Ann & Kinglsey

Wedding Party

Meet our family and friends walking down the aisle with us.

Destiny

Maid of Honor

To the newest gorgeous bride in town, my mother, I would like to start by saying that God has finally granted you what you have been longing for. This is not shocking to see given all the hard work you have accomplished in your entire life and the goals you have set. Since the day I was born, you have had the spirit of never giving up and fighting for your needs. Any space you enter is filled with your strong, wholesome soul, and with the possession of this superpower, your marriage will have this great gift & light to carry on into it. I would encourage the happiest new groom in town to be patient with my light and to continue making his soon-to-be wife the happiest bride imaginable. Enjoy this journey since it will be full of change, and cherish my mother because she is a delicate flower that should only continue to grow. You both are creating a Union together. I wish you both nothing but the best and fortune, and we’ll see you on #AnnTakesOnKing. I love you muchly, Des (Your Favorite Daughter)

Antonette

Bridesmaid

Today, as I reflect upon the journey that began in Langley Park, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of pride. Ann Ihaza, my cousin turned sister, has become an embodiment of strength, intelligence, beauty, faith, and a lively spirit. Her remarkable qualities continue to inspire me, and I am grateful for the bond we share. Our meeting in the fourth grade was more than a chance encounter; it was the catalyst for a lifelong connection. Through Ann, I have witnessed the transformative power of resilience, the radiance of a compassionate heart, the strength that comes from faith, and the joy found in embracing life with unwavering spirit. I am honored to call Ann Ihaza not just my cousin, but my sister, and I am immensely proud of the remarkable woman she has become.

Helen

Maid of Honor

Freshman seminar at Bowie State University in 2003 was when I first met Ann. For us, it was love at first sight, a sisterly bond that has only grown stronger over the years. From our youthful days of mischief and shared secrets, through countless late-night conversations and laughter-filled adventures, to now embracing womanhood and motherhood, Ann has been an integral part of my life. Our friendship has endured the test of time, creating memories that will forever be etched in our hearts. Ann's infectious laughter has the power to brighten any room, and her vibrant spirit uplifts everyone around her. She possesses the incredible talent of bringing people together and cultivating an atmosphere of love and joy. Ann, I am immensely grateful for your unwavering friendship. You are the best friend anyone could ever ask for. As you embark on this new chapter of your life, marrying Kingsley, I wish you all the wonderful things that heaven has to offer. May your marriage be filled with happiness, prosperity, and everlasting love. I pray that your journey is adorned with precious moments of laughter, cherished memories, and a lifelong bond that continues to strengthen with each passing day. Here's to you, Ann, and the beautiful future that lies ahead. May you always be surrounded by love, laughter, and the warm embrace of true friendship. Cheers!

Rhoda

Bridesmaid

I met Ann on my first day as a freshman in college. Our initial encounter was full of laughter and we have been laughing ever since! Our daily meetings at the library between classes was time to study and gist. It became a common meeting place for us & our friends. One day Ann and her dad saw me on my way to school, and offered me a ride. I accepted, and quickly saw where she got her humorous & jubilant personality from. All three of us laughed all the way to school. Thereafter, Ann's dad routinely picked me & Ann up from school & dropped us off daily. I spent so much of my freshman year with Ann & her lovely family, that we basically became family. Ann, her family & me and mine have been there for each other during the most challenging times of our lives, as well as the most joyful times of our lives. No matter what, we always had each other's back. Beyond a friend, she is a sister. I love Ann, like she loves "steak & potatoes", like she would say. I am so excited to witness this chapter in Ann's life, as she becomes a wife and builds her home, founded on the Lord.

Yehwroe

Bridesmaid

My connection with Ann traces back to our high school days, thanks to her cousin Antonette, who happened to be one of my closest friends at the time. Antonette frequently mentioned Ann in our conversations, and it seems she did the same with my name to Ann. It was as if we already knew each other well, despite not having met in person. Then, fate intervened during my freshman year at UMBC. While leisurely exploring the campus one evening with friends, I unexpectedly crossed paths with Ann, who had recently transferred from Bowie State University. Eager to find a sense of community, Ann asked the pivotal question, "Where are all the Black students?" In response, I promptly invited her to a kickback happening in a dorm where many Black students resided. From that moment on, we became inseparable, attending parties and social events together, and our friendship flourished from casual acquaintanceship to an essential support system. Ann possesses a heart full of love, a caring spirit, an unwavering determination, and a purposeful mindset. Her ability to set goals and relentlessly pursue them inspires me deeply. Whenever I face daunting tasks or obstacles, I channel her incredible willpower. It is with great honor and joy that I stand by Ann's side as she embarks on this new and exhilarating chapter of her life. Supporting her is both a privilege and a testament to the strength of our enduring friendship.

