Wande and Oti met in high school in 2000, but didn’t start dating until 2007. A year after graduating high school, the two reconnected via email and kept in touch for a year. After a year of talking, Oti decided to ask Wande out on a date and she was very receptive to the idea of dating him. At the time, Oti lived in Boston, MA and Wande lived in Rockville, MD. However, despite the distance, they made their relationship work by keeping the lines of communication open and staying connected through prayer. Check out their city chic engagement session captured by Deji Oke-owo Photography!
Bride: Wande Ladipo, 26, Clinical Trial Associate
Groom: Oti Ilentamhen, 27, Senior Advisory Associate
Place of residence: Maryland and Chicago
Engagement Shoot Location: Mt. Vernon and Columbia, MD
Wedding date: 8/23/14
Engagement story
Our engagement proposal took place on July 4th weekend in 2013. Oti came to visit me in Maryland during the July 4th holiday and we had planned to spend the weekend in New York. Oti, my little sister and myself took a train ride down to New York and arrived at Penn Station in the evening. Upon our arrival, we caught a cab and headed straight to the hotel. As soon as we arrived at the hotel, I noticed that the lady who attended to us at the concierge desk had a very big smile on her face and was so excited to check us in. I thought to myself and wondered why she was delighted to check us in so quickly. As soon as we got to the door of the hotel room Oti handed me the key to the room. Upon opening the door, I felt a breeze of roses sweep over my feet and I immediately knew what was coming. My heart almost popped out of my chest when I saw so many lit candles, and a couple of friends and family members waiting for us in the room. The first three words that came out of my mouth were “Oh My Gosh” with tears streaming down my cheeks. Before I could catch my breath, Oti was on one bended knee asking me if I would love to spend the rest of my life with him. It was one of the most special moments of my life.
For the Groom: How did you decide that you wanted to propose in such a grand way? Walk us through the behind the scenes of creating this special day
I am a very private person and originally wanted my proposal to Wande to be between Wande and myself. However, before I made any proposal plans, I made sure I officially asked for Wande’s parent’s blessings. After making my intentions clear to both my family and Wandes’, a few friends and family members decided they wanted to be present and help orchestrate the proposal. We got engaged on July 4th, 2013 and it was one of the greatest days of my life. It became real that I would be spending the rest of my life with my best friend.
What makes your love special?
Spending quality time with each other and not taking life or each other too seriously.
What are you most looking forward to about your wedding?
Sharing our day with family, friends and loved ones.
Congrats to newlyweds Wande and Oti! We wish you many more years of wedded bliss!
Vendors:
Photography: Deji Oke-owo Photography
Beauty – Make-Up: Make up by Frumbi
Curated by our Wedding Features Editor, C.K. Alexander. C.K. is the owner and founder of Love Ink and Brownstone Bridal. Keep up with C.K. on Twitter here: @Love_Ink
