MICRO WEDDINGS
TORI + OLU B R OO K L Y N B OTA N I C G A R D E N JUNE 30, 2018 P H O TOG R A P H E D B Y S e q u o y a h D a n i e l
Text by Samuel Naumick
T
ori and Olu’s love story began at a networking event
he turned to face her, and as Tori fondly remembers, he
held for young black professionals, hosted at a
“said incredibly deep, heartfelt, and emotional things about
Brooklyn restaurant. Before even entering the venue, Olu,
me and us and our relationship – now and in the future.”
as if guided by fate, spotted Tori making her way inside.
Presenting her with a ring, Olu then asked Tori to spend the
He immediately knew that she was someone he had to learn
rest of their lives together as husband and wife. For Tori,
more about. Seeking her out inside the restaurant, it was
Olu “made the night 100% magical…”
Tori’s friend who noticed him f irst. Finding him attractive she waved Olu and his friend over to their table, but he only
Tori and Olu were married on June 30th in a beautiful
had eyes for Tori. With Olu’s friend engaging Tori’s friend
garden wedding at Brooklyn Botanic. Their ceremony
in conversation, he was able to focus entirely on getting to
featured a traditional handfasting, using cultural and family
know Tori. Although they spoke only brief ly, it was already
signif icant Kente and Nigerian cloths. Their style was a
evident a magnetism existed between them. In Tori’s words,
whimsical f loral theme of earthy regality. Tori was stunning
“we didn’t chat longer than ten to f ifteen minutes…and
in an embroidered gown, and Olu was dapper in a double-
somehow a vibe we both liked came off…I couldn’t resist
breasted almond suit designed by Brian Alexander Bespoke.
how good he smelled and polite he was…” They exchanged numbers and from that evening on their paths became
Best Memories:
inseparable. Tori: “Seeing Olu for the f irst time! I couldn't have Fast forward to October 5th 2017. Tori received a
imagined what he'd be wearing and he looked absolutely
concerning text message from her best friend Diana. She
stunning. The music playing (‘Best Part’ by Daniel Caesar
claimed to be having some relationship struggles and really
ft. H.E.R.) just amplif ied my emotion so I couldn't help
needed someone to conf ide in. They decided to meet
but start tearing up once we f inally saw each other. When
at Tori’s place after work. When Tori arrived she found
I saw him tearing up too, my heart wouldn't stop racing. I
white and pink balloons and roses throughout the house,
wanted to ball but kept it together because my makeup took
and hanging in the closet was a new dress with shoes and
way too long! It's almost like in that moment we KNEW
matching handbag. Near it was a card instructing her to
it was really happening. All the prep, talks, love shared
meet Olu at the River Café at 8:00. That’s when Diana
and experiences led to that moment. All the emotions just
entered the room to assist her in preparing for the rest of
seemed to want to explode at once, but resulted in a minor
the evening.
implosion. The deepest love I've ever felt in one moment.”
After her preparations were complete, a car was arranged to
Olu: “Saying the vows and professing my love to my wife
escort Tori to Brooklyn. Tori and Olu enjoyed a romantic
under God and in front of all our loved ones truly allowed
dinner together, every moment feeling as special as a f irst
everything to come full circle - the moment that I'd prayed
date. Upon leaving they stopped to take some pictures
for was here. It was a true testament to God's will in our
together by the Brooklyn Bridge. While Tori reviewed the
lives.”
images, Olu bent down to “tie his shoe.” Still on one knee