The 2nd date changed it all

Couple: Kevina Othieno and Stanley Ray O’Bryant Jr

 

Eve Bridal: How did you two meet?

Kevina: We met in Houston, Texas back in 2008. Our first date was at a small restaurant — Chadder’s. After the first date I was so sure that there would never be a second date. But, Stan would not stop calling me. I have to say that he redeemed himself at the second date and going on that second date was the best decision I ever made.

EB: What attracted you to each other?

Kevina: Our attraction was physical at first then it developed into something a lot deeper. Our love for each other is based on our love for the Lord and the love for our children. Stan had a way of making me feel comfortable about being just myself. We are best friends and constantly laugh at the silliest things and find humour where no one else will.

EB: How was the dating experience?

Stan: The dating experience was “interesting” especially since both of us have children. We both chose to wait several months (six months to be exact) before meeting each other’s children. Needless to say, it took a lot of sneaking around to go out on dates, something we still laugh at today.

Kevina: Stan was the gentleman, which made dating a lot of fun.  Our favourite vacation spot is still Las Vegas — we can both share in the famous saying, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.”

EB: How was meeting each of your parents like?

Kevina: I met Stanley’s mother on the Mother’s Day weekend in 2008. All I can remember is that she would not stop smiling and she introduced me to what seemed like the entire congregation at her church. I met his father at his house where together with his mother, we had dinner. Both experiences were great. They had lots of questions, as I was probably the first Kenyan they had personally met.

Stan: I met Kevina’s mother two nights before the wedding when she arrived from Kenya. Although I had met her brother, the dynamics was a little different. We first had to get over the communication barrier, as she could not understand half of what I said. I soon came to realise that she is an amazing woman and it has been a pleasure getting to know her.

EB: What did you like about it?

Kevina: I liked the fact that I had met people who I could call family especially since most of my family still lives in Kenya.

Stan: It is always interesting sharing my experiences with friends and family who want to know?what?it is like to be part of a Kenyan family.

EB: What was the most interesting part of the wedding?

Kevina: I enjoyed shopping for my dress of course! I worked with a local designer based here in Houston who helped me pull my look together.

Stan: I liked the fact that we went for an intimate event of 100 guests and it was more of a celebration reception than a wedding. We purposefully accomplished that by having both the ceremony and the reception at the same venue.

EB: Did he meet your dream proposal?

Kevina: I’m not sure I ever had a ‘dream proposal’ in mind, but I guess you can’t beat a Valentine’s Day proposal! Stan cooked a steak dinner, which was unusual, as we had always gone out to celebrate Valentines. And right after?dinner, he asked me to marry him. I was shocked and for the longest time I just stared at him. ?

Honeymoon plans?

Stan: The honeymoon will be in February 2013, which will mark five years since we met. We have not finalised the destination plans, as we are looking at several islands including Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and Hawaii.