
It was the
The 20th of November was not a special day or anything. I only remember the date because it was three days before my birthday. My roommate and I were waiting outside our student accommodation at Annes Hostel, on Barth road for a cab to get us to the University main gate. We were heading for a Tuesday service at the Catholic Church in Bodija – a posh area of Ibadan. It was one of those when cabs just seemed non-existent and so when my roommate’s and I’s mutual friend Nedu – pulled up in his tomato red Mercedez Benz 190 and offered us a ride we accepted! Nedu (who would go on to become the best man at our wedding) had Tee driving behind him and somehow managed to convince him that we should all attend the church service that Tuesday.
I rode with Tee, while my friend rode with Nedu. I don’t remember us talking much during the drive – and I only remember him wearing an Arsenal jersey and a pair of blue jeans.
During the mass, we didn’t speak much – but we most likely shook hands during the compulsory ‘sign of peace’ to one another where the congregation shake one another and say ‘Peace be with you’. I also noticed him genuflect in reverence right before leaving the building.
It was on the way back to the University that something worthwhile happened. I must mention that Tee was in no way eager to drop us back on campus. Understandably, he lived a good 40 minutes away and had to get back home. Thankfully, Nedu bullied him and he agreed to do the drive back.
Again, I rode with him and we got stopped by some policemen – they asked for his driver’s license which he showed them. After a brief glance at it, the officer appeared to return the license via the rolled-down car window. From where I sat, I thought it missed the opening narrowly and dropped on the road. Tee thought it dropped inside the car – on the floor mat and he said will confirm when we got to our destination
I just wondered why he could not pull up and check once and for all. Of course we arrived, and the license was not in the car! Tee was so upset, and I had to convince him to go back to Bodija to check. He would not drive without a license, and refused to call Nedu (still slightly upset at their disagreement over driving the distressed ladies) to drive him. I called Ned who took us back to Bodija. During the drive, I just kept re-assuring him that he would find it and I even said a prayer!
Long story short, we found the license on the floor in the middle of Bodija – it was bent but not broken.
Back on campus, Tee was clearly intrigued by me. I think he says he was surprised that I was wiling to go assist in finding the license. So, he asked for my number. Although I typically hardly gave my number out, on this occasion I gave out the eleven digits ending with 6753.
Three days later and 9 years ago to this day, we had our first date. I was pretty excited – not necessarily because of the date, but I didn’t really have major birthday plans and it was something to do. In the preceding three days since our meeting, our evening conversations in had been pretty decent – even if slightly too lengthy (made possible by free telephone calls offered by network operators). He still doesn’t believe me when I say I took the phone off my ears during some midnight conversations because I didn’t want to be too rude by letting him know he was talking for quite a bit.
Well back to the date. As usual, I had a birthday outfit. Pink tank top and black jeans. My hair was perfectly laid as I literally just stepped out from a retouch session in the salon, before getting into the car. He says he fell in love with my hair on that day and till date has probably never seen my hair so shiny and bouncy. I also recall borrowing my friend’s (Belle) pair of slippers – because it looked better with my outfit.
Related: On Birthdays: Turning 26, Cocktails & Orchids
The date was pretty good. Unlike some first date horror stories, the only ‘disaster’ was in my opinion, the need for a pair of socks. Such that when my roommates asked me it went I shrugged my shoulders and said “Good, but I think he should have worn a pair of socks with his shoes”. On the other hand, he probably thought I could have eaten my chicken with a bit more decorum. But how do you do justice to chicken wings via a fork and a knife?
Related: First Date Disasters
We talked about a lot of things and we pretty much had to be chased out of the restaurant. We talked about our academics – and he was very surprised when I mentioned I was on course to get a first-class degree. We talked about careers & money; We talked about Faith and moral beliefs. We talked about family. We talked about food and travel.
I don’t recall us talking about ethnicity and the fact that we were from different ethnic groups in Nigeria. That didn’t seem so material.
Related: Nigerian Inter-Ethnic Marriage anyone?
People have mentioned that we may have been pretty liberal about that because we met in an academic environment.
