Hi everyone,
As you’ve probably noticed (or maybe you didn’t), I haven’t posted anything on the website in the past two weeks. Life happened.
Actually, I was busy getting married to the love of my life. It’s probably the happiest I’ve been in a long time, and it’s truly unbelievable how much joy this amazing woman brings into the life of an already happy Samuel.
The many events that made up our wedding week will form core memories I’ll cherish forever.
Of all the moments, the one that stuck with me the most was having to beg for my wife’s hand in marriage at the traditional wedding. The Yoruba (a Nigerian ethnic group) have a deeply rich cultural heritage, and there’s no better way to experience it than during a wedding ceremony.
Fun fact: the Yoruba word for marriage is Ìgbéyàwó, which literally translates to “carry your wife.” As part of the ceremony, the groom is expected to carry his bride to show strength and readiness to support and protect her—physically, emotionally, and materially. A little unfair to men who marry women they can’t carry… but I can’t relate. 😄
Another key part of the tradition, and what really stayed with me, is when I had to beg for her hand in marriage. There’s a section where the groom, along with his friends, is expected to prostrate flat on the ground and ask the bride’s parents for her hand.
The question asked is: “Ṣe o bẹ̀bẹ̀ fẹ́?” – which means “Do you beg to marry this lady?” The groom is then handed a microphone and must respond clearly and proudly:
“Bẹẹni, mo bẹ̀bẹ̀ fẹ́.” – “Yes, I beg to marry her.”
This moment, both in word and posture, is symbolic. It shows that the groom has followed due process and sought his bride’s hand with honor and deep respect. The meaning runs deep. You cannot go before your in-laws, plead for their precious daughter’s hand, and then turn against them later. That would be unwise.
Beyond all the fanfare and glamour of the event, my wife and I (yes, of course) want to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who made our celebration unforgettable. We LOVE YOU ALL.
Special thanks to our amazing parents for their unwavering support, to our friends—especially the incredible groomsmen and bridal team—to everyone who traveled across continents, and to those who gave generously in cash and kind.
THANK YOU for honoring us with your time and your resources. We do not take it for granted. May God bless you richly.
“Then they are no longer two people, but one. And no one should separate a couple God has joined together.”
Matthew 19:6 (CEV)
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3 thoughts on “Sorry for the break in transmission”
Happy for you both. You both won!
Congratulations family.
Congratulations Doc.
Congratulations, my brother, your new home is blessed. It shall be an unending adventure for you and your wife.