Wedding Party
Florence Adeosun
Bride
I'm so blessed to have all these beautiful people apart of our bridal party! You all have been apart of my and Joey's life for decades and we don't take it for granted. Having all of you alongside us as we celebrate our union and community is so wonderful. Thank you for filling our life tapestry with all the threads of your love. Look what God has done for us. I'm truly thankful for every single one of you! Here's to several more decades of friendship and community!
Kahlena Drakes
Maid of Honor
I have known Florence for over 14 years, more than half my life. Meeting in the 6th grade, I saw her as my companion in arms, with her being the only other girl my height. A couple of tallies navigating this new minefield they call middle school. That was only just the beginning. A friendship that endures shifting life paths is hard to come by, but I have one with Florence. As a quiet, keep-to-themselves person, I didn't know how I'd react upon meeting Joey, but from the get-go, his focus and love for Florence showed through. I knew I had to know more about this person because he was going nowhere, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Florence and Joey are blessed to have found a true partner in each other, and from the bottom of my heart, I wish them lifetimes of happiness.
Simisola Adeosun
Bridesmaid
From fighting over all the clothes I "borrowed" from you, ranting about the newest controversial topic, and screaming our favorite songs at the top of our lungs to being a shoulder I can lean on and take pride in. Growing up with my sister Florence was an experience I would never give up and always cherish. For as long as I can remember, I looked up to her and wanted to be just as intelligent as her. Watching her fall in love and start this new chapter has been a beautiful thing to witness. I can see the smile Joey has put on her face, and I am grateful that he was able to. Joey has been an amazing brother who has become integral to our family. I hope you both always lead with your heart and have the magical day you deserve.
Juliette Macron
Bridesmaid
I have been friends with Florence since we were two brace-faced twelve-year-olds in class 701. Despite going to different high schools and colleges and now living in different states, our friendship, built on a mutual love of music, travel, and a general lust for life, has kept us close together. Fun fact: We once spent a solid 14 days together traveling from the snowy Adirondacks to the sunny beaches of Puerto Rico and didn’t even get into an argument about dinner plans!
Ahlyah Williams
Bridesmaid
Florence is among the kindest, smartest, most amazing people I've ever met! We met in church, and from there, we kind of grew up together. I remember when a few of us first met Joey. We had a plan to grill him. We had to make sure he was a good match for our sis! As soon as we saw how he interacted with Florence, even from a distance, we knew they were a match made in heaven. It turns out we didn't even have to grill him; we all got along right away. I'm grateful to be a part of their special day, and I can't wait to continue seeing their relationship thrive in the future!! Congratulations to the happy couple!!
Jetiea Williams
Bridesmaid
I'm Jetiea. I am a friend, a questioner, a lover of good food. It was over ten years ago in the aisles of Kmart that I met Florence. We both reached for the life-sized cut out of Justin Beiber. . . I'm kidding. Truthfully, we met because our parents had been friends. Through the many dinners and celebrations, I came to know a kindred spirit: someone who was honest, intelligent, and not shy about sharing opinions. I'm so glad to have met Florence and am overjoyed to see her marrying her equal, partner, and companion, Joey. I am honored to be a part of their special day.
Ben Weideman
Best Man
Joey is a blessing and also my brother. As kids, we’d play make-believe in the woods behind our house, brandishing sticks as swords. Joey was fierce in his imagination, formidable in his playfulness. As we’ve grown, what shines through this passion is Joey’s gentleness and care. My little brother has taught me much in the way he directs these qualities into loving Florence. Having Florence in our family has been another blessing. It is a joy and honor to celebrate how their love has warmed us all.
Sam Reid
Groomsman
Being Joey's younger cousin, I've had the privilege of knowing him for my entire life. However, I was still a bit nervous when I first heard he wanted me to be a part of the wedding party, but I couldn't be more excited. I remember when I first saw him and Florence together at Christmas, I couldn't help but notice that Joey seemed happier than I had ever seen him before. I think it's beautiful that the two of them managed to find each other in such a big world, and I am incredibly honored to be a part of the wedding. Congratulations to both of them!
Ben Smith
Groomsman
"I've been lucky to call Joey one of my best friends from elementary school on. Conveniently, our houses were a perfect biking distance apart. Anyone who knows Joey can take a guess at the effect he had on my developing argumentation skills. He deeply prepared me for my career debating Kindergarteners. My first opportunity to meet Florence I left most impressed at her tenacity and how powerfully she could match (and truthfully extend) Joeys thoughts and ideas. This is something I've never been able to do! I am extremely happy to support Florence and Joey and am joyed to add such a special new friend into my life."
Rasmus Schlutter
Groomsperson
Joey has been my dear friend for many years. From the shade of trees to basements and rooftops we have argued and explored such inspiring topics as who owns the fruit growing from trees planted in public spaces and how to challenge those in power. We have been neighbors twice. In the saga of our second neighboring stint, Florence became my dear friend as well. Florence and I have enjoyed many sophisticated discussions and subtle roasts. Few understand my fashion sense as Florence does. I am thrilled to have been witness to such a thriving love and partnership. To share in this moment of light and brightness gives me many bubbling smiles, which I am excited to share and burst into greater laughter with Florence, Joey, and friends in these long and joyful years to come.
Dr. Sherri Adeosun
Mother of the Bride
Dr. Sunday Adeosun
Father of the Bride
Eleanor Dilkes
Mother of the Groom
Mary Weideman
Late Mother of the Groom
Joey Weideman
Groom
I feel incredibly blessed to have my closest friends and family joining our wedding party. I wouldn't trade the years growing up with my grooms-people for the world. Thank you for celebrating this momentous occasion with me. Thank you as well to Florence's bridal party for all the support and love you provide to my favorite person. You have all always welcomed me into your circle with open arms, and I am thankful to call you my friends.
Noora Abuissa
Groomsperson
I was an anxious child growing up, and going to a playdate with Joey was one of my first tastes of independence. I was nervous to be in an unfamiliar place without my parents, but the excitement of making him my friend was enough to draw me from the comfort of home. As I grew up, the Weideman's would continue to enrich my life as I returned, time and time again, to their welcoming family. I fondly remember exploring the hidden magic of our backyards, blending nature and fantasy into grand adventures with persistent lore. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how wonderful it was to reunite as roommates with Joey as the world closed its doors during the pandemic. Thinking back to 2020, I don't remember illness and isolation, but rather blessed evenings spent talking, playing chess, listening to records, and binging shows. It pains me slightly to see him so grown up, but I know that he is in good hands with Florence. They’re similar in the ways that count, and different in ways that compliment each other. Together, they're building their best life, and I’m grateful to be a part of it through this beautiful transition.