Wuleta

Bridesmaid

I’ve known Ann since 2004 when we met at a graduation party. We reconnected again in 2005 when we had a class together at UMBC. Very quickly she became one of my best friends and continues to be today. Spending time with Ann is always a joy because all we do is laugh. She is by far one of the funniest people I know (without even trying), she had the kindest heart, and her determination and go-getter attitude towards life continues to inspire me. Looking back at our over 18 years of sisterhood all I can do is thank God for putting such an amazing person in my life. I am honored to be part of Ann and Kingsley’s special day and wish them nothing but a lifetime of happiness.

Charlotte

Bridesmaid

I am so honored to share this special moment with my sister friend, Ann oooh. Ann and I met through my childhood best friend Yehwroe during college. My guess is that it was during some type of gathering that involved music and food. The two things that Ann and I love dearly. While I can’t remember the exact date when Ann and I met, it was only a matter of time that we became close. Not to mentioned, how can I not love a fellow scorpio! Throughout our sisterhood, Ann and I have experienced so blessings along with a few trials and tribulations. And the few things that have remained consistent with Ann is her support, love, resilience, assertiveness, humor, and dance skills. I love you dearly and wishing you all the best with to it future matrimony. You deserve it! Fun fact: I love dancing and Ann swears that shea butter will help sore knees:-)

Evelyn

Bridesmaid

My Anna Banana, there is so much I can say. Ann is one of my favorite people, my best friend, my confidant. I randomly met her at my cousin’s birthday dinner. I was like wow who is this fine babe with these big mischievous eyes lol. She was energetic, fun loving and sweet with a pinch of spice. Long story short that was 14 years ago, we have been in each others lives since. Through the years Ann is one person in my life that is loyal, dependable and has my back. So proud of the woman that you have become Ann.

Naz

Bridesmaid

Ann is one of my closest friends, and one of the first friends I made at UMBC in 2008. We have been friends for 15 years. Throughout these years, our friendship has not waived but has gotten stronger. We have traveled, gone to concerts, shared birthdays and laughs, as well as tears. She is authentic, genuine, and so fun to be around. I am very proud of who she has become, and am excited to witness what this new chapter in her life has in store for her. I love you Ann!

Fatima

Bridesmaid

Ann and I met while working together at National Rehabilitation Hospital in 2013. She had a light that shined bright, with very strong beliefs to match! She will argue you down and stand firm on the things she believes. There’s never a dull moment with her! Ann and I connected on our love for 90’s R&B music; and you can count on Ann to randomly start sing a song that reminds her of the things you say. We also connected on our love for food (though mine surpassed hers) and fashion! However, there are many other things than music, food and fashion that allowed our friendship to grow. Ann and I bonded on culture and growing up in African households; and our desires to build amazing lives with happy endings. I’m so excited to see her happy ending unfold!

Sydonie

Bridesmaid

I met Ann on our first day of college. We instantly became friends after realizing our commonalities which included our love for old school RnB, being of african decents etc. Not only did we share the same major but we also had simlar aspirations to transfer far away from home. We also shared the same belief that our parents were over controlling given our quest for freedom similar to every young adult. We both managed to convince our parents to transfer to another college that seemed far but not too far for them to iniate a pick up every Friday by 6pm for the weekend. As you can imagine, we shared a lot of secrets including coming up with good reasons to avoid those friday pick ups. Im pretty sure we now share the same apppreciation for some of our parents views back then now that we are parents. We have never intentionally missed a major milestone in each others lives since then. Kingsley has been supportive during stormy days and even helps others see Ann through his lens. When u see Ann's smile thats enough to tell you how pure her heart is as she is constantly laughing and smiling. I believe they have the right tools to withstand the rain, sun and snowy weathers to come but i know those smiles n laughter will help brighten some days. Cannot wait to continue to celebrate every milestone of their journey together. May God bless your union and give you good health to enjoy the little things.