Possibly, Or maybe not. Maybe it just shouldn’t be THAT important
I didn’t have any special plans in mind to mark nine years of our me
Related: 4 Perfectly Do-able Traditions for Young Couples
Nine years and 10 birthdays later, I also thought it’ll be a good idea to have a first-date-like chat on some of the things we spoke about. Sitting by a fountain somewhere in AbuDhabi, we talked and laughed (and disagreed). Here’s a snippet of our conversation:
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Related: 6 Love Lessons Learnt From My Wedding Rings
I wanted to write this out before the memory gets fuzzy and as a way of remembering our journey and not having to repeat the same story to my kids and grand kids over and over. I’ll probably just send them a blog link. Lol. As it is a kind of personal experience piece, I’ve got no questions to ask you. But if you have any thoughts, you know I’ll love to hear!
On a lighter note, I guess I’ve now had professional makeup done 5 times ever. See this post for more details. To maximise the makeup and photography services we also had a quick change of outfits – for a Christmas related theme. But guess who forgot the Christmas props? Yes me. I’ll hopefully share those photos later.
Love,
Kachee…xx
ps: Do I sound older? Because this is the first post I’m writing as a 28
Read too: 6 Questions on our Inter-Ethnic Marriage and My Experience on the Yoruba Kneeling Culture.
Sky
November 23, 2016 at 11:47OMG you guys! Y’all look wonderful and happy and glowy and so together, you know? Your love story is so sweet and genuine, it gave me warm feelings reading this.May God bless your marriage and may your love be only get better and stronger today and forever.LOL @ sending your kids/grandkids blog links š :DAnd girl, your look smashing! Hair, makeup, nails, that skirt, snatched all the way up!x.www.skynotfancy.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 23, 2016 at 11:53Thank you Sky! Amen and Amen!You know we need to get those blog clicks going š š
Paula Olaitan Benedict
November 23, 2016 at 12:50I just have two words for you both….BLESSED & BEAUTIFULWish you many more prosperous years ahead with Tee and children and grandchildren…God bless your union with every good gift, i cant wait to see our cute your babies will look.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 26, 2016 at 14:50Amen and Amen!!!Thanks hun. You know I really appreciate you!
Vivian AF
November 23, 2016 at 12:51Happy Birthday! Happy Meetversary & Dateversary! This is so beautiful. I wish you the very best of 28 and I wish you both a beautifully blessed future together.You are legit my fav Lifestyle Blogger!Love and Light,Viv!www.thealaroro.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 26, 2016 at 14:53Viv!!! This meant so so much to me. Thank you!
cassandra ikegbune
November 23, 2016 at 13:35You look sooooooooooooo pretty and you guys just look soooooo good together. Everything is just sooooooooo perfect! Happy biethday and thanks for steady supplying our dose of #couplegoals Cassie Daves Blog 5 Tips To Get Started Working With Brands As A Blogger.
cassandra ikegbune
November 23, 2016 at 13:36ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤Had to come leave a second comment
cassandra ikegbune
November 23, 2016 at 13:37ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤And third. OkbyeP.S – You’ve just made yourself my new relationship counsellor šOkbye
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 26, 2016 at 14:48I really laughed out loud when I saw your third comment! When do we start the classes/coaching sessions? I’m free!!
cassandra ikegbune
November 28, 2016 at 08:53I’m serious oh. What are your opening times?
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
December 6, 2016 at 14:45For you, open all day on Whatsapp.
Zinny
November 23, 2016 at 13:57I enjoyed reading this, Kachee. Wish you both more years of happiness. These pictures are so beautiful, it’s a good thing you both decided to take pictures. Happy birthday to you!!! May God bless you both! Amen.www.zinnyfactor.com
B ee
November 23, 2016 at 14:08Happy birthday dear Kachee, i don’t know you in person but i love you already….may all your heart wishes come true and may ur life become more beautiful with each passing day. Have fun!
