Yemi and Beka 2021

Our Love Story

There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved.

How We Met

We will try to keep this as brief as possible and not bore you guys with the details.

We started talking online early 2019 and, to be frank, we both were skeptical and not sure if this was gonna work or if the other person was even real. But infrequent chats turned to daily messaging and then we graduated to infrequent calls. Finally, the infrequent calls turned to daily, consistent calls and chats.

How We Met Continued ...

We would say WhatsApp call / video was made for us. We don't know how we would have survived those days if WhatsApp wasn't available since we lived in different continents at the initial stage. Yes, different continents with the Atlantic Ocean dividing us at that time. We had those not so good call quality days too... but, still, we are eternally grateful to WhatsApp.

Then in December 2019, after several failed attempts to see each other, I (Yemi) was able to incorporate a visit to Dar es Salaam on my way to Nigeria. Seeing each other at the airport was phenomenal and somewhat surreal. We rode back to the hotel I stayed at and after a few hours of rest, Rebekah joined me for breakfast and we went on with our day, sight seeing and all.

How We Met Continued ...

My trip was very short. I had 8 days in between Nigeria and Tanzania; both on opposite ends of Africa and travel days to and fro Brazil. After spending almost 48 hours in Dar es Salaam, which was 48 hours well spent by the way, we had to say goodbyes till God knows when.

Rebekah did surprise me with the idea of coming to Brazil to see me. Plans were made in less than two weeks. In a nutshell, we were spending the rest of the year with my close friends and my Brazilian family. We visited places of interest (of course, I needed to show her around my territory) and New Year's Eve/ New Years was magical... the fireworks, the people, the food, we had a wonderful first New Years together.

How We Met (Conclusion)

Difficult goodbyes were said on January 6th (there were some tears shed, I'll let you guess who did the crying) with itemized plans for 2020...well in place, then COVID19 struck and everything took a different turn.

Rebekah made it in time to the US and I was stranded in Brazil for a while. Even though most of my time was spent caring for COVID19 patients, it was a long period because we didn't know when all that would be over (we all can testify to how long this pandemic has lasted). Our plans to be in the same geographical location were challenged, but after so many hurdles and a couple of tickets bought and cancelled, we were able to be together at the end of July 2020 and the rest is history. (More tears shed then, but this time happy tears. Again, I'll let you guess who was responsible for the tears).

How He Proposed

In September 2020, we had an early flight to catch from Nashville, a three hour drive from Knoxville. We got up before the sun so that we had plenty of time to make our flight, but it was a stress-filled morning, to say the least! On the way out the door, I cracked the screen of Yemisi's computer. Then, once we got to the airport we realized Yemisi forgot his passport and we weren't sure if he'd be able to fly ...he NEVER does stuff like this, so this should have been my first clue that something else was on his mind! We prayed and pleaded and they let him through security, but the fun was only just beginning. It was at this point that I started to get very concerned about Yemisi's well being ...every chance he got he was "going to the bathroom." I mean ALL. THE. TIME. We get through security? "Bathroom." Seated at our gate? "Bathroom." Board the plane? "Bathroom." And so on and so forth.

We had a layover, and the "bathroom" antics continued (I was still concerned). We got on the second flight and it was more of the same. Finally he got settled in. But lo and behold, the VERY SECOND the pilot turned off the fasten seat belt sign, guess where Yemisi was off to? You guessed it. The "bathroom."

If you're familiar with flying, you know that when the pilot turns off the fasten seat belt sign, he introduces his crew and gives a short weather briefing. This was all routine to me, and I was only half-heartedly listening as I continued watching my show. The flight attendant was going through her normal speech, but eventually mentioned a special announcement. This piqued my curiosity and I paused my show. It really got my attention, however, when she said "This message is for Rebekah." I turned around in my seat and saw a slew of passengers pointing cameras in my direction and my soon-to-be fiance walking down the aisle towards me.

After he proposed, and I said yes, everyone on the plane cheered and the flight crew brought us champagne to celebrate. We spent the rest of the flight soaking it all in, and I began to realize that Yemisi didn't have stomach issues after all ...he just had to do lots of coordinating to pull off the proposal of a lifetime.

Wedding Party

Bridesmaids & Flower Girls

Rachel Crowley

(Matron of Honor)

She's been with me from day one, but maybe that's cuz she's my sister and she has to be. But truly, it's a gift to have a sister that you also get to call friend.

Carrie Pickell

(Bridesmaid)

Carrie was my first friend to teach me how to break the rules. I thought she was so rebellious reading with a flashlight under the blankets after we were supposed to go to sleep. Now she points me to Jesus more than almost anyone I know.

Elizabeth Utesch

(Bridesmaid)

Lizzy put up with me through middle school so that pretty much tells you what you need to know about the kind of friend she is. Loyal to the end.

Olivia Loveless

(Bridesmaid)

Quick witted, thoughtful, and kind. Olivia will keep you rolling with laughter and make you feel loved all at the same time.

