our story
our story
It started with a swipe right...
On May 16, 2015, Tolu and Emerald, two ambitious young professionals living and enjoying the city life in Washington, DC, "matched" on Tinder, a popular dating app. Tolu says he was looking for love (hmmm!), and Emerald...well she was mainly in search of a nice guy that could offer good company and great conversation. (A fun trip to the Caribbean would be a nice bonus, but she wasn't holding her breath.)
After messaging back and forth for a couple of days, Tolu invited Emerald on a dinner date. He was curious to see if this woman, who seemed to have great conversation and great looks, would be just as beautiful in person. And that is where our love story begins...
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#DateLife
#DateLife
From sushi to selfies...
Our first date started at a small sushi restaurant in DC's busy 14th Street corridor. We talked about our families, our professions, and our mutual love for food and travel. As Tolu talked, Emerald tried to pretend as though she hadn't already thoroughly Googled much about this guy she found so fascinating, and Tolu later admitted to doing the same. From his online search, he'd already known that Emerald used to be a Redskins Cheerleader, but he faked a great amount of shock and admiration when she talked about it on the date.
From Date #1 to Date #101, we continued to make unforgettable memories together. Tolu even took Emerald on a trip to the Caribbean, the bonus she never truly expected to receive. With each date, our friendship grew and naturally so did our love for one another.
Although the fun social moments made their mark, it was the small moments in between that made our friendship more meaningful. Emerald liked the way that Tolu seemed to confidently and easily resolve any challenge that came his way, and Tolu appreciated Emerald's nurturing and unassuming nature. Here are a few of our favorite memories captured (via selfies) along our dating journey.
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The Proposal
The Proposal
A promise fulfilled...
After dating for almost a year, our conversations about marriage became more frequent - what we'd seen in our own families, what it meant to us, and what we felt we needed in a lifelong partner. Both being in our early 30's, we had experienced our fair share of disappointments in previous relationships, and we ultimately wanted something that would stand the test of time. Emerald's request to Tolu was simple, "I love you a lot, and I do want to be married someday. Please do not waste my time". Tolu's response was a little less direct but just as simple, "I love you too. And I promise that I won't". As time went on, we continued to build on our relationship, our love, and our faith in God and each other.
On February 18, 2017, Tolu got down on one knee and fulfilled his promise to Emerald. That winter evening, with oddly warm but perfect weather, he surprised Emerald with a beautiful proposal surrounded by close family and friends. He even flew her parents in from Texas without her knowing so that they could be there in support of their love.
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
Family&Friends
Family&Friends
Tolu and Emerald have a lot in common, one of those things being our immense love for our family and close friends. Our families represent the essence of who we are at the core, and our close friends have helped to make some of our best moments unforgettable. We are very grateful for our network of supporters and friends, and we look forward to sharing our special day with you.
Emerald's Family
- Houston, Texas is home!
- my parents, Norris and Barbara, have been married 26 years
- big brother Vincent gets full credit for teaching me how to stand up for myself
- my 13 yr-old niece Monica has been appointed the position of Social Media Manager for our wedding day. She'll be in charge of snapping and posting our special moments.
- My 86-year old grandmother Dorothy has quite the dry humor
- my dad makes THE best barbecue ribs ever (!)
Tolu's Family
- Proud Nigerians but New Jersey is home for us
- my parents, Chris and Ola, have been married for 32 years
- As the oldest of three, I have fond memories of picking on my little siblings. My sister Fisayo was always the tattle tell. My brother Seun loved to sing Green Day in only his bath towel.
- My dad recently retired from the NYC Board of Education after 26 years, and my mom is a registered nurse.
- Six Flags Great Adventure was the ultimate family vacation back in the day. We used to go there a lot.
- My mom loves to make sure you are dancing at a party so don't be shy!
A few photos of us with friends and family...
We've made great memories with so many of our friends along the way. We couldn't pass on the opportunity to feature them, too. We hope to see these familiar faces and so many more on our special day. Friends + Family = Fun!
“God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.”
03.31.2018
03.31.2018
Since many our guests will be traveling to DC from out-of-state (and some internationally) to attend our wedding, we wanted to make it easy for you to experience all that DC has to offer. Our wedding venue is located in the heart of the nation's capital, two blocks from the Washington Monument, one block from the new Smithsonian African-American museum, and one block from The White House. (Don't worry. We wish The Obama Family was still there, too.) We are honored and grateful that so many of you are traveling from afar to support our love and stand in agreement with us. We pray for your safe travel and hope that you have the time of your life while in Washington, DC!
Ceremony and Reception
Saturday, March 31, 2018
5:00pm
Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue nw
Washington, DC
Black Tie Optional
Adults-only Reception
RSVP & additional information provided with your invitation.
The Team
The Team
Our Wedding Party
Get to know the amazing people that will stand with us as we commit our love to each other with vows. They are some of our favorite people on Earth. In addition to helping us prepare for our wedding, we also know they're going to make sure the reception is lit! We just might call them our "Turn Up Team!".
