Sierra Leone Weddings: Married in the Gambia at Coco Ocean Hotel

"Travel brings power and love back into your life." ~ Rumi

We couldn't find the names of this beautiful couple but this was a Sierra Leonean wedding in the Gambia.

The couple who live in the UK flew with their family and friends to tie the knot at the Coco Ocean in the Gambia. Photography by ReelLifePhotos. 

Sierra Leone Weddings: Hannah and Deoye married in Boston

Today's wedding inspiration comes to us from Boston in the United States. This is the colorful Nigerian Sierra Leonean extravaganza that brought Hannah from SL and Deoye from NGA together in marriage. Wedding Photography and Images provided by Picturenomics.

Our inspirational love quote is from the Hollywood romance classic, When Harry Met Sally. The quote goes a little something like this: 

"When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible." 

Sierra Leone Weddings: Olive and Dave wed in Gateshead

Olive and Dave were married earlier this year, and by the looks of it, these two are deeply in love. Olive's family flew in to the UK from Sierra Leone to share their special day.  The complete set of images available here: Wedding Photographers Avante Garde Photography 

Speaking of love, here are some inspirational words of it from Lebanese poet and philosopher, Khalil Gibran. They are taken from his 1923 classic, The Prophet. Do believe and do give in completely to love why don't you. 

“When love beckons to you follow him, Though his ways are hard and steep. And when his wings enfold you yield to him, Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you. And when he speaks to you believe in him, Though his voice may shatter your dreams as the north wind lays waste the garden. For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you. Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning. Even as he ascends to your height and caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun, So shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the earth......

But if in your fear you would seek only love's peace and love's pleasure, Then it is better for you that you cover your nakedness and pass out of love's threshing-floor, Into the seasonless world where you shall laugh, but not all of your laughter, and weep, but not all of your tears. Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself.

Love possesses not nor would it be possessed; For love is sufficient unto love. And think not you can direct the course of love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course. Love has no other desire but to fulfil itself."

But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires: To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night. To know the pain of too much tenderness. To be wounded by your own understanding of love; And to bleed willingly and joyfully.” 

Sierra Leone Weddings: Olutoyin and Moreneke wed in Freetown

Moreneke and Olutoyin married in June 2014 in Freetown. The two met while Toyin a US resident was on holidays in Sierra Leone three years earlier. Though theirs was a long distance relationship to start, technology helped them stay connected. 

(Photos: Facebook) 

Here is how Toyin explains their story: 

Moreneke and I were introduced by our mutual auntie and Moreneke's godmother, Mrs. Octavia Johnson, in May 2011. At the time, I was visiting Freetown for my father's 80th birthday celebrations. Auntie Octavia told me about Moreneke and asked me to give her a call as she thought we would be a good match. I called Moreneke a few times and we had some interesting and stimulating conversations. We eventually went out on our first date a week after her birthday.

We were able to communicate freely on our first date and there was a strong love,mental and physical connection. Could it have been love at first sight? I think it was!!!

There were more dates to follow and each one seemed better than the last one. There was a mutual attraction and our conversation went on forever. I always looked forward to seeing and talking to Moreneke.

Unfortunately, the day came when I had to leave Freetown to return to the States. We promised that we would maintain our connection and we did despite some setbacks.

Moreneke visited the States in September 2012 to attend her cousin's wedding in Charlotte, NC and we were able to reconnect. She was able to spend a week with me in Silver Spring, MD before she returned to Charlotte en route to Freetown.
We spoke daily after she left and our love bond grew stronger and stronger. Skype and Viber made it easy for us to stay in constant contact and helped to make our love bond stronger. Communication was key despite the distance that separated us and the different time zones. Our love connection continued to grow. Eventually,we decided to get married and sought the blessing of our parents.

As one of the popular Sierra Leonean songs eloquently expresses, "We love na tae go, tae go!"