Come Away With Me! Ozo & Uzo’s Romantic Trevi Fountain Proposal & Pre-Wedding Shoot

Posted on Friday, May 16th, 2014 at 9:50 AM

Ozo and Uzo are so beautiful!

Their uber romantic proposal happened on New Years Eve – December 31 2013 in Rome, at the Trevi Fountain. The groom-to-be had a perfectly laid out plan that took them from the US to Nigeria then Italy.

Come away with them in their pre-wedding shoot and cute proposal video.

Photos captured by Raheem of RH Photo Arts.

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Bride-to-be: Ozo
Groom-to-be: Uzo

The Proposal
from the groom, Uzo
I was now in possession of the ring my baby wanted. The next step was to plan the proposal and most importantly to keep all the details from her. I consulted the commission (comprised of Momsy, Oby, Ogo, Ral and their respective husbands) and my advisers (Molokwe and KingJaffy) then the plan was set in motion.

Originally, I thought about proposing in London or Paris but all of that seemed a bit too cliche. We had both spoken about wanting to visit Rome and it didn’t take long afterwards for the decision to form. I did my research and found the two most desired locations to propose: the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. I used the most reliable of trusted databases in order to make a final decision…YouTube. I watched videos of proposals at both locations and the one at the Spanish Steps was pretty uneventful so I decided on the Trevi Fountain. I reached out to her brothers and sister (Eze, Uzo and Ezi) to get their blessing, having already asked and received her parents’ months ago. With everything coming together, the trick was to keep this elaborate plan from her.

The plan involved going to Nigeria and stopping in Rome on our way back to the US. Anyone that has been to Nigeria can imagine the risks attached in taking something as valuable as a diamond ring through airport security. Our trip started at Dulles Airport, I had the ring in my carry-on bag and all I could think about was getting through security in Paris, Lagos and finally Enugu. It didn’t take long to get my first scare, at our first stop none the less. She went in my book bag to get the padlocks while I stood there trying to hold my composure. Luckily, she didn’t access the compartment holding the diamond. First security stop cleared, first bullet dodged. When we got to Paris, we were informed that our plane couldn’t land at the time scheduled due to flight issues, so we were rerouted somewhere South of France. Obviously we missed our connecting flight and even though there are probably worse places to be stuck, I’m scrambling, reaching in my play book for ways to hide this ring from her. We ended up passing the night there and taking a new flight the next morning. To this day the excuse given still doesn’t make sense. Neither the pilot nor the airline has provided a reasonable explanation. So we made it to Nigeria, had a wonderful time and got through our stay without her noticing. It was smooth sailing all the way to Rome and our first couple of days were ideal. We visited the Borgia living quarters, the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, the Colosseum and stuffed ourselves with pasta, wine and gelato. Rome is a great place visit!

D DAY!!! It’s New Year’s Eve. We’re on our way to dinner and she’s in Japanese tourist mode; every minute there’s a camera in my face. As I try my best to look interested, I’m simultaneously trying to guard this ring with my life and also trying to ensure I have the heart to get through this without going into cardiac arrest. I know I want to make this woman my wife but being in the midst of executing a brief moment that will result into a lifetime decision is a scary and sobering thought for anyone. Every time doubt creeps in, I remember every great quality she possesses and I’m right back on track; focused! We finally get to the restaurant, her excitement is bubbling over. She’s joking with me and being her goofy girlie self. In true Uzo fashion I’m busy on my phone. In true Ozo fashion, she’s showing her frustration by ignoring me lol. We have a great dinner and engage in small talk with our server. We ask the best place to go for fireworks. Sure the server is unaware of my plans but this guy has the nerve to suggest somewhere other than my intended destination. I want to knack the guy for head, the yeye man was trying to “throw sand in my garri”. I mean couldn’t this guy read my mind, lol! Of course Ozo is sold on the server’s suggestion, but when we get into the cab, I tell the driver – “take us to Trevi Fountain”.

We arrive, quietly walking the edge of the fountain, holding hands, admiring our surroundings. My heart is beating as fast as ever, a comfortable familiar feeling. I have only felt this rush on my motorcycle. We make our way to the bottom of the fountain, and just as the clock hits 11:58 pm, we both make a wish and throw coins in the water. Then I say, “babe, you know I love you right?” I forget my entire speech, but it doesn’t matter. All I see is my baby’s teary eyes as I drop down to one knee and say “will you marry me?”.

SHE SAID YES!