If someone had told us a few years ago that a girl born and raised in little ol’ Rhode Island would fall in love with a Maryland native who is loved and respected by many, we both would have laughed. But here we are… preparing to say “I do” with hearts full of gratitude and a story full of divine plot twists!
It all began in April of 2023.
Bola was casually scrolling through Instagram when he stumbled upon a friend’s Instagram story. There she was, Wande. A smile so captivating he paused mid-scroll. “Who is THAT?” he asked. The friend replied, “Oh that’s Wande. She’s from Ondo too you know”
Now, for context, Bola “knew” all the Ondo Nigerians in Maryland. Or at least, he thought he did. So of course, this mystery Ondo woman sparked more than curiosity—it sparked a mission. For months, Bola quietly conducted “research” (aka respectfully lurking), waiting for the perfect time to shoot his shot.
Meanwhile, Wande was in a season of intentional prayer—asking God to help her husband find her. One prayer in particular? “Lord, give whoever he is the courage to approach me.”
Fast forward to October 2023, and BOOM—her Instagram DMs light up.
“You are so beautiful. Are you married?”
Classic. Bold. Respectful. Confusing. Wande didn’t recognize the sender and, being cautious, reached out to a mutual friend for the tea. The friend raved —“He’s like a big brother. Kind. Smart. Grounded. Solid.”
So Wande responded.
One message turned into two. Two turned into hours of conversations. And eventually, a date.
At the same time, Wande’s parents had been (lovingly) pestering her to start dating. So, to buy some peace, she mentioned she recently went on a date with a Mister Bolarinwa Adeyale.
Her dad paused. Then asked, “Is his father a pastor?”
“Umm… yes?”
“Does he work in insurance?”
“Also yes…”
Now Wande was confused. Her dad laughed as if he channeled a fond memory:
“I know that family better than I know myself.”
Moments later, her dad had someone in Nigeria take a photo of an old picture hanging on the wall in his home in Ondo.
