their wedding officially. It was something I took much time and prepared for, taking the role very seriously and getting help from a Celebrant who has been officiating weddings for 20 years allowed me to give an impactful ceremony.

October 29, 2022, is the day I was honored to officiate my first wedding of my two dear friends, Chennya and Jarrod. I got to tell their love story even more in-depth than what I have written here. I was allowed to tell all the witnesses who were attending their wedding how amazing these two people are as individuals and how phenomenal they are as a loving couple. I plan to wish them a Big Happy Anniversary every year, believing that these two will have a long and happy marriage.

P.S. Since then, I have officiated a number of other weddings, both friends and couples I did not know previously, and this is just the start of me being “The Thirdwheel Specialist.” I thank Chennya and Jarrod for allowing me to be a part of their love story.

All Photos were taken by: Pglphotography