Chozenn chooses his bride - Excited to build life together

Popular gospel artiste and songwriter Chozenn and his wife, Correena, tied the knot at a beautiful, all-white ceremony last Friday at a private location in the US state of Delaware.

"It was my wife's heart's desire for us to wed in a heavenly, intimate experience with family, no hype, no fanfare, just us and loved ones making memories that will last a lifetime," Chozenn told THE WEEKEND STAR. The newlyweds met in a Christian ministry group and before long, the two became good friends, the artiste said.

"Our chemistry is divine. We are in sync on so many levels -- spiritually and physically -- it's alarming. If she's in pain, I can literally feel it as well. We built our union on empathy and authenticity," Chozenn said, adding that Correena gave him peace of mind. The Smile (Today) singer, whose given name is Duane Besentie, expressed that after several failed relationships and heartbreaks, he almost gave up on the idea of finding a wife. His proposal to Correena was done during a surprise midnight visit to her in Wisconsin, having travelled from New York for hours to see her.

"It has been my desire and in my goals for decades, but I always say, I rather wait long than to marry wrong. God did something in my life when he blessed me with Correena. She has such a wonderful heart," he said. "We aren't perfect, both of us are perfectly imperfect. But with God's guidance and humility, plus the respect and love we have for each other, we are definitely going to build a beautiful life together."

He described the proposal as "a joyful moment" even though Correena was caught by surprise. Chozenn said that she even slammed the door in his face before saying "Yes, Duane, I'll marry you". Chozenn also shared that they decided to remain celibate until saying their 'I dos'.

He said "We both wanted to honour God with our mind, body and spirit. Celibacy and purity was one of our best assets [so] we kept it completely holy until matrimony. For me that's core as a Christian purity and holiness."

The couple is currently honeymooning, kick-starting the festivities in Delaware. "We are just creating memories and our own awesome experience," said Chozenn.

The Linstead, St Catherine-raised singer said that he is looking forward to the next chapter with his wife, that includes family, getting their first home together and starting a small business. "Plus we want to travel the world and take my music ministry farther," he added.

As for when he will next be performing on local soil, Chozenn hinted that there is a major request in the pipeline.

"We are currently prayerfully processing the requests. Jamaica will always be home, but this is a new beginning for my wife and I and we are just embracing it humbly," he said.