From the very beginning, our love story was divinely written. What seemed like a simple gathering of friends was, in truth, God’s orchestration—aligning our paths in His perfect timing. Taja had traveled to Dallas to visit a childhood friend, who just so happened to be dating Ife’s childhood friend. That night, over card games, laughter, and deep conversations, God planted the seed of something greater than we could have ever imagined.

When Ife first saw Taja, he thought, "Hmm, she's pretty. I want this for me." But beyond her beauty, it was her wisdom, grace, and depth that captivated him. For Taja, Ife’s quiet strength, his confidence, and his God-given leadership made him stand apart. And when they started talking about African politics, something deeper took root—two minds, two hearts, aligning in purpose.

Love Across 792 Miles

Distance was our greatest challenge, but love was our greatest weapon. With Taja in Chicago and Ife in Dallas, every mile between us only deepened our devotion. We committed to daily conversations, spontaneous flights, and intentional love. We prayed through the hard moments, trusted in God’s plan, and reminded each other that what He ordains, no distance can undo.

There were moments when doubt tried to creep in, when the weight of longing felt unbearable. But love, true love—the kind rooted in faith—endures. When Ife felt weary, he remembered that love is a covenant worth fighting for. When Taja needed reassurance, Ife covered her in both protection and prayer. And with each reunion, our love grew stronger, proof that what God brings together, no obstacle can separate.

Cherished Moments & Unwritten Traditions

One of our most treasured memories was a road trip to Mississippi—twelve hours of bonding, laughter, and love. Ife drove with Taja, his daughter Bella, and Taja’s family, filling the car with Afrobeat music, childhood stories, and gas station snack stops. Watching Bella and Taja build their own connection was a reminder that love is not just about two people—it’s about family, legacy, and the foundation we are laying for generations to come.

Our first date was just as unforgettable—walking along the Chicago Riverwalk, playing darts, and capturing moments in time. It was there that Ife, unable to hold back any longer, was the first to say, "I love you." It caught Taja off guard, but deep in her heart, she already knew it too.

And so, small traditions became the language of our love—like never saying goodbye, only “see you later.” Because love like ours doesn’t end; it only grows.

A Love Built on Faith & Admiration

Ife loves the way Taja makes salmon—so much so that she taught him how to pair it with asparagus and potatoes. He adores her radiant smile, her laughter, her devotion to family, and the way she brings order to chaos with grace. He sees in her a woman of strength, wisdom, and faith—a woman fit to build a kingdom alongside.

For Taja, Ife is a man of discipline and vision, a man whose presence commands respect yet whose heart is soft enough to love deeply. She admires the way he fathers Bella with tenderness, the way he leads with integrity, and the way he covers her—not just in protection, but in prayer. His unwavering faith, his passion for excellence, and his heart for legacy only deepen her love for him.

The Future We Envision

More than anything, we are excited to build a life together—to create a home where God is the foundation, where love is abundant, and where our children will be raised in faith and purpose. But our vision reaches beyond just us. We dream of being a power couple in service to others—launching businesses, uplifting our communities, and using our gifts to impact lives. We desire a marriage that reflects God’s love, a partnership that is kingdom-driven, and a legacy that outlives us.

If our love could be described in one sentence, it would be this: A love built on faith, anchored in commitment, and destined to leave a legacy.

With God at the center, we know that together, we are walking in greatness.