Toluwalade Toyin-Kehinde
November 23, 2016 at 14:23You two are so beautiful my gosh!!!! You should do more of these shoots and bless the blog ayeee! Your meet-up story is so cute- if only its that simple these days smh. But again, YOLO!!!! PS : there’s a Ghanaian series on YouTube called YOLO lol.. Check it when you’re less busy. And of course, Happy Birthday again!!!
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 26, 2016 at 14:55Looool @ more of these shoots. I’ll work on it. Hhahaha @ YOLO series. You know I’ll check it out. Esp as you introduced me to SGiT.
Nchedo Chinwuba
November 23, 2016 at 14:40Awwwwwwwww š My couple crush forever and a day more. Happy Birthday!!! Ngwa its time to change your “About me” to “Hello, I’m Kachee! 28….” Lol =DI pray for more strength, grace, wisdom and love. God will satisfy you with long life in Jesus name. PS: I used to celebrate my birthday on this day but then I chose 13th of November š (We’re still birthday mates by choice)
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 26, 2016 at 14:57Amen!! I’ve changed the about page. Hahahaha. Ohhh. well we’re still birthday mates and November babies!
Okwuchi
November 23, 2016 at 14:44My heart. Your writing is so fluid and graphic and you two are a beautiful bunch. Happy birthday Kach.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 26, 2016 at 14:57Thanks hun!! Really appreciate.
'Dara
November 23, 2016 at 15:03Awww. Your pictures are so cute.Happy birthday Kachi!
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 26, 2016 at 14:57Thanks Dara!!
Yummy Mum Life
November 23, 2016 at 16:10Happy Birthday babe!First off the pictures are very beautiful plus look at how that red made you look grown,sexy and so confident.Love!The bit about you both not talking about ethnicity was a good sign.I think it shows that somehow you both didn’t care.Happy it all worked out..www.CheecheeLIVE.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 26, 2016 at 14:58Red always makes me look so grown up! Lol. I didn’t even think twice when the MUA asked what lip colour i wanted. Thanks a lot babe.
Oyindamola Abbatty
November 23, 2016 at 16:46Happy birthday Kachi!!! You look amazing, both of you. I especially like the make-up and that skirt…..that skirt is everything! I’m glad you shared this story, I enjoyed reading it. 9 years is not beans, keep the love flowing.P.S.: Your About me ’bout to change tho…you’re not 27 anymore, lol.The YC blog || Bloglovin’50 Random Facts About Me
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 26, 2016 at 14:59Thank you so much Oyin! Changed the about page already!
mosimi20
November 23, 2016 at 16:47Awwwwwwwwn the pictures are so beautiful.. ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤ May God bless your marriage…Also, Happy Birthday Kachi!!!! EatTechTravel || Ado-Awaye Mountains || Iyake Lake
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 26, 2016 at 14:59Amen and Amen! Thanks Simi.
middleclassnigeriangirl
November 23, 2016 at 18:34Oh Congrats Kachee! That was such a sweet story. You guys are couple goals every single time. This is just so beautiful. Happy birthday againšššš http://www.middleclassnigeriangirl...
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 26, 2016 at 15:00Awww. Thanks a lot babe!!
TRAVEL WITH A PEN
November 23, 2016 at 18:45Beautiful photos Kachee & Tee. Love your skirt X_X! Wish you many more beautiful years ahead! and Happy Birthday once again!
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 26, 2016 at 14:59Thank you hun!
Vida
November 23, 2016 at 19:30You guys are couple goals ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤Happy Birthday Kachi!! You have no idea how much you inspire me. I look up to you!!
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 26, 2016 at 15:01Awwww. That’s so humbling to hear. Thank you so much.
Stephylately
November 23, 2016 at 19:36Wow you two look amazing . Your makeup is popping . It’s great to see that after 9 years you two are still growing strong. It’s encouraging. More blessings to come your way and HAPPY 28th birthday .xwww.stephylately.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 26, 2016 at 15:00Thanks Steph!! Really appreciate.
Precious
November 23, 2016 at 19:43Been reading your blog for a while now and I just had to comment on this post.. You both look so beautiful together. Wish you guys all the happiness and peace that comes with marriage.And damnnn, your makeup, nails, dress, etc. looks amazeballssssssHappy Birthday and God bless.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 26, 2016 at 14:47Awww. Thanks for finally commenting! Really appreciate!