Brianna, Bridesmaid
How did you meet Emerald?
Emerald and I met in the most special way possible! She is my sister!
How long have you known her?
I have known Emerald her whole entire life!
Describe Emerald in 3 words or less...
Beautiful, Outgoing, and Devoted
Your favorite memory with Emerald?
when I visited her for the first time ever in DC: we toured the city all day! I also remember the first time I saw her on TV as a Redskins Cheerleader!
CHIKE, Groomsman
How did you meet Tolu?
Defending our Nigerianess in the burbs.
How long have you known him?
A few decades.
Describe Tolu in 3 words or less...
Real. Humble. Dude.
Your favorite memory with Tolu?
The many jobs we had together that we loved and hated.
DUVOn, groomsman
How did you meet Tolu?
I was interested in joining an organization in undergrad.
How long have you known him?
11 years
Describe Tolu in 3 words or less...
An amazing man.
Your favorite memory with Tolu?
Way too many lol
Fisayo, Bridesmaid
How did you meet Emerald?
We met when she started dating my brother, Tolu :)
How long have you known her?
Almost 2 years!
Describe Emerald in 3 words or less...
Passionate, thoughtful, energetic.
Your favorite memory with Emerald?
Our numerous happy hours and frolicking around DC with the girls.
Jovohn, groomsman
How did you meet Tolu?
Kean University
How long have you known him?
16 years
Describe Tolu in 3 words or less...
Loyal
Your favorite memory with Tolu?
1383
philip, Best Man
How did you meet Tolu?
College roommate
How long have you known him?
since 2001
Describe Tolu in three words or less...
My emergency contact...lol
Your favorite memory with Tolu? 1383
Jackie, bridesmaid
How did you meet Emerald?
We met through mutual friends.
How long have you known her?
At least 6 or 7 years!
Describe Emerald in 3 words or less...
Dynamic
Your favorite memory with Emerald?
Secrets vacay in Jamaica with Tolu and my husband, Mike.
Liz, bridesmaid
How did you meet Emerald?
We were (accidental) roommates our freshman year. Best accident ever!
How long have you known her?
14 years
Describe Emerald in 3 words or less...
Creative, motivational, and resourceful
Your favorite memory with Emerald?
That time we literally engaged in moderate-high speed car chase through D.C. and to Virginia in the name of "research".
Seun, GroomsMan
How did you meet Tolu?
...through our Mom and Dad.
How long have you known him?
28 years
Describe Tolu in three words or less...
Cool, calm, & businessman
Your favorite memory with Tolu?
When I was very young: him grinding up cooked chicken in his mouth & giving it to me as he stated "This is special chicken & it's really good".
Joshulyn, bridesmaid
How did you meet Emerald?
Church, youth ministry
How long have you known her?
A long time!
Describe Emerald in 3 words or less...
Goofy, kind-hearted, and seriously extra goofy!
Your favorite memory with Emerald?
Sleepovers and making up dances to Brandy and Monica. Oh and dressing alike ha!
Monica, Junior Bridesmaid
How did you meet Emerald?
She is my aunt.
How long have you known her?
Since I was a baby.
Describe Emerald in 3 words or less...
Helpful, loveable, and active
Your favorite memory with Emerald?
When she said she wasn't going to feed me because I kept saying I was starving and asking for food. She said she was going to teach me a lesson about starving.
Rocky, Honorary ringbearer
How did you meet Tolu?
He's my owner. He bought me from a breeder.
How long have you known him?
For 5 years, since I was a puppy.
Describe Tolu in 3 words or less...
My roll dog!
Your favorite memory with Tolu?
Our long car rides to New Jersey when he lets me stick my head out the wind and drool as I please.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Travel + Hotel
Travel + Hotel
Flying to DC
For guests traveling from within the United States, we highly recommend flying into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). The airport is an 8-minute cab or Uber ride to the wedding venue and no more than a 15-minute ride to each of our designated hotels. Please note, domestic flights into other area airports may be less expensive, but the airports are located at least an hour drive away from the wedding venue and designated hotels.
For guests traveling from London and Nigeria, Dulles International or Baltimore-Washington International are your destination airport options. Both international airports are an hour drive away from the wedding venue and designated hotels.
Booking a Hotel
To make your traveling easier, we have reserved special discounted rates at two area hotels. Both hotels are in the heart of Washington, DC and conveniently located within one mile of the wedding venue. We highly recommend reserving your room(s) as soon as possible as there is limited availability at each location, and the rates are discounted considerably. Local guests should also consider booking a room to avoid driving after what will be a night full of fun!
March 12th UPDATE: Our wedding hotel blocks are now closed. Please consider booking a hotel through hotels.com or AirBnB.com.
JW Marriott
1331 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004
Across the street from wedding venue // 3-minute walk
$199/night + room tax
Marriott Marquis
901 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
8-minute ride to venue. Shuttle service will be provided from this hotel only.
$133/night + room tax
...Ever After
...Ever After
“But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”