I don’t have a reason to cry, and I have every reason to smile

And I don’t have a reason to lie when you already readin’ my mind

And I don’t have a reason to be, if I can’t be with you

And I don’t need air in my lungs, if I can’t sing your song

No, I don’t need hands if I don’t get to keep you warm

And I don’t really need myself, if I don’t need you.

Die With You by Beyoncé

While some love stories involve establishing a solid foundation to build trust, Abigail Johnson and Waneston Marsden’s journey was a perfect fit from the start. They met on social media in 2022. But the real chemistry happened when they met face-to-face soon after — where even in their short conversation, there was an instant connection!

“Ours was a brief encounter, but something about that moment stayed with me; his calm presence, the nerves I felt and just the way he carried himself made a lasting impression. I felt drawn to him. It felt like I already knew him,” Abigail shared with Tuesday Style Vows (TSV).

The more they spent time getting to know each other, the more certain she felt about him. While drawn to his kindness and dedication to others, it was the subtleties that would leave no doubt she had found the man of her dreams.

“Our first date was a movie with his sister. But instead of focusing on the screen, I noticed he kept nervously glancing at me. It was subtle but endearing and in that moment, I didn’t just feel butterflies — I felt protected and truly seen,” Abigail said. “That’s when I knew this was more than love, it was a sense of home. It was the way he consistently showed up for the people he loved… always willing to go out of his way to help even when exhausted. This just sealed it for me. This was the man I wanted by my side for the rest of my life.”

That sense of peace would be further cemented on December 10, 2023, when a dinner date with Waneston, her sister and best friend ended in a memorable proposal. “He told me we were going out for dinner with his sister and best friend, so I didn’t think much of it, although my sisters were encouraging me to get my nails and hair done. That made me suspicious,” Abigail recalled. “The moment we arrived at the venue, I heard Die With You by Beyoncé…, my favourite song!

He proposed, and even sang to me, which made it all the more special. It felt like a dream.”

Almost a year after the proposal, Abigail and Waneston exchanged vows at the Golden Spring Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

For her special day, Abigail donned a mermaid gown from BYG Wedding Factory, while Waneston was fitted in a green and black tuxedo. Respecting Jehovah’s Witnesses traditions, Abigail walked up the aisle to an orchestral arrangement from the Kingdom Melodies songbook, ready to commit her future to Waneston.

The celebrations then moved to Struan Castle Garden in St Andrew where a lavish banquet awaited guests. Formalities included the cutting of the cake by Honey and Almond Catering and their first dance as newly-weds to Ed Sheeran’s hit
Perfect. Among the memorable moments from the reception, Abigail would be enthralled by Waneston serenading her to Chris Brown and Jordin Sparks’s hit No Air, backed up by his groomsmen. Abigail would return the favour, serenading him with her signature song, Die With You, a song that would bring their love story full circle.

“He may joke about not having the best voice, but in that moment, it didn’t matter — he sang his heart out. When he threw his jacket to me mid-song, I felt like the ultimate fan girl! Singing Die With You to him, was a full circle for me,” Abigail said. “From it being played at my proposal to now me singing it to him, those words from the song sealed my love for him.”

Despite heavy showers, Abigail was touched by those who came to share in her joy and celebrate the beginning of their new chapter.

The couple later honeymooned at Hotel RIU Ocho Rios, St Ann.

Photos: Richard M Photography