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!"