Tolu says:
So, I had just driven for about 6 hours from New Orleans to Houston and was super tired after just finishing grad school and moving out of New Orleans in two days.
I arrived in Houston exhausted but excited to see Ibukun as it had been some weeks since we last saw each other. It was also the day that I was meeting my new dad (his dad) for the first time so it was quite a busy day. I was really tired when I arrived in Houston, and I just wanted to eat and rest.
Well, Ibukun had cooked dinner and as I was super hungry. I was about to delve into the meal when he said we were not eating at home, we were going out to dinner. Ha! Out? I immediately declined saying I was in no mood to go out dining. After some persuasion, he won the argument since I was leaving town for California the next day, and it was the last time we were seeing each other in 2011 so I obliged. The whole time, I noticed he was super excited. When we embraced, his heart was racing faster than usual. Of course, I wondered if he was up to any pranks, but he said he was just excited to see me. Well, fair enough, since I was excited too.
So we wound down a little bit while watching TV, and homeboy said he had something special for me. He brought out a little box. Just like you are thinking my heart raced a little faster, and I wondered whether … in fact, I wasn’t really sure I wanted to open the box but I did. To my relief, they were pretty sapphire earrings. Sigh!
So, we got dressed and headed out to dinner at a really cozy Italian restaurant.
Ibukun says:
I had been planning this for a couple of weeks, but I was quite nervous. Tolu has always been extremely good at reading my mood and knowing when something wasn’t right, so that added an extra layer of difficulty. I was surprised when she said she didn’t want to go out for dinner. I had to pull the “it’s our last date of 2011” excuse right out of a hat. Then, later she’s leaning against my chest and instantly notices my elevated heart rate. “I’m just excited to see you again.” It had been a few weeks since we saw each other last. Another clutch excuse, but I had to be careful now. Time for the decoy. Sapphire earrings in a little box — enough to delight and occupy her mind and eliminate any suspicions about what else I had in store for the night.
We headed out to the Italian restaurant. I had met with the owner earlier and discussed my plans. I gave him a music CD to play when it was time. My friend Femi would come along as an anonymous patron and take photos from an inconspicuous angle. We placed our orders.
“I need to go to the restroom.”
“Sure.”
Femi joined me in the restroom, and I delivered the package to him. He would in turn deliver it to the waiter.
Tolu says:
So we decided to order dessert (my favorite part of dining). While we were waiting, I heard Tosin Martin’s love song (Olo mi) playing in the background, and I thought to myself, “this song is that famous?? (Pardon my slowness.) Well, at the exact moment, our dessert appeared in quite an interesting way, covered up in a dish with two waiters serving it. I looked at Ibukun right at that moment while “Olo mi, Oni temi†was playing in the background and he tried to look at me clueless. Interestingly, I was a little slow here again. I didn’t quite get it until he stood up and I saw him walking towards me and then I knew this was the “Aha!” moment. My knees became very wobbly.
He got beside me, and went on one knee and started speaking some really powerful words to me (I do remember them) and then I said some really silly things like “do you need an answer now?†Eventually I said yes, I was just trying to savor every bit of the moment while he was on his knee. While we were in our little world, I looked up and to my utmost surprise a photographer sprang out from hiding. Unbeknownst to me, he had been taking pictures all night. Thanks Femi!
Ibukun says:
I didn’t even notice when the music came on — I was a bit absorbed in our conversation. I looked up and saw our waiter — the moment of truth! I didn’t quite have a speech prepared, but that was how I planned it anyway. Still not sure if that was a good idea. I don’t quite remember what I said, and I’m pretty sure I was rambling at some point. But it was heartfelt, and that’s how I intended it. Applause from the restaurant patrons. Femi emerged. Photos. Â Great success!
It’s been a bit of a blur since then. Time flies by so fast. The amazing part, though, is how we fall deeper in love with each other with every single moment we spend together. I can’t wait to have her to myself forever come July 28th. I hope you’ll be there to celebrate with us.
26 Comments
05 June 12 at 1:24am
1
Awww...too cute..of course I'll be there on the 28th...I'm so excited can't stop grinning...
