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joyandobi

Photo By Kelechi Okere

How We Met: Joy Adaeze

I was a freshman at Rutgers University and had signed up to be on the dance troupe for an African organization called Twese. On the first day of rehearsal, I met Obi. My first impression of him was that he was cute, with a nice smile and body.  We crossed paths again a year later when we were both models for the Twese fashion show. Since Rutgers was such a big school, we didn’t run into each other much but when we did, it was always cool chatting. We hung out a couple times just as friends, since we were both in other relationships at the time.

A year after we graduated, in the Summer of 2008, we ran into each other at a mutual friend’s BBQ. It was the craziest thing. I wasn’t even going to go since I didn’t have a ride. I ended up catching a ride with a friend last minute. At the BBQ, I ran into a bunch of people from Rutgers. It was like a mini reunion! I noticed Obi glancing in my direction from across the room and then he walked over. We talked and I gave him my number — just as friends. We hung out that summer: went to church together, brunch, movies — it was all really fun and cool. Obi and I had so much in common: we shared similar goals and thoughts on success. We would talk on the phone almost every day and share personal development books we were reading. We were in similar paths in life — I had studied pre-med in school and wanted to go into fashion styling. He studied engineering and wanted to be a life coach. Six months passed, and we fell in love!

MUST READ: PUT A RING ON IT: Makho & Carl Prove That Opposites Attract 

Obi is my best friend and he truly knows me better than anyone. We share a very special bond. He has all the qualities I ever wanted in a man and he has the most beautiful heart. Plus, he’s Nigerian, just like me! We were both born in the US. I truly believe God brought us together.

We’d been dating for 5 years. I can’t even believe how the time has flown! Last year, our conversations about marriage got more serious and we both decided this year would be a great time to get engaged.

On Valentine’s Day, I was busy with work — I styled a client and updated my style blog, JoyLovesFashion.com. The week before, Obi mentioned he had made reservations at The Sea Grill in Rockefeller Center. He got home and surprised me with a dozen pink roses, a cute card and my favorite chocolate: Ferrero Rocher. So sweet! We headed out to dinner, which was great and we had a wonderful time. Afterwards, we left and went outside near the skate rink. Obi said he wanted to take a picture by the gold statue. I was like, “Sure, sounds fun”. Still not thinking anything! We took a pic and then all of a sudden, he said, “I got you another card.” He handed me a silver envelope. The card read: “To My Wife”. I was in awe! Then I opened it and he had written: “Will You Marry, Me?”. I was soo happy and tears just started streaming down my face. Obi got on one knee and popped the question. I said “YES”! I will never forget that moment : ).

NEXT: Check out his story and the ring!

PUT A RING ON IT: How Joy & Obi Reconnected After College And Found Love  was originally published on hellobeautiful.com

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