Chosen Bethel Family Ministries

Church Ceremony

South Holland Community Center

Traditional Marriage Ceremony (Igbankwu)

#always&foreverJJ

Our Wedding

We met at work in the Aon apprenticeship program on the first day of our orientation. We were all going to lunch on Michigan Avenue and James walked up to me and we started chatting. We found a connection when I told him I was from Nigeria. His step father is also Nigerian and he had met some Nigerians in college. We started talking more and gradually became friends, but nothing serious until a couple of months down the line when I was going through one of the hardest times of my life. He proved to be a true friend who was there for me, reinforcing sanity, love and acceptance. A few months later we started dating in July of the same year. I met his mom and step dad and his mom loved me immediately. She saw me, she approved of us and even encouraged James to make sure he married me. Soon after, we both went through loss and hardship and even took sometime apart. After some growth and apologies God so kindly brought us back together. A few months later we got engaged and married the next month at the courthouse with the intention of having the wedding two years later, which is now!

Our Story

Photos

Joy met Amdala at work in 2019, we were both the only Nigerians at the place and became friends, Amdala is a good friend for when I need a mediator. When I need a third voice and someone who doesn’t use emotion but logic, she’s the first one that comes to mind. I love that she’s very hardworking and takes me along her career journey. We have seen each other through life and I am really thankful she’s with me on this journey. 

Amudulat 

Whenever I remember this joke I smile, it’s safe to say, whenever I remember Linda the one who told the joke, I smile: 
Someone: Hello Ms, what’s your name? 
Linda: Hi, my name is Linda Fu 
Someone: okay, can you spell your last name? 
Linda: F U 
Someone: 😱 
Did you laugh? Lol that’s exactly how I laugh or smile each time I remember the joke. Linda is a vibrant, fun loving, direct and compassionate friend, Linda put herself out there for me so many times and I am so thankful that once again, she’s doing that. Grateful to have her in my life. 


Linda

Ms Nunu Pops! From her name, you can probably tell she’s the fun one. I love Anu, and I spend most of my time with her. Some people even think we are best friends due to this, but we are not haha. I love Anu’s personality, she’s open to me, she draws closer than a sister to me, she cares about me and she shows it. She calls me out when I’m misbehaving and she lets me know exactly how she feels about something. Anu doesn’t have to agree with me, she is very kind and positive. Everybody says that about her. Purple is her color and I am so thankful for her being so radiant in my life.

Joy met Mikaela through a mutual friend of ours and we connected. Our friendship has grown through the course of 5 years and she has been someone who has been a good source of support and spiritual encouragement. I value the fact that she doesn’t joke with her faith. Mikaela was the one who took the time to explain to me the “why” behind Americans not liking lateness and I will forever be grateful to her for that. We have both seen each grow from young ladies to women amidst so much and I am so happy to have her among my bridesmaids. 

Mikaela

The best man and best friend of James. A friend closer than a brother. Been through a lot with my friend. Thanksgivings, family gatherings, loss of family, everything!

Dave 

James' close friends since high school and even through college. Worked at the same startup company and even started a YouTube channel together.

Joseph

My childhood friend and best friend. I and Gift have been best friends since we were 12. Even today as we are in two different countries we are still making it work. We have been each other’s pillar of support and have helped each other through life. Gift is more than a sister to me, she’s a person that I trust and rely on. I know she has my best interest at heart and she has proven so many times that she wishes me well. She’s selfless and kind and although it pains me that she won’t be here physically on that day, I find comfort in that fact that she will share in my day virtually!

Gift Iyowuna

Younger brother to the Groom and a creative spirit. I basically raised him but now he’s certainly capable of taking care of himself and I’m looking forward to what he’ll become.

Terrius

Wedding Party

Q + A

This hotel is 7 minutes away from the location for the Traditional ceremony and 25 minutes away from the location for the Church ceremony.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chicago South Lansing

This is a second choice for a more budget friendlier option. It is 25mins from the church ceremony and 25mins to the Traditional marriage location as well.

Joy & James

Joy & James

Photos