We’re getting married

**How We Met** Our story began in 2016, when fate—and a mutual friend “Christabel” —brought us together. At the time, she was a 100-level student at the University of Benin, pursuing her passion for English and Literature. She lived in Hall 5, one of the lively halls of residence on campus. I still remember the first time we met there. It was a casual introduction, but something about her captured my attention. As we got to know each other, we discovered a shared love for deep conversations, and a mutual respect for one another's dreams and ambitions. We quickly became close friends, spending countless hours talking about everything from likes/dislikes to life goals, often in the cozy corners of Hall 5 or while strolling through the serene university campus. Though our connection was instant, it was through the foundation of friendship that we truly grew closer. We supported each other through challenges, celebrated victories, and built a bond that felt unbreakable. As time passed, it became clear that what we had was more than just friendship—it was the beginning of something special. Eventually, that strong foundation led us to take the next step, and we began dating. Looking back, it feels like the perfect progression of our relationship, one that was built on trust, mutual respect, and genuine affection. From that first meeting in Hall 5 to where we are today, our journey has been filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories. Now, as we stand on the brink of forever, we look back with gratitude at how it all began, and we look forward with excitement at what the future holds.

**The Proposal** Our proposal story is one for the books! It all began with what she thought was a trip to Zanzibar to celebrate my birthday. The plan was carefully crafted with the help of my sister, my mom, and two of our closest friends (Sefe & Samson). We told her that the trip was just a special getaway, but in reality, it was the perfect setup for a surprise proposal. On the day of the proposal, she was under the impression that she was getting ready for my birthday dinner. Little did she know, she was actually preparing for one of the most memorable moments of our lives. As she walked into the beautifully decorated venue, surrounded by our loved ones, I got down on one knee and asked her to spend forever with me. The look of surprise and joy on her face was everything I had hoped for. What started as a “birthday celebration” turned into the beginning of our forever together.