[Couple Spotlight] ‘I obeyed my instincts to talk to her,’ how the Akinolas clicked while on groom, bridal duties at their friend’s wedding

Isn’t it one of the best feelings that people find love while on love duties? The sweet memories of the meeting place will forever linger serving as extra spice to the love journey that kick-started during the solemnization of another union. 

This marks the beautiful love story of Mr and Mrs Akinola who were busy catching glimpses at each other while serving as groomsman and bridal train respectively at their friend’s wedding.

Both love birds have never met nor cross paths prior to their friend’s wedding but Mr Akinola’s determination to knock on that door after distinctly spotting it in the midst of several other tempting ones is top notch.

And from that first conversation, the bond has never slacked nor broken. It’s been 12 years of doing life together and both because of their intentionality still appear like they just spotted each other again at that wedding.

I caught up with them this past week and they graciously walked me through their unique love journey. Read on!

 

1. Can you take us back to how your love story started?

Mrs. Akinola: “We met at a friend’s wedding. He was the groomsman, I was part of the bridal train. I remember him cracking jokes to calm everyone down backstage.

Mr. Akinola: “I spotted her before the wedding even started. I kept telling myself, ‘I have to talk to this lady before the night ends.’ Luckily, I did — and the rest is history.”

 

2. What was the moment you knew ‘this is the one’?

Mr. Akinola: “For me, it was the first time she met my mum. The way they connected instantly, laughing like old friends, I knew she wasn’t just any woman — she was my forever.”

Mrs. Akinola: “I knew he was the one the day I fell ill and he sat by me all through the night, making sure I was okay. I thought, ‘This is the kind of love that lasts.’”

 

3. How many years have you been together?

Both: “We’ve been married for 12 years now.”

 

4. What has been your secret to keeping the spark alive all these years, especially after the arrival of kids?

Mrs. Akinola: “Honestly, intentionality. We don’t let parenting consume us completely. We still go on dates, even if it’s just a walk.

Mr. Akinola: “We don’t take ourselves too seriously. Even with kids around, we create fun moments to stay connected.”

 

5. How do you both make each other feel special, even in small ways? What fun habits have stayed with you throughout your marriage?

Mrs. Akinola: “He still makes me tea every night. It started when we were dating, and he’s kept the habit. Small things, but they mean so much.”

 

6. How do you handle disagreements or tough moments now, compared to your early years?

Mrs. Akinola: “In the early years, we argued more because we were learning each other. Now, we listen more. We pause, cool off, and come back to talk like adults.”

 

7. What’s one thing your partner still does that melts your heart?

Mr. Akinola: “Her prayers. She prays for me always.”

Mrs. Akinola: “For me, it’s the way he holds my hand in public, like we just started dating. It still gives me butterflies.”

 

8. What was one of the biggest challenges you faced together, and how did you overcome it?

Mrs. Akinola: “There was a season when finances were really tough. We had to cut back and live very modestly.”

Mr. Akinola: “Yes, but instead of letting it break us, we made it a team project. We encouraged each other, shared ideas, and prayed together. Looking back, that period actually bonded us.”

 

9. What advice would you give to younger couples hoping for a lasting marriage?

Mrs. Akinola: “Choose friendship, not just romance. Romance will fade some days, but friendship will keep you steady.”

Mr. Akinola: Always focus on building your own unique story.”

 

10. If you could sum up your marriage in one word or sentence, what would it be?

Both: “Grace and laughter.”