05 June 12 at 8:15am
2
Truly adorable. Way to go Bro Ibukun! I will be with you both in spirit in Nigeria and look forward to when we can celebrate in California. :)
25 June 12 at 3:42pm
3
Me too :)
05 June 12 at 9:24am
4
Not bad. Not bad at all. Memories to cherish.
05 June 12 at 2:50pm
5
Cogratulations Ibukun & Tolu!!! Your story is beautiful and inspiring. Our prayer for you is that every day of your journey as husband and wife will draw you closer to each other and to God. May your union be fruitful and filled with LOVE in Jesus' name!!! Deji & Lola Adeniyi
05 June 12 at 2:54pm
6
Awww Tolu i am too excited for you.You are a wonderful person and u deserve ONLY the best of what life has to offer. Congrats to you and IBK
05 June 12 at 5:05pm
7
I am really so happy to see yourwebsite . Tolu you have always been such a special young lady with a heart filled with an ocean size of love. I pray that God bless your union with all your hearts desires and make the both of you each other's best friends. I look forward to meeting you Ibukun. I plan to be at the wedding with my young men. Congrats
05 June 12 at 6:48pm
8
beautiful Tolu...just beautiful.
05 June 12 at 10:39pm
9
Congrats Tolu dear...May d good Lord c u guys thru in dis new journey ur about to embark on.... Congrats Tolu and Ibukun!!!xx
05 June 12 at 11:39pm
10
awwwwww, dats so romantic tolu. God bless ur union. Amen
06 June 12 at 2:57am
11
aww... congratulations from me and Seyi! I'm so happy for you. I wish you guys the best, and I know God will bless your union.
06 June 12 at 3:55am
12
Wow I'm touched! Tolu I'm so happy for you both, and I thank God for you both. You give us single people (lol) hopes that you can find real love, a divine gift from God. I'm happy you both found God's best for you! Congratulations! P.S. I love your website! Great job!
06 June 12 at 9:24am
13
Simply WOWWWW! your story, this site, Woah!!! B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L. CONGRATS!!!
06 June 12 at 4:31pm
14
Not sure i can make it but will save the date anyway.lol
07 June 12 at 2:13am
15
awesome story, Tolu remember our conversaton on how a real man who knows the worth of his lady should pop the question? well reading your story Ibukun for sure understands how special you are. My sister and my friend I am so happy for you both. you are a very special lady and deserves nothing but the very best for all the happiness you have brought into my life and that of many. We are still missing you here in California and praying that your light will continue to shine where ever you go.
07 June 12 at 8:03pm
16
Tolu!! So excited for the two of you. I'm happy I was a part of the whole story from the beginning. This is wishing both of you marital bliss in the truest form. Seth & Jesse are deeply hurt though. Someone has stolen their cute California chick! Lol.
08 June 12 at 1:13pm
17
Simply awesome....You need to open up a consultancy on marriage proposals....God bless your union and I dare say 'Welcome to the Club'
09 June 12 at 1:26pm
18
Awwww.... Dis is so beautiful seatie, i wish u a long life full of joy and hapiness.
09 June 12 at 8:55pm
19
Tolu dear, congrats. am so thrilled and happy for you both. God has blessed ur union already.amen. i hope to be there.will b great to see u again.
09 June 12 at 11:19pm
20
My darling Tolu,this is so sweet,,am so loving this and very happy for you..you truly deserve the best dear.God bless your union and everything to make your wedding and marriage a success you have already.You are such a wonderful person.Romantic Ibukun is so blessed to have you.wld sure be there.
13 June 12 at 5:24am
21
Ibukun you're a smooth guy. Tolu happy for you. Wish you both the best :)
20 June 12 at 10:57am
22
Simply Awesome!!! Im happy for you dearie. God bless U both!
20 June 12 at 11:03am
23
Sweetheart.....in reference to d comments made by@joseph agu; U really need to open up a consultancy for marraige proposals! Dis is awesome and will make waves!! All d best!!
07 July 12 at 1:48pm
24
Again so Beautiful !!!
07 July 12 at 8:20pm
25
very romantic story. Congratulations once again! Im so happy for you both
13 July 12 at 1:22pm
26
Awww! So romantic, I'm happy for you darling. Congrats!!! I'll be there.