There is a saying that sometimes ‘the one’ was always right there in front of you… for Wayne Mason and Ann-Toya Burrell, this was literally the case as they lived across the road from each other for almost their entire lives. Mason moved into the community when he was seven and Burrell was nine, but though they often exchanged polite greetings, they were never friends.

Their official meeting would take place years later — March 2010 to be exact — and on Facebook to boot! Wayne sent Ann-Toya a friend request, and at the time that she received it, the name never even connected with her. She decided to view the picture and there he was, the former neighbour she knew only as Wayne. She was thrilled, accepted the request immediately and they have been inseparable ever since.

Things progressed smoothly for the next three years, so much so, that they started planning their wedding long before Mason officially proposed. A movie-themed wedding was agreed upon as they spent almost all their time at the movies. In fact, their first date was to see a movie at the Carib 5 Cinema. Burrell decided on a whim to approach the marketing manager of Palace Amusement with the idea of having their wedding photos taken at Carib 5 in the same cinema where they had their first date. Her proposal was accepted. The wedding plans quickly began to take shape thereafter, and Burrell proposed on her birthday at Strawberry Hill.

“I chose that location as it is one of our favourite restaurants with one of the best views and ambience around town,” he explained. He went to the restaurant a week prior to arrange the proceedings, but when the day finally arrived, there was a slight change in the plan. The two were conversing and admiring the view while awaiting their table, and according to Wayne, “it just felt right, so I went down on one knee and popped the question”.

Hope Gardens was the venue chosen for their nuptials, and the couple’s dream décor was brought to life by Shawn Silburn of Sil Events. Burrell’s son, Julian, escorted her up the aisle to meet her groom. She was the picture of loveliness in a gorgeous draped dress with a brooch fashioned from a Christmas ornament to reflect her personality. Her ‘movie star’ hair and make-up were done by Phyllisia Russell-Stewart, and in her hands she clasped a vibrant bouquet of roses, orchids and baby’s breath. Her groom was equally dashing in a Kenneth Cole suit, while the bridal party styled in custom-tailored designs. “If I were to compare Wayne to a movie character, I’d say he’s my Superman,” Ann-Toya told Vows.

The reception followed, and the newly-weds enjoyed a fabulous evening with their loved ones ahead of cutting their cake — made by Selena Wong — which featured quotes from their favourite movies. “Ann-Toya is truly a dream come true. I must publicly congratulate her on an excellent job in making the day what it was — the best day of our lives. Thank you for wanting to share your life with me; I feel so blessed to be your husband,” Wayne shared.

The newly-weds enjoyed a five-day Caribbean cruise aboard the Carnival Destiny ending in The Bahamas, where they visited the famous Atlantis Resort.