Ayobami:
After a COVID-plagued Christmas in 2021 in Toronto, I was on a train back to curfew-enforced Montreal, just minding my business, thinking I’d remain on these streets. But God had other plans—because on January 7, 2022, I got to know Melissa existed on this earth.

Now, I like to think I had my life all figured out, but if we’re being honest, Melissa changed everything. She had long been praying about her future husband—yes, praying—so technically, she summoned me. I’m convinced her prayers saved me from a life of reckless decisions (not really, but let’s go with it).

We started talking about gaming, and Melissa casually mentioned that Overcooked 2 was one of her favorite games. Naturally, I had to download it immediately—because impressing her was obviously top priority. That game has since brought us so many great times... and also some seriously heated moments. 😆

Eventually, I asked her on a date. But because of Quebec’s extreme curfew, I had to get creative. It was winter, I was nervous, and Melissa? Well—


Melissa:
—well, I was fashionably late (not late, just re-adjusting the schedule). And let’s be real, we were both definitely nervous. He wouldn’t admit it, but when we finally met up at Berri-UQAM Metro, all bundled up like two Michelin Men, I could tell.

We took a long walk to Old Port, talked about life, family, and everything in between, and at some point, I decided to test his taste buds by introducing him to sushi in a very specific way. Quite an interesting experience...

After that, things moved pretty fast. Our second and third dates were amazing—especially when Ayobami cooked his “world-famous” Jollof rice (which, okay, I admit, was actually very good). But then, plot twist—I had to leave for a month of work in Northern Quebec.

I figured the distance would cool things down a little, but nope. Every single day, without fail, Ayobami called, texted, and—get this—woke up at 7 AM to work out with me on Mr. and Mrs. Muscles’ YouTube channel. Who even does that?! I thought he might slow down at some point, but he kept it up... and that’s when I knew—

He was a head over heels😆


Ayobami:
EXCUSE ME?! What do you mean "head over heels"?! I was just being intentional! Respectfully, I was just making sure you were the one, that’s all. Nothing more. Nothing less. 😏


Ayobami:
By the end of February, Melissa was back, and I decided to go all in. So, on our fourth date, I cooked Penne à la Vodka for the first time (yes, I had to YouTube it, don’t judge me), and I officially asked her to be my girlfriend.

And of course, she said yes—but let’s be honest, she was already a gone girl. 😍


Melissa:
I BEG YOUR PARDON?! Gone girl?! Who said I was gone?! First of all, … I was still taking my time and feeling things out. But yes, maybe I really liked you at that point… but let’s not act like it was one-sided!

Melissa:
Since then, our relationship has had its ups and downs (including a tiny break-up moment—we’ll skip over that part). But through everything, we’ve always been each other’s constant.

Meeting each other's families made things even clearer. My friends and family instantly loved Ayobami, and his family welcomed me like I’d been there forever. His dad always says that everyone who meets me has only good things to say (which, let’s be honest, I am not mad about).


Ayobami:
And now, here we are—getting married. Looking back, one thing is clear: only God could have written this story. From the very beginning, He has been at the center of our journey, guiding every step, and surrounding us with the most amazing friends and family.

We are beyond grateful to celebrate this next chapter with all the people who have been part of our story. Thank you for being here, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Melissa & Ayobami:
"Now, let’s see who wins the next round of Overcooked 2..." 🎮