Island Wedding | Akeeve and Throyann strike the right ‘Barrett-tone’ in love

Prior to romance entering the picture, Akeeve Barrett and Throyann Durrant first met through mutual friends. Their connection deepened when Akeeve, a musician, began visiting Throyann’s school, Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College, for rehearsals. Throyann, also a singer, eventually enrolled in the college’s music programme. As they got to know each other better, their friendship found its rhythm, paving the way for romance and, eventually, marriage.

“We were simply friends getting to know each other at first, and I don’t think either of us could have fully anticipated where that friendship would lead us,” Throyann explained to Island Wedding.

Akeeve was drawn to Throyann’s good heart from the beginning and, over time, their friendship grew into something more.

“I discovered someone who understood me, someone I could trust, and someone who would eventually become my best friend and husband. I see him not only as the man I love but also as a partner with whom I can grow, dream, and build a future with,” she shared.

Their first date at Lucca Italian Restaurant in Fairview, Montego Bay, cemented their connection even further. They spent the evening asking each other deep and personal questions, “… because we genuinely wanted to get to know each other on a deeper level. It wasn’t just about enjoying a meal. It was about understanding each other’s thoughts, values, and perspectives,” she said.

Since becoming an official couple in 2022, Throyann has appreciated Akeeve’s loving, smart, attentive, determined, and creative nature.

“Akeeve has contributed to my personal growth by being someone with whom I can be myself. He is my husband, but he is also my best friend, and this friendship gives me the freedom to express myself honestly and feel understood. Having someone who sees me, considers my feelings, and makes an effort to understand me has been an important part of my journey,” Throyann shared.

Through their relationship, the pair have fostered a bond rooted in intentional love, patience, understanding, communication, and choosing each other.

“Our faith has been central to our journey. We have seen God’s hand in our relationship, and that has strengthened our desire to build a marriage grounded in Him. Our relationship has reminded me that growth is not just about becoming better individuals but also about learning how to love each other better,” she added.

For Akeeve, Throyann’s beauty is matched by her generosity, empathy, helpfulness, protectiveness, and consideration for others. “I’ve had the privilege of seeing her interact with other people and as her husband, I received these versions of her to the greatest extent,” he said. He added, “Her willingness to assist others and those insightful aspects of her personality make her a natural builder of lives, and in situations closer to home, help me to better myself.”

Following an almost four-year courtship, Akeeve knew it was time to take the next step and propose.

“I asked my friend, the best man, to buy the rings since he lived overseas. When he brought it, I managed to hide it very well in my house.”

Or so he thought. “I had already spotted the ring in his phone or car before he had the chance to deliver his speech! So although I had an idea of what was coming, it did not take away from the beauty of the moment,” Throyann confessed.

On March 8 this year, Akeeve invited Throyann to a surprise dinner at Papi Chulo in St Ann. After their meal, he led her to a secluded area and popped the question. For Throyann, the proposal was a reminder of their journey from friendship to love and the future they were choosing to build together.

With only a few months to plan the wedding, Throyann received help from family and friends to bring the vision to life.

“We wanted our wedding to reflect our story, our faith, and our personalities. And wedding planning came with its share of decisions and challenges, but it also gave us opportunities to see the love and support surrounding us,” she explained.

‘BARRETT-TONES’ WED

On August 8, the ‘Barrett-tones’ wedding got under way at First Church of the Open Bible in Montego Bay, St James. During the ceremony, Throyann, a singer, and Akeeve, a bassist and multiinstrumentalist, joined hearts in holy matrimony.

The celebration of love and faith continued with a reception at MoBay Vacation Village.

According to the groom, the wedding was so much more than he had hoped for. “My best moment came after the reception when a few friends sat with us and gave us impromptu tributes. It gave us perspective into how we as a couple have helped and inspired people,” he shared.

For the bride, her favourite moment was walking out together to Jesus Iye by Nathaniel Bassey.

“I was overwhelmed with joy because the song reminded me of God’s faithfulness towards our relationship and everything He had done for us throughout the wedding-planning season,” she said, adding, “It was a moment of gratitude, a reminder of how far God had brought us, and an opportunity to celebrate the beginning of our marriage with joy in our hearts.”

The newly-weds shared their first dance to Anita Baker’s You Bring Me Joy.

“There was something special about being able to slow down and enjoy that moment together. The song was a lovely choice for us because it reflected the joy we share. As we danced, I was reminded that our marriage was not the end of our love story but the beginning of a new chapter. We were stepping into that chapter as husband and wife but still as the two friends who had grown to love each other and choose a future together,” Mrs Barrett reflected.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com