RuthsTravel:Because I Believe
November 23, 2016 at 19:59I am just so grateful for your journey. I’m so grateful that we could look upon this gorgeous couple who are passionate, inspiring and work so hard at putting the needed efforts into what they are doing. We hear it’s not always easy (what is, I mean?) but again, you’re one more voice that echos that the possibility of being better, growing together in relationships and whatever we do is with fighting for. I wish YOU more of God, more of the love, the light, the patience, the wisdom, the hopes, the belief, the intention that has caused you (to dance in the air through all the goodies and travailed through storms) to reach this point…Much lovehttp://becauseibelieveblog….
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 26, 2016 at 15:05Thank you so so much Ruth! I’ll have to agree that it’s not eay. But it’s about being intention and working through it all1
RuthsTravel:Because I Believe
November 28, 2016 at 20:05I totally agree. I wish YOU the best of God, always.
Tope
November 23, 2016 at 21:34Aww. You look amazing!
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 26, 2016 at 14:46Thank you hun!!
Live In Ibadan
November 23, 2016 at 22:21I don’t believe this, kachee.1. I am also a student of the University of Ibadan.2. My faculty is faculty of arts, very close to the social sciences and my boyfriend is in social science right now3. I presently stay in st. annes..being staying there since 200level but i will be going back to quuens hall next year…400levelWow! Elder sister! Lovely piece! I should invite you to speak in our school o. Will you grant the invite?www.liveinibadan.blogspot.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 24, 2016 at 19:39Hahahaha.I took loads of courses in Arts! I also moved out of St Annes in 400. I’ll LOVE to speak. But I’m in the UK, so maybe when next I’m in Nigeria!
Precious
November 23, 2016 at 22:37The photos are so cute, Kachee! You look amazing. Your skirt, shoes, overall outfit and makeup are gorgeous.Beautiful story. I pray God continues to strengthen your union.And happy birthday to you!PreciousCore.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 26, 2016 at 14:46Amen and Amen! Thank you so much Sis!
Cynthia Abayomi
November 24, 2016 at 05:46Awww… this post is lit!!! The pictures are the bomb! You both look lovely. Your skirt is nice and lovely story on how you two met. I wish you many more birthdays together. HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN ARREARS.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 26, 2016 at 14:45Thanks a lot Cynthia!!
Dunie
November 24, 2016 at 05:52I love love stories š
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 26, 2016 at 14:45Hahahaha. That makes two of us!
pagesbyike
November 24, 2016 at 06:13Beautiful! When I get all passionate about something, I speak in Yoruba. This got me there. Lmao! God bless you guys, Oluwa a toju yin!pagesbyike.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 26, 2016 at 14:45Hahahaha. I just asked Tee what that means. So “Amin!!”
A girl called
November 24, 2016 at 10:03Awwww this is beautiful. Your pictures, your stories.. I have to catch my breath š. I wish you both more fulfilling lovely graceful… martial life.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 26, 2016 at 14:44Thanks a whole lot girl. I appreciate you!
Tee
November 24, 2016 at 10:57so beautifulll. Congratulations on nine years and happy belated birthday.diveintomauve.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 26, 2016 at 14:44Thanks a lot! Really appreciate.
demiolowo
November 24, 2016 at 13:18Awwww,this is so beautiful……happy birthday and anniversary!!!cheers to many more beautiful years!xxx
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 26, 2016 at 14:44Thank you Demi!!
Praise Abu
November 24, 2016 at 14:18Wow, your love story is so inspiring. I literally cried after reading this, I’m a huge sucker for love stories and this is one I’m happy you shared and i really enjoyed reading.I think this would make a very lovely romantic movie though.Happy birthday in arrears and big congratz on keeping the love so strong even after 9 years.I’m going to stop typing now.My Style Look Book Series
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 26, 2016 at 14:43Awwww thanks Praise!Lol @ movie – who knows!
