5 Years Ago, Jumoke & Gani Met at His Birthday Party — Now They’re Saying “I Do!”

BNW February 14, 20260 Comments

Sometimes, those 11th-hour decisions to leave your comfort zone can lead to something more extraordinary. In Olajuomke’s case, it was a change of heart over a birthday party that led her to a sweet love with Gani.

Ideally, she was a homebody who prioritised work and church. Her colleagues then invited her to a birthday party, which she reluctantly attended. Now the story gets even more interesting because she found her soulmate, Gani, at the party! What a beautiful twist of fate.

Some days ago, the lovebirds had us drooling over their stunning proposal photos, where Olajumoke said ‘yes’ to Gani in Santorini. Now, the lovebirds said ‘I do’ in a lovely Civil wedding, and we get to share their wedding photos with you all! This beautiful ceremony took place at Russell-Cotes Art Gallery in Bournemouth, England, and they both looked so elegant and charming. Their love is just as magical as the paintings they admired and as timeless as their story. 😍

Enjoy their love story and wedding photos below:

Their love story, as shared by Olajumoke:

It was the summer after lockdown in June 2021. Life felt uncertain. Jobs were scarce. I was working at a factory, one of the few opportunities available at the time. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was honest work. On the long commute home one day, a colleague invited me to his friend’s birthday party. I politely said, “I’ll think about it.” The next day, another colleague invited me to his housemate’s birthday. Same party. Same answer. “I’ll think about it.” Truthfully, I didn’t like going out. It was work, church and home. Church, home and work. That was my rhythm. But when that Saturday came, something in me said, why not? It was summer. Everyone was outside. And I had nothing planned. I told myself I would just show my face and leave. On getting there, I met the birthday celebrant, said hello, and for some reason, he wouldn’t stop looking at me.

Later, he would tell me, “You didn’t blink. You looked like a doll. You had this peaceful aura. I just wanted to know who you were.” After the party, he messaged to thank me for coming. He started asking me to hang out. And I… kept saying no 🤭. Over and over again. A few weeks later, in July, I started working in hospitality. The company organized a summer boat cruise and encouraged everyone to bring a partner or friend. But I was still new in the UK. I didn’t really have anyone to invite. So I swallowed my pride and did something unexpected. I messaged him. I asked if he would come with me. Honestly? I thought he would say no, considering how many times I had turned him down. But he didn’t hesitate 🤣. And that boat cruise changed everything.

We talked for hours. Laughed endlessly. Discovered we were both lastborns (which explained a lot 😂). We bonded over faith, family, values, and the little things that matter. Something shifted that day. He didn’t rush me. He didn’t pressure me. He was simply… consistent. Every Sunday after church, he would cook for me. He would pack my lunch for Monday. He supported my food business. He told everyone about my gorontula business, even when he didn’t need to. He became my biggest cheerleader. Life just became easier with him in it. We started doing things for each other naturally. No pressure. No performance. Just care.

We didn’t officially start dating until a year later. And even then, it didn’t feel like a big, dramatic shift; it just felt right. Effortless. Peaceful. We both love God. We share the same values. We are playful. We laugh easily. It wasn’t forced. It flowed. Four years in…He’s still cooking for me after church. Still packing my Monday lunch. And if a man can consistently love you in the ordinary moments, not just the grand ones, what more are you looking for? So yes… of course I married him. Because sometimes love doesn’t begin with fireworks. Sometimes it begins with a birthday you almost didn’t attend… and a man who never stopped showing up.