The Lucky Lady: Olamide Zaka, 27, Physician
Her Leading Man: Dotun Olusoga, 28, IT Analyst
The Big Day: September 28, 2013
Wedding Location: Decatur GA
When and how did you meet your man?
Dotun and I first met about 12 years ago when we were introduced by a mutual friend. I was 15 and he was 17 at the time.
Olamide, were you looking for love at the time?
No I was not. I was a teenager who had just finished high school in Lagos, Nigeria, and I was preparing to take the SATs. I had plans to travel to the U.S for my college education, and love was really the last thing on my mind.
What was your first impression of Dotun?
I thought he was a nice guy who would be a good friend, but I had no romantic intentions. I had heard through the grapevine that he was a player.
Describe your most romantic date ever?
It was our anniversary, but he hadn’t mentioned any plans, so I assumed he didn’t remember. I was tired after getting off work, and I just wanted to go to bed. Instead, he insisted on picking me up. He surprised me by taking me to dinner at an exclusive restaurant. We had an amazing time and talked late into the night; it was a phenomenal evening.
At what moment did you know he was “The One” for you?
When I realized he was my best friend and the first one I wanted to share any news with—good or bad.
Did you have a hunch he was going to propose?
Yes, I did. We had been together for many years and discussed getting married and the kind of life we wanted together. I just didn’t know when the proposal would happen.
How did he pop the question?
My birthday was coming up in April 2012, and I was extremely busy with work. He promised to take me out to dinner, since my birthday fell on a weekday, and I was looking forward to that. Another couple (mutual friends) asked that we come over the weekend before to watch a movie and hang out. When we arrived, I realized it was a surprise birthday party for me. I was truly surprised and excited. An hour later, he presented his gift to me. It was a gorgeous diamond ring. Then he proposed. All of the guests were as shocked as I was. Apparently, I tried to run away. Then I began to cry tears of joy, and I said, “Yes!”
What was really going through your mind as he proposed?
Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God! I can’t believe this is really happening.
Dotun, were you nervous about proposing?
Incredibly nervous! I’d spent months planning the proposal and making sure I bought the perfect ring she’d love. But thento complicate that, I decided to include a surprise birthday party. So yes, I was plenty nervous.
What do you love most about your bride-to-be?
Do you have all day? (Laughs) I lover her patience; her strength; her wisdom. She knows me more than I know myself.
What are you most looking forward to about marriage?
A lifetime of happiness and growing with my future husband.