Osar'
November 24, 2016 at 15:50So beautiful Kachi. I literally didn’t want the post to end.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 26, 2016 at 14:42Awww Thanks babe! You’ve been there through it all!
Abby
November 24, 2016 at 22:01Reading this really warmed my heart and got me in all of my feelings!The pictures are beautiful!!!I pray Gods love continues to blossom in your hearts and wishing you both many more years of happiness and Joy!Thanks for sharing these memories on blogville!Xo
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 26, 2016 at 14:42Amen and amen! Thanks Abby. So glad you liked it. I’m often still sceptical about how much to share. Have a great weekend hun!
favour moyse
November 25, 2016 at 00:32This is soooooo amazingChibuikem Emmanuel:the friend I never got to know
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 26, 2016 at 14:41Thank you Favour!
Bubu Green
November 25, 2016 at 08:02Absolutely beautiful! Watery eyes…must be the onions I’m dicing. lol. God bless and keep this union. A happy birthday to you ,darling.www.bubusboulevard.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 25, 2016 at 08:07Thank you Bubs!!! ā¤ļø Please step away from the onions! Lol
Tega Enai
November 28, 2016 at 07:56awwww too beautiful.. The pictures are stunning. May God continue to bless your union. p:s – i feel like a late comer (commenter) Tega Enai Blog Fashion | Lifestyle | Everything In Between
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 30, 2016 at 07:38Hahahaha @ late comer. It’s fine! Thanks a lot babe.
Amakamedia
November 28, 2016 at 08:35Awww. . . Handkerchief, please.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 30, 2016 at 07:39Awwwww.
Evita
November 28, 2016 at 22:30Awwwwww!! I was just smiling throughout the entire post. You guys have really come a long way. Beautiful pictures!!evitainprogress.blogspot.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 30, 2016 at 07:39Thank you Evita!! We have indeed.
Abby
December 1, 2016 at 11:25The line between sharing just enough and over sharing gets quite blurry sometimes I pray God gives you the spirit of discernment.Huggs!
Uju Lilian Ikegbune
December 3, 2016 at 21:27Awww! This is so real and romantic! Your blog is so relatable and real. This is my first time here and I won’t stopwww.ethniques.blogspot.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
December 5, 2016 at 13:16Thank you so much Uju. Hope to see more of you.
Ify Halim
December 5, 2016 at 20:41You two are adorable! **lovestruck**I wish you many many more special memories in the future :)www.ifyhalim.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
December 5, 2016 at 21:54Thank you Ify! and Amen!
Sarah Enuwa Audu
December 7, 2016 at 23:27I had planned to read this post earlier but I kept forgetting for some reason. You too are adorable, yes to more praying especially in relationships. Your story is proof that young love still works. Love what you did in the last part by sharing both your views.Ā Princess AuduĀ
Goodness-Mercy Weme
December 11, 2016 at 20:57So beautiful! Don’t know how I managed to miss this post. Hubby is a teacher, I’m really impressed! May God keep keeping your union.
Eulanda & Omo
December 15, 2016 at 16:44We love your LOVE! So bold and colourful. Wishing you two many more happy and fruitful years together.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
December 22, 2016 at 18:35Thank you so much!
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
December 22, 2016 at 18:35Thanks babe!Yeah he lectures. I’m impressed too. Lol! Amen!
Ufedo Love
August 2, 2017 at 14:09So light and friendly…then there is this underlying note of permanency; which i read to be, “am in it for the long haul, come what may” a note which is sadly missing in some relationships/marriages. Keep waxing strongPS: I love the skirt
Tom
September 9, 2017 at 07:26Hi Kachee, I just only started reading your blog some days back after running into your IG page. This is amazing work. Love it and I pray u don’t get bored of doing this because I plan on being here for the long haul. Xx
Tiese
September 16, 2017 at 01:31Just stumbled on this post and oh my gosh,!! your pictures, your story and the little conversations at the end from you and Tee are just too cute. More love and happiness to you two!!
LoriKemi
November 6, 2017 at 21:33This was so lovely to read! Wishing you both a lifetime of love, health and happiness! Best wishes!