By Alltimepost.com –
It wasn’t something that was planned, but out of what could be termed an act of divine providence, a casual meeting at a local hang-out spot in Boston sowed the seed that would later germinate into a marriage between Stephanie Boyd and Dr. Chukwudi Ifezue.
Like play, they began the long and rough journey six years ago when the couple first met as students from different schools in the same neighborhood.
While Chukwudi was attending Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, now known as MCPHS University, Stephanie was reading nursing at The University of Massachusetts in Boston.
During their period of courtship, they both graduated in their respective fields, with Chukwudi becoming a pharmacist and Stephanie, a nurse.
‘We met at a local hang out spot in Boston while we were at school. (I attended Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, now known as MCPHS University, and she attended UMass Boston),”
Chukwudi told Alltimepost.com at their recent wedding reception at Peabody Marriott which attracted dignitaries from various works of life.
The marriage which was solemnized by Father Walter Connelly on Saturday July 5, 2014 at The Saint John’s Episcopal Church in Winthrop, Massachusetts bears great significance and symbolism.
It was a marriage of two cultures and traditions, with both of them from different racial backgrounds, and most importantly the couple are expecting a baby with an inheritance of multicultural legacy.
While Chuks, as he is fondly called by friends is an American of Nigerian descent with his ancestral home traceable to Anambra State of Nigeria, Stephanie, also is an American with French connections, phenomenon, analysts would describe as just another step towards ensuring racial harmony amongst people around the world.
Chukwudi’s parents are Mr./Mrs. Chris and Rose Ifezue, while Stephanie’s parents are Mr./Mrs. Viviane Boyd and Ed Spencer.
When asked his advice for those looking to get married, but haven’t found the right one, Chuks had this to say: “Hard to tell, but when the right person comes along, you will know. Don’t rush it either. It is important to be friends first, build solid foundation- plant strong roots, and let the rest take its course and grow.”
And hear him on what influenced their decisions to marry outside their racial or ethnic circle:
“We both didn’t decide to marry outside our race. It wasn’t something we aimed to do. It really just…happened. Character was the most important factor, our personalities just clicked.
Once actual marriage does happen, that is just the beginning. Like Father Connelly mentioned in the church ceremony, marriage takes WORK! It is not always going to be rainbows and happy-go-lucky every minute. Both parties must continue to put in work for a successful life-long marriage. And we are excited to begin this journey together.”
Father Connelly was not the only one who offered advice to the couple to stay the course no matter the challenges posed by their new life’s venture.
Chukwudi’s uncle-in-law who chaired the reception, Sir Willy Okwereku was equally blunt in his word of advice. Said he: “Great marriage does not just happen, you have to work hard to make it great. It is about tolerance and sticking together when the chips are down. Those are the test of marriage. It is not about finding fault, but it is about working together”
Chief Okwerekwu commended the couple for their sense of responsibility, direction and maturity, saying: “The couple are young, but great minds who have been together for six years. I have no doubt that Chukwudi and Stephanie possess all the qualities that would make a marriage successful”
Alltimepost.com com asked Chukwudi his advice for parents who abhors inter-racial or inter-ethnic marriages. And he had this to say:
“While we understand the importance of culture and maintaining its lineage, we also believe God put man and woman on this earth for a reason; irrespective of the color of one’s skin or ethnic backgrounds: to procreate and multiply. Even though we come from different backgrounds, it is still extremely important to never forget where we came from. I will never forget my Nigerian roots, and she will never forget her French/American roots. Our children and children’s children will be taught to embrace BOTH cultures. That’s part of the beauty of inter-ethnic coupling.”
Chukwudi did not stop there. He has great complimentary words for his wife:
“My wife, Stephanie: She is the most caring, loving, open-minded person I have ever met. And might I add STRONG! She’s been through a lot, including dealing with acceptance from my family during the early times of our relationship. Perseverance, consistency, and hard work are wonderful characteristics she embodies, putting us where we are as a couple today.”
