ISLAND WEDDING
A faith-filled love with the Akahs
Published:Tuesday | June 17, 2025 | 12:07 AM
When Brittni-Ann Brown and Paul Akah first met at Montego Bay New Testament Church of God, it was their shared devotion that brought them together. Their first conversation, centred on their mutual love for God and His word, felt effortless. The pair would go on to build a relationship grounded in faith, ultimately leading them to exchange vows at The Palm Terrace in Montego Bay, followed by a vibrant Nigerian-themed reception.
For Brittni-Ann, Paul’s passion for Christ stood out immediately. She was quietly captivated, drawn to the sincerity of his beliefs and the strength of his character.
Describing Brittni-Ann as a simple, shy, and devoted Christian girl, Paul told Island Wedding that it wasn’t until they spoke that he was truly captivated, “I was so impressed by her understanding of the scripture, along with her humility and God-fearing nature, which cemented my attraction for her.”
After getting to know each other, they went on their first date at Pier One Restaurant in Montego Bay. Just two weeks later, they faced the challenges of a long-distance relationship, with Brittni-Ann in Bermuda on a work permit and Paul in Jamaica. Though miles apart, their connection grew stronger, held together by shared commitment and the certainty they were meant to be together.
When asked what she loves most about her other half, Brittni-Ann said, “I love Paul’s willingness and ability to lead.”
As for Paul, he loves Brittni-Ann’s “humble and submissive nature”. He also shares that he knew from early on that she was the one.
“The Lord had told me months before that this person was my wife. Everything that happened was just confirmation of God’s spoken word,” he explained.
And so, six months later, on September 18, 2024, Paul chose to make their love official with a surprise proposal in New York.
He carefully arranged for a violinist to play Goodness of God by Cece Winans, in the heart of Times Square. As the music filled the air, Paul got down on one knee and Brittni-Ann, caught completely off guard, said yes without hesitation. Two of her friends had secretly helped Paul bring the plan to life, making sure every detail went as he’d hoped.
Looking back, Brittni-Ann shared the amusing twists that led up to that moment, “We caught separate flights to meet up in New York because we were in a long-distance relationship. My flight was late, and Paul had pre-arranged the violinist, so we ended up running through New York trying to catch a train to Times Square. I had no clue why we had to hurry, completely unaware that Paul had a whole proposal planned!”
Following the proposal, the couple celebrated with a trip to Egypt.
BIG DAY
Their big day arrived on December 21, 2024, starting under a blanket of grey clouds. But after hours of heartfelt prayer, the rain stopped and the sky seemed to open just in time, like a quiet blessing on their union. What followed was, in their eyes, absolutely perfect.
The bride was radiant in a custom-made gown from Egypt, fully embellished with rhinestones. For the reception, she changed into an elegant white and gold dress by Marlene’s Dressmaking in Montego Bay. Paul wore a navy blue suit with matching bow tie for the ceremony, and a striking white Nigerian Agbada for the reception.
“When I first saw my beautiful bride in her dress, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and love. Also, the exchange of vows and the first dance will remain a memorable moment in my mind,” Paul said.
The couple’s first dance as husband and wife was to When God Made You by Natalie and Newsong, a fitting tribute to a union they both believe was divinely destined.
The reception was a lively and meaningful tribute to the groom’s Nigerian culture. Guests changed into African attire, and the evening came alive with Gospel Afrobeats. Among the many highlights was a Nigerian wedding game where Brittni-Ann, blindfolded, had to identify Paul by touch alone from a group of five male guests. The traditional Nigerian money dance followed in true Nigerian style.
For Brittni-Ann, the most touching moment was hearing Paul’s vows: “Hearing my husband’s vows being read with wholehearted sincerity touched me deeply. I also loved the traditional Nigerian money dance during the reception. That was a fun and exciting experience.”