Drive-by procession surprises newlyweds
Kayla Duffie and Jevon Harmon spent more than a year planning the perfect wedding, set for May 9, 2020.
The pair met at church not long after high school; Jevon graduated from Sussex Central in 2013, and Kayla graduated from Cape in 2014.
Since then, Kayla has worked as a nurse at Beebe Healthcare’s women and children’s health department. Jevon, a Long Neck Elementary custodian, is also a volunteer firefighter with Millsboro Fire Company.
When COVID-19 began to spread in the Cape Region in March, they moved their wedding date up to April 25.
“We found out we wouldn’t be able to have a wedding with all of our friends and family,” Kayla said. “It would have to be on a smaller scale with just our parents, matron of honor, best man and our pastor.”
After the small ceremony at Trinity Faith Christian Center in Lewes, the wedding party traveled to the newlyweds’ Millsboro home for a reception.
When they arrived, they were greeted by a surprise procession, led by Millsboro police cars and fire trucks, of family and friends in dozens of cars, some decorated with balloons and streamers; all of them honking horns.
Congratulatory signs were held from windows or sunroofs. Someone stopped to shoot a confetti gun; another car sprayed Silly String in its wake. Cars paused so occupants could drop off presents and gift cards.
Matron of honor Brooke Talbot, Kayla’s coworker, said the bridal party spread the word among the community to celebrate the young couple on their special day.
“It’s not how they planned on getting married, but the love and support from the community was something so special, they will remember it for years to come,” Talbot said. “It was an emotional tribute to an amazing couple who is making a difference for our community during this time of need.”
Despite COVID-19, Kayla was still able to take a week off from Beebe for her honeymoon.
“First I was bummed about this, but we made the best of it and did the best we could,” she said. “Now we’re together and I couldn’t be happier!”
