The Adeleyes didn’t knew fate had something in store for them apart from just attending choir rehearsals and singing in church on Sundays. While both were members of the choir, they really didn’t pay attention to themselves aside casual greetings.
That went on for a while before the Choir Master decided to push them out of their comfort zones to another realm. Both were caught unawares when he announced them as worship leaders. And like a team with divine direction, they delivered to the admiration of all at the service.
The delivery was as perfect as asking the questions within themselves if they had rehearsed together in expectation of that day. Who would have let such a perfect ‘combo’ go to a waste without considering extending the handshake beyond the elbow?
Both soon took a genuine interest in themselves after that pairing. Friendship. Relationship. Courtship. Marriage. It’s been 14 years of a blissful union and 17 years of friendship. This is not a random love made in church situation. It is distinct and captivating.
Read below as Mr and Mrs Adeleye took me down beautiful memory lane of their divine marital Genesis.
1. Can you take us back to how your love story started?
Mrs. Adeleye: It actually started in church. We were both in the choir, but funny enough, we hardly spoke at first. One day, we were paired to lead a worship session together, and that was when we started talking. From there, friendship grew into something more.
Mr. Adeleye: I always admired her calm spirit. After that service, I knew I had to keep her close.
2. What was the moment you knew “this is the one”?
Mr. Adeleye: I knew she was the one the day we traveled for a family function together. She blended so well with everyone and carried herself with so much grace. I saw how she valued family, and that sealed it for me.
Mrs. Adeleye: For me, it was his sincerity. He never tried to impress me with what he didn’t have. He was just real.
3. How many years have you been together?
Both: 14 years married, 17 years together in total.
4. What has been your secret to keeping the spark alive all these years? Especially after the arrival of kids.
Mrs. Adeleye: Honestly, intentionality. We don’t wait for special occasions to show love—we create our own moments.
Mr. Adeleye: And laughter. Even when parenting gets tough, we find a way to laugh together.
5. How do you both make each other feel special, even in small ways? What fun habits have stayed with you throughout your marriage?
Mr. Adeleye: I like surprising her with her favorite snacks whenever I’m coming back from work. It’s small, but it always makes her smile.
Mrs. Adeleye: I still tease him with playful nicknames we came up with when we were dating. It keeps things lighthearted.
6. How do you handle disagreements or tough moments now, compared to your early years?
Mrs. Adeleye: Before, we used to drag arguments for days. Now, we don’t let issues linger overnight. We’d rather talk it through and move on.
Mr. Adeleye: True. These days, we focus more on understanding each other’s feelings instead of proving a point.
7. What’s one thing your partner still does that melts your heart?
Mrs. Adeleye: He still checks on me during the day with simple texts like “Have you eaten?” or “Hope you’re fine.” It always warms my heart because it shows he’s thinking of me.
Mr. Adeleye: She still makes an effort to look good for me, even after a long day. That thoughtfulness makes me happy
8. What was one of the biggest challenges you faced together, and how did you overcome it?
Mr. Adeleye: When I lost my job some years back, it shook us. She encouraged me daily, and together we built a small business that kept us afloat until I got another job.
Mrs. Adeleye: That season taught us teamwork. It made us stronger.
9. What advice would you give to younger couples hoping for a lasting marriage?
Mrs. Adeleye: Be friends first. Friendship carries you when emotions are low.
Mr. Adeleye: And don’t compare your marriage with others. Build what works for you.
10. If you could sum up your marriage in one word or sentence, what would it be?
Both: “Grace.”