Ayo and Lola
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
For three years, Ayo and Lola worked together without speaking to one another because Ayo was shy. They later met at a training, and that was where the talking began. But it was not love at first sight. They started by borrowing office materials from each other. Ayo and Lola got married in 2008, and now have a bouncing baby girl.
Their union is the myth buster, Ayo says. There's no such thing as becoming less efficient or less happy once you're married. He has become happier, more efficient, and everything in between since he met Lola. Lola loves everything about him, she says. She loves his wit, his intelligence, and his love for God. Their determination to grow their love, and their mutual goal of being happy has sustained their relationship.
For Valentine, Lola is sure they have no plans. Ayo, however, says the plans are under wraps.
Location: Maryland, U.S.A
Leo swears they met in 2005. Rosie insists it was actually in 2006, because in 2005, Leo was pursuing her
incognito. That, as far as she's concerned, does not count as
meeting. Leo and Rosie got married in 2007; they now have a son.
A funny couple, they are. The success of their relationship has been based on a little bit of honey, and a truckload of bullsh*t, You just have to learn how to mix them all up. That's a technique Rosie learned from her co-worker. And then, there's a whole lot of communication, of course.
For Valentine's Day, Rosie plans on babysitting --- unless, of course, Leo has special plans for her.
LanreTall and KemiGold
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
2005 was the turning point for Lanre and Kemi. They bumped into each other in the hallway, although they didn't drop their papers, the way it happens in movies. A week later, they met again, and have been together ever since. They are now engaged.
One of the things Lanre loves best about her is her playfulness and talkativeness. Sometimes, he has to beg her to be quiet, but that's all part of what makes him love her so. Clearly, he also loves carrying her. Their relationship has succeeded largely because of trust.
For Valentine, Lanre and Kemi will start their day by going to church, and after that, they will go see a movie - although they haven't decided which one. From there, they intend to go back home to take part in an event that we all are not invited to.

Busola and Francis
Location: Maryland, U.S.A
The year was 2005, and Busola was in a long distance relationship with a guy in Nigeria. When a mutual friend showed her picture to Francis, he decided he wanted to meet her. A relationship was the last thing on Busola's mind because, well, she had a boyfriend in Nigeria. It's 2010, and they're now happily married with one son.
Francis has a good heart, she says. She loves how he always makes hers and the baby's safety and wellbeing his priority. God plays a major role in the success of their relationship. Busola and Francis have learned how to be patient with each other, savoring every little bit and piece of their relationship.
For Valentine, the baby will be having a one-on-one time with his Grandma, while Busola and Francis enjoy a romantic dinner at home.

Bola and Watta
Location: Maryland, U.S.A
Theirs is the case of boy meets girl --- the African rendition. This here, is the tale of the Nigerian boy who met the Sierra Leonean girl, and together, they created Love In West Africa. It all started in 2008.
To keep their love young and strong, this Nigerian and Sierra Leonean have learned the priceless virtues of communication and compromise. It doesn't hurt that they always do things to make each other happy.
For Valentine, they plan on going to Las Vegas, Nevada for five days. And no, they do not need our company.

Kunle and Deola
Location: Maryland, U.S.A
Kunle and Deola met in church in 2005. Deola had said out loud that she needed someone to teach her how to drive. Kunle, in his infinite kindness, offered to do so. The day he shamelessly stood in the mall and sang out loud, "Don't you wish your boyfriend was hot like me?" Deola knew he was the one for her. There isn't anything Deola does not like about Kunle. They got married in 2009.
Two things - however simple or complex - make their relationship work: God and hot, passionate sex.
For Valentine, their plans are too erotic --- even for Verastic dot com readers.
Jonathan and Chichi
Location: North Carolina
When Jonathan lost his father in 2006, he never thought the unfortunate incident will cause him to meet the love of his life. A friend of his came over with a stranger, a stranger that brought him a delicious meal. That stranger was Chichi. He took an interest in Chichi, but Chichi dodged him -- till 2008. And now, well, take a look at the picture. She's not dodging anymore.
Jonathan and Chichi have both had their share of life. They do not sweat the small stuff. Only big stuff need apply. They have a strong foundation, and they know they have to make this work.
For Valentine, they plan to take it easy by going to church first, and then, watching movies for the rest of the day.

