It Began With a Text 10 Years Ago — Now It’s Rebecca & Debo’s Dream Wedding in Portugal

BNW June 1, 20260 Comments

We are always in awe of how love manifests in the most unexpected yet beautiful ways. One minute, you’re chatting with a complete stranger in a bid to get better acquainted, and the next, that stranger becomes your inseparable soulmate.

Rebecca and Debo’s fairytale began 10 years ago. They were just two freshmen who had connected over text messages, and what seemed like a simple conversation starter soon sowed the seeds of a beautiful friendship that would change their lives forever. As they got to know each other, their bond grew stronger, blossoming into a love that stood the test of time. Then, on Rebecca’s 27th birthday, Debo planned the sweetest surprise proposal, and of course, she said yes!

Now, love is in the air as they exchange their vows in the picturesque city of Portugal. Their wedding photos look like scenes from a classic rom-com, and we are loving every bit of it. From the breathtaking views to the sweet moments they shared, every frame tells the story of a love that has blossomed beautifully over the years. 😍

Enjoy their wedding photos and love story below:

Their love story, as shared by Debo:

Our journey together began on April 7th, 2016, from a simple text between two freshly accepted Cornell University students trying to figure out where all their new friends would be living. Or so it seemed. What was in fact my thinly-veiled conversation starter to get to know one another, sowed the seed of a beautiful friendship that would change our lives forever. While I finished my A-Levels in the U.K. and Rebecca finished her high school classes in the U.S, the time difference could not affect our connection. Without fail, we spent every day of the next 4 months learning everything about each other, sending novel-sized messages that you would not believe unless you saw them. In no time at all, we realised we had so much in common, connecting on various things such as family, our love for God, music, our passions, and so much more.

Rebecca came through with that morning bridal glow 😍

On August 22, 2016, we stepped foot on Cornell’s campus for freshmen move-in. Those months of talking led to their mix of excitement and nervousness as we were meeting our best friend in each other for the first time. And since our first embrace, we became inseparable. Throughout our time at Cornell, we were joined at the hip. From every meal at the campus dining halls, to the Church pews every Sunday, to every social event, we were side by side. We supported each other through everything we experienced in university, growing as adults together, and sharing a trust and love for one another that was unbreakable.

A beautiful bride and her beautiful squad 😍

After graduating in 2020, I moved to Los Angeles to pursue my career as an Aerospace Engineer, and Rebecca moved to Tennessee to pursue her training in medicine. Just like in 2016, distance never diminished our love for one another as we were determined to keep the flame burning. We communicated daily and made flights to see one another at least once a month for 5 years. Each year that passed, our love for one another continued to strengthen and grow. On March 9th, 2025, I decided to surprise the love of my life on her 27th birthday with a ring. We officially tied the knot in the presence of God, our family, and friends on March 27th, 2026.

All set and ready to say “I do”