Funke and Ayo

Posted by Yakuti in Archives | | 1 comment

For our debut article in the Featured Couples section, we spoke to Funke and Ayo, lovely newlyweds from Maryland, who share a little about the joys of their young marriage. Be blessed.

Ayo:

- How has your role as the head of a home changed your life?

I had never been the total head of the home until I got married, so it was new experience for me. Now I’ve learned how to be more responsible because I have to account for more than just actions. I’ve also learned how to be a better communicator. My mom always told me while growing up that communication is extremely important in a marriage, so now I always try to make sure we can keep the lines of communications open.

- You’re Funke’s number one comedian. What value does laughter have in marriage? So far, do you and your wife still laugh as much as you did before you got married?

Laughter is extremely important. If there is any tension between the couple, laughter helps to remove most of it. It also brings me great joy in my heart to know that I can make her laugh, especially when she doesn’t feel like it. As far as our level of laughter after marriage, I have to say it is definitely more. I think it is easier to make someone laugh in person because they can see your body language too.

- At what point did you know Funke was “the one”? (Did you hear a thunderous voice from above, did you fast and pray for 40 days, did she tell you – lol…?)

(Laughs.) Funke and I were friends for a while so it wasn’t something that necessarily thought of at first. After a while when we decided to go beyond friendship, I wanted to make sure she was the one for me so I don’t waste my time. So I decided to pray over my request and hear from God himself. When God told me she was the one, then I proceeded even though I didn’t tell her initially.

- Where can young men go for encouragement and mentorship in issues like marriage?

There are many people out there who can tell you one thing or another about marriage. The best thing I can tell you is make sure they support their advise with the word of God in the Bible. Funke and I both attended pre-marital counseling in her church and my church for about 3 months. It is extremely important to begin you marriage on the right track and on the same page. I’d rather have peace in my family.

Funke:

- What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt since you said “I do?”

I have learned to not always think about myself in any decision that has to be made, I have to think of my husband too.

- Is marriage everything you expected or have there been any huge surprises (give the single ladies a heads-up if they need it)?

Marriage is actually everything I expected and more. I believe counseling really prepared us for what to expect and it has helped us know how to deal with most situations.

To the single ladies, Marriage is beautiful, and communication is very important. It is good to be open with your significant other before marriage and after marriage, and always put God first because marriage is a lot easier if you are married to who God has chosen for you

- What would you say to all the ladies who are at the “don’t need a man to validate me” stage?

I will say you can meet the person that will change your life anytime and anywhere, so please don’t scare him off, and please pray before you start catching feelings so you can really hear from God. (Laughs.)

-What are the benefits of marriage?

Marriage has so many benefits, it can be spiritual, emotional, financial, physical, etc

Like my pastor always says, God answers married couples prayers faster, because if one can move a thousand, two can move ten thousand. Marriage also brings about favor from God. We all know the financial and physical benefits of marriage.

It’s a great feeling knowing someone is always there that you know will have your back no matter what.

Funke and Ayo:

- What’s your take on abstinence before marriage… how does it help/spoil things for a couple?

We believe abstinence really helps because you have something to look forward to on the wedding night (laugh). With the society we have now its always hard for couples to be abstinent before marriage, but with God everything is possible, it’s really by the grace of God.

- Did you undergo premarital counseling? If you did, do you think it helped?

Yes we went through premarital counseling, and it helped a great deal. I believe our marriage is the way it is now because of pre-marital counseling; we were thought how to deal with a lot of situations and how to resolve conflict. I will advise everyone to go through one before saying “I do.”

- Would you advise a couple to have a big wedding or a small one, and does this issue matter? Is there any problem with a couple splurging if they can afford it… or if they can’t..?

We believe it’s good to cut your coat to your size because its not good to take debt into marriage, so please work with your budget.

- What is this “spark” people talk about and how is it kept alive?

(Laugh.) Since we are newly wed we still have all the spark we need. I will say the best way to keep the spark is to avoid routine; it’s good to mix things up, and surprise your wife or husband often.

- How do you balance work, marriage and your faith?

Hmm we are both very busy so we have a day during the week when we have a “date night” we never leave the house or sleep without praying together, we are both very involved at our church so we plan all the activities with our personal schedule.

- If you had just three things to say to any couple about to take their marriage vows, what would they be?

1) Put God first

2) Be completely truthful to your significant other

3) attend marriage counseling

Find Funke and Ayo online: www.funkeandayo.com

Photos: Couple’s own.

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