Gildas POV In July of 2022, I officially considered Joseph my 'seat plug'. He was, at most to me, the usher who would save me a seat; whether in a Sunday service, a camp meeting, or a conference, I could rely on him to have a seat guarded by his rucksack for me. He would not save me a seat next to himself, except on one occasion (CTA 2022), but It would be a good seat. I think it's necessary to mention that Joseph would never, between 2019-2023 respond to my Instagram DM asking him if he could save me a seat; neither confirming nor denying my request however, I would arrive in faith, to my expectation exceedingly met. That was in totality, the extent of our acquaintance-ship. Fast-forward to a camp in 2023 (We are not Ashamed), my seat plug was as reliable as ever, helping me with a seat each day. In the morning (approx 6:30 am) of the last day of camp the Lord began to make manifest that which he had be orchestrating all along. I was lovingly being grilled about my love life (lack thereof) when "what about Joseph Lavaly" was suggested as a romantic potential. Joseph at this time was working away, running up and down the camp venue doing usher-things. In true Gilda fashion, I replied "that's my seat plug" albeit, a seed was planted. It was not until almost 2-weeks post-camp that the Lord, in a completely unrelated event, would kick-start our forever love. I was lovingly recommended to him, and again he to me and the rest is history. We quite literally have been inseparable since; he quickly became my favourite friend, easiest love and soon to be husband. God be thanked; all things have worked together for good. Mrs almost-Lavaly

Josephs POV I’ve known Gilda since 2018, back when she had just moved back to London from uni. We were in the same Bible study group on Thursdays. She was on Scriptures and I was leading prayer. Back then we barely spoke, but we did take part in a few church activities together. Gilda would probably say she doesn’t remember any of this (LOL!), but trust me my memory is sharp. Fast forward to 2022 the year, as Gilda would say, I became her “seat plug.” One morning during CTA, she messaged saying “omg your name is Joseph? LOL I thought it was Joey… anyway, good morning 👋🏾😊 Joey pleasseeee can you help me with a seat today?”. Of course, being the gentleman that I am (lol), I told her yes. From then on, our relationship became, “Hey Joey, can you save me a seat?” Most of the time, I didn’t reply but when she arrived, there’d be a good seat waiting for her. On one occasion, she messaged her pastor because she witnessed someone being rude to me while I was ushering. Hmm… I wonder why she was defending me. Was she feeling me already? Who knows? One thing I remember clearly about Gilda: she always had a different hairstyle. Whether it was a good wig with a middle or side part, braids, or her natural hair, she always switched it up and kept it fresh. Now, this is the part I know you’ve all been waiting for how did we actually get here? In 2023 we had a camp with our spiritual father (We Are Not Ashamed). My darling girl turned up to the first evening session and, of course, asked me to help her and her friend with seats. I did my best, but could only secure one seat and that went to her friend. Gilda didn’t mind and just sat at the back. I made sure she had a decent seat for the rest of the camp. Soon after, I went seeking counsel on my love life and Gilda was suggested as a potential for me to consider. I was open to the suggestion and waited for a window of opportunity to slide into her DMs”. Now, two years later, I’m typing this POV on the 7th of April 2025, while on FaceTime with her, deciding how our wedding invites are going to look. 🥹❤️ “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” — Psalm 37:23 (KJV) All roads lead to 2A Carden Road see you there!