On the 9th of January 2009 i made a special prayer request to God for a best friend, a lady who would not only be a friend but a sister. Someone who shared the same principles and morals, a driven , God fearing young lady who would challenge me always to be better and have a lasting friendship til the Rapture. Little did i know this prayer would be answered just over a year later in a physics classroom (definitely an unlikely place considering that was not my favourite subject). I definitely didn't hear anything the last 5 mins of that lecture because there sat in front of me a lady with the most beautiful hairstyle and i couldn't wait for the lesson to be over so i could complement her and even better get a hairstylist referral ; HOWEVER i ended up getting much better than that; THAT was the genesis of an AMAZING friendship and sisterhood.It always amazed me just how similar we were;almost same height and built, we even used to get almost the exact same grades! Loyal, sweet, thoughtful, inspiring, delightful, God fearing, supportive , heartwarming smile, laughs at my dry jokes,intelligent,selfless; there are not enough words to describe this amazing sweet soul that is Derin. I have so many happy memories of our evolving friendship; Derin driving us around whilst i held on to my seat for dear life, Derin copying my notes, both of us falling asleep in class despite desperately chewing gum to stay awake, seeing snow for the 1st time, getting our drivers licences, our endless phonecalls with the free junction landlines where i used to fall asleep and wake up and Derin would still be talking lolz. At times we would call each other and not talk but just listen to the same music as we studied! When i was hungry Derin would cook for me her spicy naija delicacies which although delicious would give me spicy painful diarrhoea! The stories are endless! It has been a pleasure to have this loving soul along each phase of my life from being best friend, to maid of honour and up ahead aunties for each others children, definitely exciting chapters ahead !Thanks to facebook i met the hubby and its been a priviledge to witness their inspiring relationship stand the test of time and distance , with God as their foundation, love has conquered all! Wish u guys a blissful union and im so excited for the couples expeditions that await us!

It all began in pre- teens class. Aug 27, 2001 couldn't have come quicker for me, it meant I could finally leave children's church for the babies and also join my cousin -Bisoye in preteens class. *boss moves*. I was elated but I feigned indifference because I did not want my brother to tease me as usual. (Indifference or not he still teased me up to the point of annoyance). My first class was filled with humour. I watched people scream and screech all in the name of singing . I wonder who gave them the impression that if they sang with their nose and closed their eyes they will be able to pull a Celine Dion performance.After every church service I would gist my siblings about all drama that took place in class and we would laugh about it, tears rolling down our face.Apparently my brother who was in teens class was not getting as much fun in his class as mine. One day, almost at the end of service he came to my class. Little did I know that would be his eureka moment. At the point where he came in there was a drama presentation going on stage where a girl from a Christian home joined a bad gang and was singing a worldly song". "who's that girl,la lalalalalalalala" The lead actor (Derin) performed so well,we won't stop talking about the drama piece at home. It was only after her excellent drama presentation that I began to notice and watch Derin. She was always so serious in class. She would take notes, do assignment and actively participate in discussions unlike me whose mind would wander to fairy land as soon as preaching began.My brother began to pay constant visit to my class...I honestly thought it was because he cared for me little did I know his eyes was on Derin. Everytime I tried to tease her about what she did or wore to class my brother will skip topic...*haaa*. Gradually Derin became not only a frequent name in our house but a frequent face after church while both our parent attended workers meeting..17 years after and both faithful to each other, Derin is no longer a familiar face anymore, she is now a constant face who gets to share the same surname as I. (I need to change my surname sharparly and completely leave it for her ). Darling Derin, my ex-classmate, childhood acquaintance, friend, and now sister-in-law...I love you! Happy married life!N:B I met the groom in my house. My parent said he is my brother.

Ibk is here and something's about to happen right about now! It's the DLmerger!!!!! *whoop whoop*Interestingly, it's been a little over two decades of being Derin's twinnie-cousin and she's not been one day short of sweetness. Just so you'll know I'm not lying ehn, let me let you in to her sweet nature with just one gist. I remember when she came over for my fifth year birthday party she didn't have a gift for me so she took off her wristwatch instead and wore it on my wrist. Isn't that so adorable of little Derin?Fast forward to 2018, Derin is still as sweet as ever. Permit me to add that she's been super intelligent too and consistently driven towards greatness. She is beautiful in and out, and more importantly she loves God. So by my calculations, for every Derin there's a Laolu. Yet not every Laolu is lucky to have a Derin (divine, excellent, real, intelligent yet nice) like ours and this makes me super excited for you both. I wish you both boundless love, joy and happiness and God's favour all the way.I'm honoured to be a part of your bridal gang twinnie! Let's do this!!!!

Oh wow, does it feel like a century of fruitfulness already!! It is probably more apt to first describe my relation to Derin ( oh more fondly, Dee) rather than the events of our meeting. In Dee, I have a true companion in life. A Christian to me, a sister, a friend and a tutor. It all started when I realised I had classmate living in the same building as me. Just a floor below me. Boy was she resourceful, kind and patient!! An instant attraction was her love for Christ. God blessed us with sweet effortless fellowship. One day I plucked up the courage to enquire about a certain handsome gentleman alongside her in a picture in her room. With much shyness and apprehension she indulged me. We laughed, we ate and we gymed. I grew to love her and his character. To you, Oduleyes: I love how you guys are childen and servants of God. I love how you are friends. I pray for God’s abundant blessings upon your union. May His plans for your union be fulfilled. All to His glory! Soli Deo Gloria.

