Some love stories begin with a swipe. Others start at a coffee shop or through mutual friends. Adeyinka (Kevin) and Rebecca’s story? It started with a phone call orchestrated by Rebecca’s aunt, and a mother’s intuition that proved absolutely perfect.
A Modern Love Story with Traditional Roots
Picture this: It’s a cold January morning in New York City. Rebecca is hauling groceries up the stairs of her walk-up apartment when her phone rings. Her mother mentions “a nice young man” and asks if she can pass along Rebecca’s contact information. Rebecca (juggling bags and probably rolling her eyes) gives the quintessential response: “Sure, whatever, you may give him my information.”
Meanwhile, Kevin had just relocated to Meridian, Mississippi for a new job when Rebecca’s aunt called him with an intriguing question: “Are you single?” When he confirmed he was, she responded with barely contained excitement: “Well, I think I have the perfect girl for you!”
That afternoon, Kevin and Rebecca had their first phone conversation. Three hours flew by in what felt like minutes. The conversation flowed effortlessly…comfortable, easy, sprinkled with laughter and surprisingly deep moments. If you asked them today what they talked about, they honestly couldn’t tell you. They just knew it felt right.
Six Months of Building Something Beautiful
For half a year, Kevin and Rebecca built their relationship virtually with phone calls, text messages, video chats. They developed what they describe as “a progressive attraction” and “an undeniable bond.” Kevin knew he had to meet this woman in person.
The story of their first in-person meeting is the stuff of romantic comedies. Kevin’s phone died just as he approached Rebecca’s Upper East Side apartment. She rushed downstairs to find him before losing contact, scanning the streets until she spotted a figure in the distance. When she realized it was Kevin, she ran to him with pure excitement and literally jump-hugged him with “giddy laughter.”
From there, it was a beautiful ping-pong of travel: Rebecca to Mississippi in August, Kevin to Memphis in October to meet his parents, then to Little Rock for Thanksgiving to meet Rebecca’s family, culminating in ringing in the New Year together in New York City.
Faith, Pandemic, and Providence
On New Year’s Eve, Kevin made the 8+ hour drive from Meridian to Dallas, navigating unplanned detours with a mission that would change their lives forever. After pouring out a prayer of love and adoration, Kevin got on one knee with a ring “only fit for his queen.”
Rebecca said yes. Then, in shock, told Kevin she needed to sit down. They embraced before literally falling to the floor together, laughing with pure joy.
A Two-Day Celebration Honoring Two Continents
When it came time to plan their wedding, Rebecca and Kevin knew one day wouldn’t capture the fullness of their story. Their families hosted a traditional West African ceremony honoring their Nigerian and Ghanaian heritage. The following day, they celebrated with a worship-centered ceremony at the stunning Cold Springs Events venue.
“We are both strong believers in God and truly love how He has shown up in each of our lives individually and now collectively as a couple,” Rebecca explains. “It was very important to us that our wedding celebration was truly a worship service honoring God. We wanted all who attended to feel the presence of God.”
And they did. The ceremony became a beautiful blend of reverence and joy, so much so that when Rebecca entered the chapel and locked eyes with Kevin (they’d opted not to do a first look), she flooded with tears while Kevin silently mouthed “wow.” When their eyes finally met, they burst into that signature giddy laughter so infectious that even their officiant, Dr. Kwesi Kamau, couldn’t help but join in.
Where West Africa Meets the American South
At Vibrant Occasions, we’ve catered hundreds of weddings, but this one held special significance. Rebecca and Kevin are both first-generation West Africans who grew up in the South—she in Little Rock, Arkansas, he in Memphis, Tennessee. Rebecca’s parents hail from Ghana; Kevin’s from Nigeria. They wanted their food to tell that unique story.
For cocktail hour, we had the extraordinary honor of bringing Rebecca’s mother’s homemade recipe to life: authentic Ghanaian meat and vegetable pies that carried generations of flavor and tradition. We paired these with fried plantain bites that disappeared almost as quickly as we could pass them. Watching guests discover these West African flavors, many for the first time, reminded us why we love what we do.
The plated dinner continued the theme of honoring heritage while embracing Southern sensibilities. We focused on fresh herbs and seasonal vegetables with a hint of spice, creating dishes that felt both familiar and adventurous, traditional and innovative.
Moments That Touched Our Hearts
There were so many special touches throughout the day, but one moment stands out: Rebecca’s brother, Robert Amponsah, played “The Lord’s Prayer” on the flute, accompanied by harpist Alisa Coffey. As the piece reached its crescendo, Rebecca, gifted with a beautiful voice and heart for worship, began singing along with her father.
It was spontaneous. It was powerful. It was exactly what this celebration was meant to be.
(And can we talk about the bridesmaids carrying tambourines instead of traditional bouquets? That detail perfectly captured this musical family’s spirit and the celebration’s worship focus.)
At Vibrant Occasions, we’re grateful we could play a small part in their story—bringing Rebecca’s mother’s Ghanaian recipe to life and creating dishes that bridged continents and generations. Watching their families come together over those meat pies and plantain bites, we were reminded once again that food does more than nourish bodies. It connects hearts, preserves traditions, and creates new memories.
Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Okunade. Thank you for trusting us with such an important piece of your celebration. May your marriage be filled with the same joy, laughter, and “giddy” excitement that brought you together on that first phone call.
Wedding Vendors
Venue: Cold Springs Events
Catering: Vibrant Occasions Catering
Wedding Planner: Brittany Bloom Events & Design
Ceremony Harpist: Alisa Coffey
Ceremony Flutist: Robert Amponsah (bride’s brother)
Reception Band: Even Odds
Florist: Tanarah Luxe Floral
Rentals: Eventology
Officiant: Dr. Kwesi Kamau
Hair Stylist: Ember Burns with Hair Rock Cafe the Salon
Makeup Artist: Lavonne Beauty
Videographer: Fleur de Lis Films
Photographer: Elizabeth and George
Invitations: achiaa pen + paper (bride’s stationery company)
Wedding Dress Designer: Monique Lhuillier
Wedding Dress Retailer: Warren Barron Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: Jenny Yoo
Groom’s Suit: Men’s Wearhouse
Groomsmen Suits: Jos A Bank
Rings: Juniker Jewelry Co
Cake: Larissa McKenzie of Butter Scotch Bakery