Our Story
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It all started on 8th March 2021 at my little brother François’ birthday dinner in Accra. We were at Potbelly Shack, surrounded by friends, laughter, and… a lot of Stone siblings (Joel's siblings).
I already knew of the Stone family — there are 11 of them, after all. But that night, I finally met more than just the usual three.
MEETING FOR THE FIRST TIME
Correction. She didn’t just meet more of us — she entered the full Stone experience.
And yes, that was the first time we spoke properly. I remember talking… a lot.
In my defense, I’m passionate, I love God, and I love deep conversations.
MEETING FOR THE FIRST TIME
You definitely spoke a lot.
But I remember thinking Joel was serious, business-minded, faith-driven, and someone with big dreams.
Romantic sparks? Not exactly.
Friendship vibes? Yes.
MEETING FOR THE FIRST TIME
Meanwhile… I asked her brother for her number.
She wondered why I was just “messaging her occasionally.”
I was just being intentional about building a friendship - that's just me.
MEETING FOR THE FIRST TIME
Fast forward to July 2023. I had just moved back to the UK.
Marie was celebrating her birthday in Chelsea, my sister was invited, and somehow I ended up sitting right next to Marie again.
Coincidence?
I don’t believe in those.
AN UNEXPECTED GUEST AT MARIE'S BIRTHDAY
Then in May 2024, Marie came to my little sister’s birthday.
I was fasting and praying… asking God about my future wife.
Turns out, she was already in front of me.
WE MEET AGAIN
I didn’t know any of this.
To me, Joel was just a family friend — until August 2024, when I got a WhatsApp message from him asking if he could stay with us in Switzerland during his Europe trip.
I said yes…just to help out a family friend - why not. I'm very much used to opening my home to others.
AN UNEXPECTED GUEST
I arrived in Switzerland expecting to stay with Marie and her brother.
Her brother was in a completely different city.
So it was just me and Marie… for three days.
AN UNEXPECTED GUEST
From my side, it wasn't planned.
AN UNEXPECTED GUEST
It was definitely God's plan.
AN UNEXPECTED GUEST
Those three days changed everything.
Between workdays, shared meals, walks, music, laughter, and conversations, I got to really see Joel — his kindness, his faith, his humor, and his spontaneous nature.
Being around him felt… natural.
AN UNEXPECTED GUEST
Meanwhile, I was catching what they call feelings.
She didn’t even try — just by being herself, Marie showed me what I needed in a wife.
We sang, I played guitar, she sang, and I left Switzerland knowing something had happened.
AN UNEXPECTED GUEST
We stayed in touch after Joel left Switzerland.
Then in December 2024, Joel called to check up on me before I travelled to London. Joel asked if we could meet up. I challenged Joel to meet me at Heathrow airport during a very jampacked London trip.
I didn’t think he’d actually come.
A GROWING FRIENDSHIP
So I went to the wrong terminal… but eventually, we found each other at Costa Coffee and it was one of the rare times I've opened up to someone about my life experience and growing up in Ghana.
I left that day knowing: This is my wife.
A GROWING FRIENDSHIP
I liked him… but I was cautious.
Little did I know that Joel was already planning how to woo me.
A GROWING FRIENDSHIP
Hmmm, I'm sure she didn't just like me - she liked me a lot. Anyway, that same month I went to Ghana and I started planning how to let her know my feelings. We talked on the phone pretty much everyday.
A GROWING FRIENDSHIP
SMH... Meanwhile I was already talking to my close friend Prystina about Joel. Telling her that I thought we would be good together. She encouraged me to share how I felt about him but I was cautious. When I got to India, Joel made sure we spoke everyday even though the signal was poor at times. I liked it, I looked forward to every call and text and it brought me joy. But I was also thinking is this guy really going to talk to me everyday? I thought it might just be a phase.
A GROWING FRIENDSHIP
I decided to let Marie's little brother François know my feelings for her. He was happy and on 1st January 2025, I went to her mum’s house in Ghana with a hamper.
Officially: a gift.
Unofficially: a declaration.
SHARING MATTERS OF THE HEART
I video-called my mum to find out why Joel was at my mum's house with a gift. After speaking to my mum and brother, my mum handed Joel the phone and he said..
SHARING MATTERS OF THE HEART
“I came to give your mum a hamper… and to tell her I’m interested in you.” Then I asked Marie "So, what do you think?"
SHARING MATTERS OF THE HEART
In shock, I said, “I’ll tell you later.” and we ended the call.
SHARING MATTERS OF THE HEART
My heart nearly stopped.
SHARING MATTERS OF THE HEART
A few minutes after hanging up, I messaged him saying "I feel the same way"
SHARING MATTERS OF THE HEART
My heart gained rhythm again. And suddenly, my Mum walked into Marie's mum's house not knowing I would be there. She came to visit Marie's mum and I broke the news to her too.
SHARING MATTERS OF THE HEART
That evening, two mothers celebrated with champagne, and our journey officially began.
SHARING MATTERS OF THE HEART
In February 2025, I surprised Joel on his birthday. I surprised him by showing up at his house on his birthday while he had no idea. With the help of his younger sister Juanita, it was a success. He was incredibly shocked. That was also the first time he ever said....
GROWING IN LOVE
“I love you.” And I meant it.
GROWING IN LOVE
Then came April 28th, 2025 in Ghana.
I thought I was attending one of Joel’s brother’s events.
I almost didn’t make it… nearly got stuck in Kumasi...and then overslept… and had no idea what was waiting for me.
GROWING IN LOVE
I had secretly flown to Ghana, planned everything even rented a private room at a restaurant, and gathered family and friends. I played my guitar as Marie walked in and then proposed to her.
THE PROPOSAL
He was standing there… playing guitar and singing. I was just thinking "there's no way". Even though my crazy imagination caused me to suspect it before when Joel and I's communication was inconsistent (as he was on his way in a plane!)
THE PROPOSAL
So yes I got on one knee and asked Marie if she would marry me.
THE PROPOSAL
And I said YES!
THE PROPOSAL
What started as friendship, became connection.
What became connection, became love.
And what became love… became forever.
All glory to God — the greatest author of our story 🤍
Watch our proposal video below.
THE START OF FOREVER
Enjoy our proposal video
