Aside from being one of the most sumptuous meals in the world, who knew that Jollof rice also had the ability to cook up the most beautiful love stories?

Bola met the love of her life, Chuks, and it all began with a simple hunt for Jollof rice. She had decided to crash a friend’s party in search of the delicious dish, but ended up finding something even sweeter — true love. Even though they didn’t speak much that day, fate wasn’t done with them yet. They crossed paths again at another party, and this time, sparks flew effortlessly. What started with Jollof rice turned into friendship, blossomed into love, and now it’s leading them straight to forever. Their pre-wedding photos are all shades of beautiful and each frame would make you smile. 🥰

Enjoy their pre-wedding shoot and love story below:

Their love story as shared by Bola:

First came Jollof Rice. Then love at first sight. Then being best friends. And now, husband and wife. It all started on an ordinary day when hunger was winning the battle. I had the day off, was home alone, and scrolling through Snapchat when I saw my friends having a get-together. Without missing a beat, I asked, “Do you all have Jollof rice over there?” The reply came, “Of course. Pull up!” Say less.

I jumped into my Nissan Altima with no makeup and no glam, just casual Bola on a mission for food. Parking was a struggle, and as I was calling my friend for help, I saw someone step out of the house. It felt like a scene from a K-drama. He was tall, broad-chested, with a smile that stopped me mid-breath. At that exact moment, the song “Sacrifice” by Elton John was playing on the radio. My hunger disappeared instantly and my heart started doing gymnastics. That was the first time I saw Chuks. I did not even know his name yet, but something in me knew that moment was different.

Weeks later, it was my friend’s birthday, and I, Bola, begged her to invite Chuks. By that time I had already found him on Instagram and Facebook, and I was definitely interested. I came fully prepared with my outfit carefully chosen and my makeup perfectly done. When he arrived, I panicked and ran into a room like I was in a romantic comedy. But God had other plans. My friend, the unofficial matchmaker, told us to go downstairs to get a mattress. We never brought the mattress back. Instead, we ended up walking on the beach and talking for hours about the gym, our dreams, and life in general. When he reached for my hand, I melted. That was the beginning.

From that night, we started chatting, then texting, then sending memes, and then having long late-night calls. We went on our first date soon after. Our friendship became our foundation, our laughter became our language, and our shared faith became our anchor.
As Proverbs 18:22 says, “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.” We truly believe God orchestrated every moment, from a simple craving for Jollof rice to the life we are now building together. Today we stand as best friends, soulmates, and partners in everything. We are getting married, and this is just the beginning of our forever.

Their love story as shared by Chucks:

That day, I was at a friend’s place for a hangout. After some laughter and games, I stepped out for fresh air. I was not wearing my glasses, so my vision was a little blurry, but I noticed someone struggling to parallel park. She kept going back and forth, trying to find the right angle, and I stood there watching to see if she would eventually get it right. I was quietly laughing to myself, wondering how long this would go on. Eventually, she stepped out, and I saw this petite, pretty girl with an effortless charm, dressed like a tomboy. During the games inside, I caught her looking at me, so I playfully joined one of her Snapchat videos. I did not get her number that day, but I remembered her name.

Weeks later, I was at a friend’s birthday party. I had no idea she would be there until I walked in and saw her quickly disappear into a room. Later, when we went on that so-called mattress mission, the awkwardness faded and our conversation began to flow. She was unlike anyone I had met before. She was grounded, kind, and effortlessly funny.
While we were outside, my mom kept calling because it was getting late. Bola teased me about being a mama’s boy, and we both laughed. On that patio, under the night sky, I knew there was something different about her.

Credits

Bride  @black_vinolah
Groom @aboutchuks
Planner  @events_by_caulcrick