Beckie Ajayi

(Bridesmaid)

Beckie and I hit it off from day one and have never looked back. It's a good thing, too, cuz marrying brothers means we're stuck with each other for life.

Erin Van Egmond

(Bridesmaid)

Erin's spiritual gift is asking philosophical questions before 7am. She has seen me at my worst and I think she still loves me so that's really cool.

Julie Kusserow

(Bridesmaid)

She's small but she's mighty. She makes a mean crepe and knows how to throw the best front porch dance parties. And she has taught me much about the love of Jesus.

Hannah Myers

(Bridesmaid)

I think I met Hannah on the first day of freshman year of college? She's one of the truest friends you'll have and will also make you belly laugh.

Anna Knight

(Bridesmaid)

If we chose friends based on personality profiles, Anna would be my girl! I think we get the same results on every test there is. She's an amazing friend, and I'm not just saying that because we're a lot alike :)

Oluwayimika Omotosho

(Bridesmaid)

Yinka is Yemisi's younger sister and the one with the keys to all the secrets I need to know about what Yemisi was like as a kid.

Bethany Sophia

(Bridesmaid)

If you want to laugh, just call Bethany. Or maybe it's just cuz we think we're funny, but we laugh a lot together and it's one of the biggest gifts ever.

Eunice Kamoyo

(Bridesmaid)

Eunice is one of the kindest souls I know. There's something about her that just draws you in and makes you want to be more like Jesus. Our hearts have been connected pretty much since the day we met, and I don't anticipate that changing any time soon, even though there are far too many miles between us right now.

Temi Omotosho

(Flower Girl)

Ellie Ajayi

(Flower Girl)

Maggie Crowley

(Flower Girl)

Groomsmen & Ring Guards

Lekan Ajayi

(Bestman)

Lekan, aka Chairman, aka cars.com, friend, brother and mentor. I am blessed to have you in my life. And I don't know how I would have survived the US without you. Cheers to many more road trips.

Tope Oloniyo

(Bestman)

Tope, aka Topsysoddle, my brother and paddy for life. Thank you for accepting me for me and helping me grow into the person I am today. Hoping you move to Arizona soon.

Rotimi Adegbamigbe

(Groomsman)

Rotimi aka Rotexdegba, I will never forget your many encouragement in diverse ways. You are part of my success story and thank you for the website. Yes, he is the man behind this wedding site.

Olamide Omotosho

(Groomsman)

Lamide aka TOSH baba. My personal comedian. Very glad to have you as family and for being present always whenever I needed you. You make the world a better place.

Richard Arthur

(Groomsman)

This is my 'paddy' for jungle, right from when we were teenagers and trying to figure out life. He has and always will be supportive of me and my plans. Thanks Richy Rich. You're the best.

Kofi Boatey

(Groomsman)

This is my younger brother from another mother. My protege, Russia was fun with Kofi and I hope God grants us more opportunities to create more memories.

Deboye Ifaturoti

(Groomsman)

Deboye and I met in Russia too, in the cold city of Arkhangelsk. He has a wonderful sense of humor and you just will love him no matter what. Thank you for talking me through the things that matter in life.

Dare Dosunmu

(Groomsman)

Looking back to those days of Teenage church and now all I can say is 'look at us now'. Remember the sliding glass door we broke, haha. Thank you for opening your house and taking good care of me whenever I visit Nigeria. You are the best friend and brother anyone can hope for.

Iguosa Asemota

(Groomsman)

One of my best roomies, we shared many wonderful memories From Russia to Nigeria. A dear brother indeed and a thorn in my flesh… back in the Russian jungle.

Toba Oloyede

(Groomsman)

Toba and I go way back from our time in the jungle of Ryazan, Russia. He is not just a good friend but also a brother, a troublesome brother (kidding). One thing I will never forget about him is how he pushed me to take some necessary steps that has landed me in certain great places in life. Thank you Bro and cheers to many more wonderful memories ahead.

Tolu Labeodan

(Groomsman)

Luka Ivanov Haro

(Junior Groomsman)

Luka is my second godson. He is just fascinating and smart. I miss you so dearly.

Graziano Ayoade

(Junior Groomsman)

That's my nephew. He can be very shy sometimes. I really pray for more opportunities to spend more time with you and spoil you.

Luke Ajayi

(Junior Groomsman)

That's my main man, Luke the Duke. Greatest artist of all time. He is one of my favorite people. I miss you little guy.

Gustavo Omotosho

(Junior Groomsman)

He brought life and laughter to us in Brazil. Baby of few words, but now, he can 'talk your ears off'.

Ame Saylor

(Ring Guard)

Getting married gives you a lot more than a wife, I gained another nephew; cute Ame.

David Ayoade

(Ring Guard)

My second Nephew, known him from afar cos I had always lived far-away. It will be great to finally meet you and really spoil you.

Sodi Pepple

(Ring Guard)

My latest Godson. I have not met him physically but I have been a part of his life right from his mother's womb, his mum and dad are one of my favorite people.