I have known Aderinmola for 17 years and we are still counting. We met during our Junior Secondary School days. Our love for being the best at what we do brought us together. We were our competition back in school. When she came first position in class, I was always second best and vice versa. We were and still friends of like minds. Distance was never a problem for us after secondary school. We cultivated a yearly habit of seeing each other every time she came back to Nigeria from school (I’ll miss this hun) and exchange gifts. It was during one of my visits I met Laolu finally (I had only been hearing his name). He was playful and all romantically mushy……LOL. #DLMerger are friends!!! There is never a dull moment with them. They are always gisting, laughing and teasing each other. I love their love for God and His works. You can never hang around them and not discuss or make mention of God and His words. I love you guys. You make a long distance relationship look so easy!!! I pray that as you become one in holy matrimony, the God of heaven and earth will continue to dwell in your home. I decree peace, joy, love and wisdom in your marriage. Go forth into the world and make me some tall and fine babies!!! (Not hating on your tallness Derin …LOL). My favourite couple for 2018! #kisses

I have known Derin for almost two decades and she is one of the most awesome, smart, brilliant and intelligent people I know. She likes anything vanilla. She's not strict but she is disciplined. And she is such a bookie! We haven't been in constant communication but whenever we do, it's a continuation of old times. I'm not ashamed to say that She and my cousin, Bukola were my constant (healthy) competition and I tried so hard to keep up but then, someone had to be the silly one (what's a clique without the DUFF? lol. O by the way I eventually caught up even in the DUFFy nature when we were apart). lol. Remember the Cowbell Maths competition prep class that I was rather restless and disturbing you and Bukola? I'm sure Mr. Harrison regretted picking me for it. lool. Then time for cane was always hilarious. lol. Derin was always the last person to go in for an exam, and also among the last to finish writing!!! Have you stopped doing that thing? I doubt it. But I'm super glad we're still together. You're so homely and that's the most beautiful thing about you. Now will stop being so far away, would you? Happy married life Smallie!! I love you like this girl loves soft, yummy chocolate cake! Your Awesomest Friend of the whole crew!Me!

"Laolu I know, Derin I know. It's really hard to say few things about one's best friend for years. Coming to this world on the same day as Laolu and being connected in destiny has made it impossible not to connect instantly with the Superbly gifted Damsel that my beloved covenant brother had found. Surely the cutest couple and one couple that cannot be but noticed (especially with that over tall dude dwarfing everyone). I wish you guys all the best in this journey of love and friendship. Looking forward to our family vacations (as we planned many years ago). I love you guys" DAINI Michael- Groomsman and Best Friend of the groom (not Bestman)😁

It's been an amazing story really, one which should be retold to generations unborn. It's a kind of union I personally would have loved to experience. Olaolu and Aderin are two wonderful people , whom I have known for most of my life. Olaolu, I grew up with from the womb, while Derin and I met when we were about 10years old. I got invited by my brother Olaolu , to winners chapel one Sunday, and unknown to Me, I was to meet the most gorgeous, down to earth (literarily) lady ever. After service , here comes this pretty lady to say Hi, and then olaolu says meet derin. Am like daaamn, she-fineeeee, she-lovelyyyy, and as I was about reaching out to say hello, he shields her away, sayin that's far enough...haha. (its from there you would know he has been her body-guard ever since).I gave him that look that wazz da problem. I saw him give me this baby Look and smile, I knew instantly this girl has cooked vegetable for him. My childhood friend has fallen, the great PAPA has been conquered, call 911. We saw a couple more times and I knew this match was made in heaven. My friend and brother had been off the market for 18years , woooooow, while I was still finding my bearing.All through the years, they had remained strong together , and If you are wondering what kept this two for this long, never under estimate the power of friendship. There is no two ways to it, you have to marry your best friend. This friendship had been cultivated for many years, it's grown through thick and thin, and I can beat my chest that nothing can go wrong because that foundation has been there from the onset.Having someone for that long, and growing together till the point of marriage is something beautiful. I have always admired, and used them on numerous occaions as a point of reference. I just thank God for their lives, and I pray HE would continually keep them , strengthen their union (although I don't know how much else this could be strengthened; just say amen) , bless it with many sweet babies. It will grow from grace to grace, and HIS protective hands will continually guide and protect them. Amen and Amen. Happy married life to the world's favourite couple.

I first knew Laolu 11 years ago and must've known (about) Derin shortly after; because the one who makes a mans heart vibrate would always be a recurring topic on his lips right? It would not be until about 3 years after, that I would finally meet the beautiful Derin; when she visited our school on exchange program; and I immediately understood why she was so well spoken about. Such was the chemistry and understanding. I've watched them both grow over the years and for me it remains an inspiration; and a testament to how passion, respect, and understanding should increase with time, not less. Hearty cheers to a blissful and exemplary union built on Christ!

I knew Derin as a result of our families being friends for a long time. She is very kind and very supportive. Supportive in words and action. Ok.... so about Laolu. First of all he is too tall... ahn ahn. But he is a very nice and honest gentleman. The first time I met him, it was almost like he was someone I have known for a long time cos our conversation wasn’t that of strangers. I wish u both the best on this journey of Love. The kind of love both of you exhibit shows me that distance isn’t a barrier to true love. Cheers to infinite years of love....

I started hearing of the rare kind of love Laolu and Derin had even before I ever saw what she looked like; the day I finally saw her pictures, I could understand the force behind the stories! Laolu and I have been friends for years and I have no doubts that his amazing personality would make this union a complete successand I’m so excited to be a part of this wonderful God ordained love story!