Justice and Ugochi
Location: Florida, U.S.A.
Justice and Ugochi met in 2004 through Ugochi's cousin. At the time, Ugochi was not looking for a relationship, and besides, Justice lived in a different State. Four months later, Ugochi got a surprise call from Justice. He had gotten her number from her cousin. She rejected his proposal for a relationship, but it's 2010, and they got married in 2009.
Their relationship is solidified by mutual respect for one another, communication, forgiveness, and God.
For Valentine, they plan on going to see a movie, taking a professional picture, and then having a dinner date.

Bunmi and Kunle
Location: Maryland, U.S.A
Bunmi and Kunle met in 2003. She left her home in New York to attend a graduation party in Maryland, while Kunle left his home in Maryland to attend the same party. Fate happened. Or maybe it was cupid. Either way, they are now married with three beautiful princesses.
Bunmi and Kunle realize they're both different, and they do not try to change each other. With God as the root and foundation of their relationship, Bunmi and Kunle have learned to trust each other wholly. Bunmi is the CEO of an online retail shop,
T and T Fashions, a business she named in honor of her daughters.
For Valentine, they hope to be indoors. Perhaps, they might be snowed in. They plan to be creative.
Evans and Yvonne
Location: Around The World
Evans and Yvonne met in the University in 2005. But they lost contact. Three years later, they met again. They have been inseparable since then.
When two people who reside in different Continents are as in love as these two, laughter is a necessity. And so, Evans and Yvonne do a lot of laughing to keep their relationship going. It also helps that Evans is very patient with Yvonne -- especially during her diva moments. Communication goes a long way to keep them on the same page at all times.
For Valentine, Evans and Yvonne would be having a cyber date. They're thankful for the internet --- and for webcams, of course.
Oma and Chris
Location: Maryland, U.S.A
Their story began in 1995, while they attended College. Two years after they met, they got married. Fifteen years and four kids later, their love has become even brighter. Oma is looking forward to growing old and grey with Chris. Oma is now the proud owner of
Livi's Fashions and Bridal.
Apart from the familiarity they share, love, understanding, and communication have all been contributing factors to the success of their relationship.
For Valentine, they plan on going out for dinner --- without the children, of course.
Olumide and Timbo
Location: London, U.K and Maryland, U.S.A
Olumide and Timbo met in 2009. They met through her best friend in Nigeria. Timbo's first attraction to Olumide was in his written English. It was in his punctuations, the commas being in the right place. She has the in-factor he wants in a woman, he always says. And he never stops calling her his Mrs.
Communication is very strong in their relationship. Distance may be far, but that doesn't stop these love birds from talking everyday. Timbo loves how goal-oriented he is. He's cool-headed and mature in his thinking, she says with a wide smile plastered on her face.
For Valentine, they'll be spending the day talking on the phone. And in between, perhaps, Timbo will take some time to take a whiff of the roses he sent. They're an assortment of colors. There are many shades to Timbo.
Fred and Magalie
Location: U.S.A
Fred and Magalie, the final couple for this event, met in 2000. He approached her with a funny line, and since then, Magalie's life has not been the same.
After being apart for three years, they now realize that there is no one else in the world for them... but themselves. And that is how they have kept their love going. Their picture is a portrayal of their feelings, for each other, and for their relationship. It's them against the world. It's Magalie confidently, reassuringly resting on Fred. And it's Fred's arm being right there when Magalie needs it. It's them both.
For Valentine, they plan on spending the day on Skype. They do not live in the same City.
This concludes the Show Me Your Love Valentine Blog Event for 2010.
Special thanks to all the couples. I wish you the best Valentine Day ever, and may your love grow from strength to strength. Come next year, may we all be favored to come back here and celebrate your love once more. Thank you for all your support.
P.S. All comments are very appreciated, but please play nice. I apologize in advance for any not-so-nice comments I would have to delete J
Happy Valentine's to everyone!!!