We're getting married!

It all started with my mom inviting me to church in Maryland. At first, I wasn’t too keen on the idea. Maryland felt so far, and I had a list of excuses ready to dodge the drive. But eventually, I gave in and went. The service turned out to be wonderful—a beautiful time of worship that I enjoyed. After the service, I exchanged pleasantries with my mom and headed to my car, ready to leave. That’s when I noticed a young lady lingering nearby. She looked like she might’ve been lost or was searching for something. Little did I know, she was scoping out an undeniably handsome man (her words, not mine!). As I was about to drive off, she approached my car. I rolled down the window to check if she was okay, and that’s how the conversation began. We exchanged numbers, and said to myself, “Well, that’s that." Or so I thought. I’ll admit, I ghosted her a couple of times after that. Not because she wasn’t smart or beautiful—she was both—but because I found out she was a pastor’s daughter. That revelation had me running for the hills! But as time passed, I came to my senses. I decided to put on my big boy hat and give her a call. From our first real date, we had meaningful conversations and connected on a deeper level. With each passing day, my heart grew fonder, and I began to realize something important: pastor’s daughters don’t bite. The rest, as they say, is history. Now, here we are, planning our special day and excited to celebrate this beautiful journey with all of you. xo -the groom

It all began at Faith in Christ Ministries International church. I was seated in my usual spot, surrounded by the comforting sounds of worship, when Kayode walked in accompanied by his mother. I had seen him once before but had never thought to say hello. My sister, Deborah Falomo, visiting from St Louis, leaned over and said “Who is that?”, glancing in his direction. “I don't know,” I replied, looking his way. “I think he’s someone son.” “How old is he?” she pressed. “I have no idea,” I admitted. “you should find out,” she said, playfully nudging me. Her insistence triggered something within me. Maybe it was time to step out of my comfort zone. As I walked toward my car, I noticed our vehicles were parked side by side. "What a coincidence!" I thought. I tapped on his window and introduced myself. Our conversation flowed easily. We exchanged numbers hoping to cultivate a friendly connection. But as the days turned into a week, I waited for a text that never came. When I finally reached out, his replies were brief, and I felt a little disappointed. I decided to step back as I was already talking to someone else and our communication faded into silence. Four months later, fate intervened once more. Kayode returned to the church, again invited by his mother. This time, it was my Aunt Wendy who leaned over, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Esther, who is that?” she asked. I chuckled, recalling my previous experience. “I’ve already been down this road. It’s probably not going to work out.” “Why not? Did y'all already go on a date?” she asked. “No, we just exchanged numbers; nothing happened,” I confessed. “Don’t worry,” she said with a smile. “Let me talk to him!” Shortly after, Kayode approached me, this time with a determined eagerness. Before I left church that day, we had made dinner plans for the next day. The rest, as they say, is history. What began as a chance encounter turned into something beautiful and meaningful. Our story, once a series of missed connections, was finally unfolding into a journey filled with love and laughter—a path that felt destined. -the bride