I didn’t want to marry an ugly woman — Von Apochi

Nollywood actor and Gulder Ultimate Search 1 contestant, Von Apochi, is married to Noella, a business development manager. They share the story behind their successful union

How did you meet your wife?

Von: We met about four years ago when I started consulting for a multinational financial organisation. I met her during one of the trainings we underwent together, because she worked there as well. My spirit told me that she would be my wife the first day I saw her, and that was the first thing I told her.

Why were you convinced that she would become your wife?

Von: She is a beautiful woman, but that was not the reason why I was initially drawn to her. Apart from her physical appearance, I fell in love with her personality. The conviction was so strong that I could not explain it. I had to tell her because I could not keep it to myself. Then, she did not know I was a celebrity and did not recognise me, even though she had seen a couple of my works.

How did the relationship develop?

Von: The training lasted for about two weeks and we met every day. I engaged her in conversations. Over time, she began to like my personality and after the training, we were posted to the same unit. We got closer and she finally accepted to be my girlfriend.

What attracted you to him?

Noella: I was drawn to him because he is very intelligent.

Why did you initially refuse to be his girlfriend?

Noella: I did not believe him when he said he wanted to marry me. I thought he was fake. I wanted to be alone but he was persistent.

How did you later tell that he was genuine?

Noella: I guess his persistence convinced me. He kept telling everyone that I was his wife.

How did he propose?

Noella: He proposed to me at his birthday party. It was sort of a surprise because I did not expect it. He stood up to give the vote of thanks at the end of the party and eventually popped the question.

How did you feel at that moment?

Noella: I did not expect it when it came. I was a bit shy because there were too many people there and they told me to smile. I thought he would propose in a quiet atmosphere.

What challenges did you face during the early years of your marriage?

Noella: Every marriage has its own challenge and it takes a physically and mentally strong personality to face it. If you marry your friend, I do not think there will be any challenge you cannot overcome.

Did any of your family members ever oppose your decision to get married?

Noella: We did not have any issues like that. Both families were supportive.

Why didn’t you marry an entertainer?

Von: I was not particular about the kind of woman I wanted to marry. I just wanted to marry a good wife. I have my excesses and without sounding cocky, I am also smart and intelligent. I needed a woman that would learn very fast, complement my energy and still remain calm. I prayed about it when I met her. Also, I did not want to marry an ugly woman because I did not want my kids to turn out ugly. It sounded vain, but I was also concerned about the spiritual aspect as well. But my wife is conversant with the entertainment world, even though she works in the corporate sector. She runs her own blog as well.

Were you scared of losing her after you were involved in an accident?

Von: I was not scared at all. I still retain my swag, with or without the accident. I knew I married a good woman and she was quite supportive. My mother was supportive as well. After the accident, she came to the hospital and almost broke into tears but she was strong and kept praying. She looked at my face, hands, and even opened my boxer shorts to see if my manhood was intact. I never expected her to leave me during my ordeal.

He said you checked all parts of his body to see if they were still intact…

Noella: I did that because I had never seen a fire accident victim all my life. I kept asking him how he felt in the process. I am sure he was joking when he said I tried to check if everything was intact.

Some women would have left after the accident, why did you not consider it?

Noella: If you took your vows before God, you are expected to keep them. I did not think about leaving and it never crossed my mind. All I wanted was for my husband to be fine and I was there for him to ensure he was never depressed. It was simply a trying period for us.

Were you not concerned that his looks could be marred for life?

Noella: Looks are only physical attributes. They only complement his personality, which matters most. I did not get married to him because of his looks.

How did you pull through the trying period?

Noella: I live a low profile life apart from what I do and most people do not know I am his wife. Only people that knew us called all the time to find out what happened and the calls became unbearable at some point. Apart from that, there were no snide remarks and I never felt embarrassed.

What are some of the things that get your partner upset?

Von: I could be quite unpredictable when it comes to things that get me angry. My wife is meek and would not intentionally get me angry. Whenever she notices my countenance has changed, she retreats unlike some women who would want to stand their ground. It was the way she was brought up and her parents did a good job. She understands the role of a man and woman, even when I want to be domineering as a man.

Noella: One thing I like about my husband is that he is always very apologetic. We talk if we have any issues. Your partner should be your best friend. He understands that there are things I do not like and he does not intentionally do them. I love the fact that I have a husband who can apologise. He is polite and patient.

Are you sometimes scared that ladies would distract him?

Noella: I always accompany him to most of the events he attends and sometimes I let him be. I know who I am married to; he is focused and is bound to have fans. I do not have to come between him and his fans. I am not jealous of his fans.

How do you spend time as a couple?

Noella: Sometimes, we see a movie or hang with my friends. We like to travel as well.

How must celebrities manage their home?

Von: Celebrities must understand that they lead a double life. They should respect their family and create time for them. They should drop the celebrity toga when the get home and involve their spouse in what they do. It creates fun. They should always stand their ground and be firm when things go wrong. I am not a promiscuous person and I think men should be disciplined as well. They should also marry people they are compatible with.

What advice do you have for celebrity spouses?

Noella: They should be prayerful always because celebrities face a lot of temptations in the industry.

What pet names do you call each other?

Noella: We call each other Sucre.