Our Love Story
From “What’s your Igbo name?” to “I do.”
Our story began in October 2022, right in the heart of Colchester, where two people from different ends of the world crossed paths at work, completely unaware of what was to come.
Johnson had apparently already told my colleagues that he fancied me, so before he even approached me, word had travelled that I had an admirer. He finally took his chance when I was in the kitchen. Now, this was during the COVID era, so imagine this man coming into the kitchen and asking me to pull down my mask so he could see my face! During COVID-19?
From the very first day he met me, he asked me what my name was. I told him Benita, but he said, “No, what’s your Igbo name?” I told him Ugochi, and little did I know that name was about to become a regular feature in my life. Because from that day onwards, it was always, “Ugochi, I’m going to marry you.”
What started as friendship gradually blossomed into love. Johnson was bold, consistent and intentional from the very beginning. I told this guy NO on several occasions, but he remained certain about what he wanted. And one thing I’ve come to love about my husband-to-be is that when he knows what he wants, he goes for it—and 10/10 times, he gets it!
Looking back, it’s beautiful to think that a simple question about my name became the beginning of a promise that would eventually bring us here. From colleagues, to friends, to falling in love, and now preparing to become husband and wife, our story has been one we wouldn’t have imagined that day in October 2022.
Two people from different ends of the world, somehow finding each other right in the heart of Colchester. A man who told me from the beginning that he would marry me, and a story that has brought us all the way to this moment.
And now, here we are. From “What’s your Igbo name?” to “I do.” The rest is history. 💗
— Benita
October 2022 I spotted a beautiful girl at work, and I was immediately besotted. I kept watching her on the cameras, thinking, “Wow, who is this beautiful girl?” I would observe her from a distance, waiting for the right opportunity to speak to her. Truthfully, I was a little shy at first, so I even approached her colleague before finally gathering the courage to approach her myself.
Not long after, I saw her heading to the kitchen and I knew I had to make my move.
I approached her in the kitchen and as we spoke I discovered that this beautiful girl was Nigerian, and Igbo at that! I immediately asked for her Igbo name. She told me Ugochi, and something about that moment just clicked. In my heart, I felt a connection, and somehow, I knew this would be my last stop.
Of course, I had to ask her to pull down her mask so I could see her full face. And when she did? Asanwa! I saw the most beautiful girl, the most gorgeous smile, the most beautiful eyes and the most beautiful lips.
From that day, I couldn’t get her off my mind. She insisted we remain friends, so I was patient. But one thing I never stopped telling her was, “Ugochi, I’m going to marry you.” She may have doubted me back then, but I knew what I wanted. And in time, friendship blossomed into love.
Today, I can proudly say I’m the luckiest man alive because I finally got my damsel.
There are so many things I love about Ugochi. The way she laughs, for one. Her laughter lights up any room, and without sounding dramatic, it truly lights up my world. Her smile melts my heart and even on my hardest days, seeing her smile is enough to make me smile too.
She is supportive, talented in so many ways, prayerful, and an incredible woman. You know what they say about the way to a man’s heart being through his stomach? Well, she is a fantastic cook.
From the very beginning, I told her, “Ugochi, I’m going to marry you,” and now, the time has finally come. I get to spend forever with the woman who captured my heart.
So here’s to us, to the love that brought us here, and to a lifetime of choosing each other.
I told you I was going to marry you and now, forever begins.
All my love,
— Jmoney
