Love beyond borders: how a simple bubble gum led to an intercultural marriage

RACHEL VADI

[email protected]

WHEN Kiara offered Fredrick a bubble gum at work, she had no idea it would spark a conversation that would lead to marriage.

Despite coming from different countries and cultures - Ghana and South Africa - their shared values of family and community brought them together.

The Hammonds' story shows how love can transcend cultural differences, societal opinions, and geographic distances to create a beautiful family.

Their love story began four years ago, Kiara Hammond, 25, of Phoenix, arrived at work early and offered Ghanian born Fredrick Hammond, 34, a bubblegum.

They had been introduced to each other a few days earlier, when Kiara started her internship at the company.

“I remember thinking at the time - who is this guy with this amazing accent is? I just wanted to hear him talk,” she said.

Fredrick said when he was first introduced to Kiara, he was stressed about a work deadline.

He said glanced up at Kiara, politely greeted her and was instantly mesmerised by her beauty.

“Even in all of the work chaos and stress, I just froze when I saw how beautiful she was,” he said.

They couple said days went by and there was no further communication between them.

“Then one morning Kiara offered me a bubblegum. In that moment I was taken aback and felt insulted. I thought, what is going on here? Is my breath smelling?” he asked.

He said Kiara soon put him at ease when she told him that it was in her nature to share whatever she had – like the bubblegum.

The couple said their different heritage and cultures further peaked their interest in each other.

“After the bubblegum moment we did not chat again for a few days until we met coincidentally at canteen for lunch,” the couple said.

It was then that “sparks began to fly between us and we began to chat more and know each other better” they said.

“We exchanged phone numbers on that day and began chatting more. We would chat as soon as we got home, until midnight on video calls,” said Kiara as she fondly recalled the conversations.

“Even though we come from different backgrounds our cultures were the same with regard to family values, our respect for our elders and loving our community. In both cultures there is also a deep sense of togetherness - whether it’s at family gatherings or celebrations or simply being there for each other in everyday.

“At the same time, our differences are so beautiful - from the traditions and languages

to the way we celebrate milestones. Even our food tells its own story. Indian dishes are rich with spices and variety, while Freddy’s cuisine is hearty and grounded in local flavours. Sharing these meals and experiences has been so meaningful and a fun part of blending our worlds,” said Kiara.

They couple said they went on their first date a few weeks later.

Fredrick recalled that was the first time they experienced “other people’s reaction” to us.

“On our first date, we were totally smitten with each other and having a lovely time. But there was a family sitting at a table next to u, and they kept starring and talking about us.

“People have their opinions about us, but we just didn’t pay attention to it. It did not deter us from moving forward with our relationship. At the time, we blocked out the noise and just focused on each other,” said Kiara.

“Most people did not take our relationship serious until we were engaged,” she added.

The couple tied the knot on November 5, 2023, in an intimate Christian ceremony.

“My family from Ghana could not attend our wedding ceremony come because of the visas and costs to travel. I phoned my mum and I told her all about Kiara. When I told my sisters that Kiara was Indian, they were over the moon. In Ghana they watch a lot of Indian series. So, they were just excited about this mixed marriage,” said Fredrick.

“In my family we have mixed race couples, so it wasn’t a big deal,” said Kiara.

“I am just grateful we have people who love and support our relationship,” said Fredrick.

The couple who enjoy a strong social media presence said they often received negative comments online – which they immediately deleted.

“We also get people who DM (direct message) us and ask us how we do it because they are in an interracial relationship and their parents will not accept it. It is a very tight corner to be in but I feel that love always triumphs,” said Fredrick.

He said as a couple they focused on their love for each other and not on the hate and negativity.

“From our family and friends, it’s always been love. Outside we just have to navigate through people’s opinions. Unfortunately, people on the outside are judgemental and make a lot of assumptions about our relationship. We don’t entertain it,” he added.

A year ago, the Hammonds welcomed born son, Kia, to the world.

“This has honestly been the most beautiful journey - full of love, lessons, and little milestones. Watching him grow into his own little personality has been the greatest blessing. The other day he surprised us when he picked his snack container and brought it straight to us so we could open it for him. This moment made us realise how quickly our boy was growing up and how important it is to celebrate the small wins. My baby is turning into a big boy right before our eyes,” said a doting Kiara.

 “The future looks very bright for us. Whenever we decide to go to Ghana I want Kiara to have a taste of my culture. We may even do a little traditional marriage,” said Fredrick.

POST PLUS https://thepost.co.za/