Igbé iyawó

Our stars aligned on the 15th of May 2010 at the Archi-Fuse Dinner and Awards Show - an event organized in Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria to bring the entire School of Architecture together. Jimade’s best-friend, Dekunle was showcasing his newly launched clothing line and we both featured as Models. After a brief introduction, Dekunle paired us together to stride down the runway. We had a good connection but did not think much about it. After all, it was Jimade’s last year in College.

Upon graduating in 2011, Jimade relocated to the United States for his postgraduate studies at Florida International University, Miami. Toyin also rounded up her Bachelor’s Program in 2013. Despite the distance, years passed and little did we know our paths were about to cross again, and this time, for a lifetime! Jimade was spending his vacation in Nigeria when we decided to meet up. We went on a double date to Kalakuta Museum (with Dekunle again). This would officially be our first date. Later that year, Toyin also relocated to the United States. Jimade, being an extremely selfless man, would always call to make sure Toyin was settling in well. Sometime in 2014, Jimade came to Shreveport, Louisiana to visit. We saw our first movie together - Gone Girl. The movie was so interesting we had a heated debate about it, which lasted longer than the movie itself. This was our second date. In February 2015, Toyin moved to Houston. By then, Jimade had moved three months prior, and as you’ve guessed rightly, Jimade helped her settle in again. Eventually, we began to spend more time together, travelled a lot with friends - Austin to Miami to New Orleans and so on. During our period of bonding, we learned about each other’s values; and in no time, our friendship had metamorphosed into something even more beautiful. By November/December of that year, we officially started dating. In 2017, Jimade the ‘Academic’ bagged another masters degree from University of Houston. Thereafter, he relocated from Houston to Miami. It was very difficult for the duo to stay apart, so Toyin joined him in Miami shortly. Jimade’s plan was to propose 3 years after they started dating.

On a certain beautiful sunny afternoon, we were planning a photoshoot for a fashion line we had jointly formed - ZANANNI. We typically conceive ideas, create styles and pick locations together. However, for this particular photoshoot, Jimade was quite particular and domineering about the location of the shoot and sequence of wearing the outfits. Mischievous right? duhhhhh!!! Toyin still had no clue. The Photographers were our close buddies - Darius and Caitlin. They always take our pictures and videos. The shoot would soon be over, as Toyin was already on the last outfit. She turned her back against the photographers for a back view capture; and on turning back, she beheld the love of her life on one knee asking her to marry him. Shock, Excitement, Panic, Tears, Gratitude and Joy were all the emotions Toyin had, all at the same time. Wow! Jimade was able to pull off an entire proposal, which incorporated fully, her personality and style without the Chief Investigating Officer cum Special Senior Detective Oluwatoyin (A.K.A Snoop T) having the slightest clue. Ajimade Adigun Animashaun, you completely always get Oluwatoyin Talabi in a way no one does. Aji’MADE’ and Oluwa’TO’yin 2019… #MADETOLOVE2019