William Gaskins Jr wed Analissa Johnson on August 18, 2012 along the beach of the Iberostar Rose Hall Beach and Spa Resort in Montego Bay.

How they met

he couple met in September 2008 while shopping for luggage at Walmart. William noticed her and was immediately captivated by how beautiful she was but didn't know how he was going to make his move. So for a while he discreetly followed her around the store until she suddenly turned down the aisle he was in. It was now or never. As she stretched to reach for a piece of luggage in front of him, all he could say was "that's a good one right there." Not the ideal first words but it broke the ice and led to them walking around the store together and talking for hours. William then asked if she had cellphone reception in the store so that he could borrow her phone and put his number in it. "It was an old trick, I know, but it worked," shared William.

The couple talked frequently over the phone and had their first date in Washington, DC months later at the Warner Theater where they saw Tyler Perry's The Marriage Counselor. After the play, they went for dinner to one of their favourite restaurants, Old Ebbitt Grill. William believed that though the play was an unconventional first-date choice, it turned out to be fitting for their relationship as it was the beginning of something special.

The Proposal

In January 2011 William took Analissa to Federal Hill Park in Baltimore, which overlooks downtown and the inner harbour, and asked her to be his wife. "It was cold and you had to climb a fairly steep hill for about four minutes before getting to the top," recalled Analissa. "I complained to William about the long walk, but when I finally got to the top and not only saw the breathtaking view with the lights over the water, but also the tree tops which were covered with snow, I knew it was worth it," she further stated. William asked her to sit on one of the benches then got down on one knee and asked her to spend the rest of her life with him. Of course, she excitedly said yes. "I assured her that we would be together until death do us part. She makes me very happy; in fact, I am happiest when I am with her," William explained. "Will is perfect in my eyes as he is perfect for me. This handsome guy stole my heart since that day we met," shared Analissa.

The Wedding...

The couple and their guests arrived in Montego Bay on August 16 and stayed at the Iberostar Rose Hall Beach and Spa Resort. They enjoyed two days of celebrations before the actual ceremony on Saturday evening. The ceremony took place along the pearly sand beaches of Montego Bay. Analissa walked up the aisle in a mermaid gown by Mori Lee. Her hair was styled by Alexis Roberts, and Joni Powell of Gourmet Makeup applied her make-up. Her bridesmaids looked stunning in dresses from Simply Dresses which they selected online. The couple said 'I do' moments before the sun set, and strolled along the beach for a while taking pictures, before reuniting with their guests at approximately 7:00 pm that evening.

The reception followed at Aunt Ruby's Steakhouse, which is located at the hotel. The venue, which was tastefully decorated by the hotel, had an enchanting view of the night's sky. The couple made their grand arrival at the reception area with a playful dance routine to the delight of guests who cheered them on. Their cake was a three-tier fruit cake creation by Meganne Clarke of All That Batters who completed the design with the careful placement of orchids. The couple shared their first dance to From This Moment by Shania Twain. The bride then danced with her brother Keneel to A Song For My Daughter by Ray Allaire in memory of their late father Dwight. "I wish my father could have walked me up the aisle and danced with me, but even though he was not here in flesh, I felt his loving presence," shared Analissa.

For their friends who were unable to attend the ceremony in Jamaica, the couple ensured that they had a pre-wedding celebration in Maryland so that no one would feel left out.

The couple honeymooned at Iberostar Rose Hall Beach and Spa Resort for four nights and Secrets Wild Orchid for three nights.