Episode 19 Rebecca Kennedy

In this episode 19 of Weddings-ish with Jove, Jove sits down with Rebecca Kennedy, an incredible Peloton instructor. Rebecca shares her unique love story, which includes not one, but two weddings. The couple’s decision to celebrate their union twice is both a testament to their thoughtfulness and a reflection of the fun, eclectic nature of their relationship. Their second wedding in Italy was themed around disco balls. The olive tree on the site where they got married was adorned with various disco balls, where all guests participated vocally at the end of the ceremony. It was a true "Festival of Us," emphasizing the collective joy shared among friends and family.

“My friends literally wouldn’t stop trying to set me up with Andy”

on being set up

Rebecca and her husband, Andy, have a backstory that feels like a rom com lover’s dream! Their friends played a pivotal role in their romance, persistently trying to set them up for over a year. Despite the initial attempts, Rebecca preferred for their connection to develop naturally. Having been friends for a decade, it was only when they found themselves in the same circle that they began to explore the possibility of romance.

Rebecca’s journey into the fitness world began long before 2017 when she became a Peloton instructor after previously teaching at Barry’s. Her love of fitness was influenced by her background in sports, which shaped her initial teaching style to be more militaristic. However, as her career evolved, she learned to embrace a more uplifting and encouraging approach, valuing the personal connections she formed with her students.

From a young age, Rebecca was a mover, engaging in gymnastics and dance. She, like Jove, initially began college looking to study law a career they both don’t regret NOT pursuing. This led her to pursue a degree in dance, where she graduated from a program that opened doors to prestigious opportunities. After being scouted by both Alvin Ailey and Broadway Dance Center, she chose the latter, immersing herself in the vibrant dance scene of New York City.

Throughout her time as a dancer, Rebecca remained dedicated to fitness, often working out to gain an edge in auditions. It was during this period that she became certified as a trainer, not realizing it could be a viable career until she was introduced to the world of fitness modeling. Her modeling career, which lasted about six years, introduced her to Andy, who encouraged her to train and teach at his gym in Soho.

Initially, Rebecca placed Andy in the "friend zone," because they were both in relationships and developing a deep friendship, but as their connection deepened, she began to reconsider. The turning point came during a conversation within their friend group “pod” during covid where she boldly asked Andy where he saw their relationship in ten years. His answer—either still best friends or married—took her by surprise and led her to reflect on their dynamic.

After some time apart when she was traveling, Rebecca invited Andy over for dinner, where they had an honest conversation about their feelings. She made it clear that this would need to be something serious in order for them to risk their friendship with romance. Andy was all in! This led to their first kiss and a swift transition into a romantic relationship, although they kept it a secret for the first four months, sharing the news only with their close-knit group of friends. They eventually brought it to Peleton HR and shared it with their fans.

Their engagement story is as memorable as their relationship, set against the backdrop of a picturesque beach in South Africa. A trip they won through a charity raffle tickets. Their friend who owned the travel agency asked them to do a photo shoot. After a day filled with adventure and photos, Andy proposed unexpectedly, bringing Rebecca to tears of joy. The couple opted for two weddings to honor both their families and friends—one an intimate family gathering in Cape Cod and the other a grand celebration in Italy.

Photography: Mark Spooner”

Planning the two weddings proved to be a whirlwind, with Rebecca humorously chalking it up to her anxiety. They chose Italy for the second wedding, envisioning a week-long celebration filled with activities and gatherings for their friends. The "Festival of Us" theme reflected their love for adventure and communal joy, culminating in a beautiful ceremony under a full moon.

Their Cape Cod wedding was equally heartfelt, with Rebecca's uncle officiating the ceremony at his property. Despite the challenges of planning both events within a short timeframe, she learned valuable lessons about managing expectations and focusing on the overall feeling of the day rather than getting lost in the details. Seeing her family’s faces made it all worth it!

Photography:: Mark Spooner

Rebecca’s approach to her weddings illustrates her caring nature and desire to create memorable experiences for her loved ones. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder of the importance of connection, both in love and in community, celebrating the joy of shared moments with those who matter most!

During “Ask Jove” Segment Sloan joins Jove to talk about create a unity ceremony that is unique!

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