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We're looking forward to celebrating our special day with you. We kindly request that all guests wear black attire to honor the theme of our celebration.

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When two hearts become one!

Freedom Raheem Alexander

and

Kim Rochelle Benford

Freedom Raheem Alexander

and

Kim Rochelle Benford

November 29, 2025

Laurel, MD
135 days135 d5 hours5 h30 minutes30 min38 seconds38 s

Our Story: A Love That Came Full Circle

Freedom Raheem (aka Mandy) and I grew up in the same neighborhood, during a time when community felt more like family. I was four years younger, so we didn’t cross paths too often back then—but the seeds of our connection were already planted. Years later, when I was 20, fate intervened. We ran into each other at a pool party and instantly recognized one another. That moment sparked something special. We reminisced about old times, the neighborhood, and the people we both knew. What started as a walk down memory lane blossomed into a genuine friendship. In 1986 (yes, that’s not a typo), I was navigating a painful breakup and facing a difficult time in my life. Raheem, without hesitation or expectation, stepped in and supported me and my son when we needed it most. Our friendship naturally evolved into a relationship that lasted one solid year. At the end of that year, we made the mature and mutual decision to remain lifelong friends instead of partners. (That’s the clean version!) Life moved on. We both got married, pursued our own paths, and experienced all the highs and lows that come with living fully. But as life would have it, those relationships eventually ended, and somehow, we found our way back to each other again. As I recently learned, the term for this is “spinning the block”—when life takes you full circle and leads you back to the person you were meant to be with all along. So here we are: older, wiser, and filled with gratitude for a second chance at something real. Back together again—and this time, ready to live our happily ever after.

Schedule

Saturday, November 29, 2025

Ceremony

4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Laurel
15101 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel, MD 20707

Dress Code - What to Wear

We’re having an all-black affair! Please join us in wearing all black to help create a stunning and cohesive look for our special day. Think formal, elegant, and timeless – your favorite black dress, suit, jumpsuit, or evening wear.

Reception

6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Laurel
15101 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel, MD 20707

Dress Code - What to Wear

All Black Everything – Chic, Sleek, and Elegant

A Message to Our Guests

We are so excited to celebrate this special day with the people we love most. To help us create a beautiful and cohesive atmosphere, we kindly ask that all guests wear formal black attire—think elegant and timeless. Please note that our wedding will be an adults-only celebration. We hope this gives everyone a night to relax and enjoy! As we begin our new journey together, your presence is truly the best gift we could ask for. If you wish to honor us with something more, we kindly prefer monetary gifts in lieu of traditional wedding presents. Thank you for your love, support, and understanding. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Registry

We'll post our registry here when we're finished building it. Thank you in advance!

Wedding Party

Cheron Hunt Garrison

Matron of Honor

Bride's Bestfriend

Stacey Deneen Johnson

Bridesmaid

Bride's sister

Samantha Johnson

Bridesmaid

Bride's first cousin

Elijah Raheem Powell

Groomsman

Groom's son

Lester Taylor

Groomsman

Groom's best friend

Anthony Graham

Best Man

Groom's best friend

Brooklyn Rayne Johnson

Flower Girl

Bride's granddaughter

Raheem Powell

Ring Bearer

Groom's grandson

Bernice Johnson

Mother of the Bride

DeAngelo Johnson, Sr.

Man of Honor

Bride's son

Shonta Williams

Officiant

Regina Pinkney

Officiant

Groom's sister

Hotel Block for Guests

We've made it convenient for those who would like to book their stay at a discounted rate at the Doubletree by Hilton Laurel, Md -- the host hotel for our wedding. Use the information below to book your room today: Group Code: KBW Booking Link: https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=BWILMDT&groupCode=CDTKBW&arrivaldate=2025-11-28&departuredate=2025-11-30&cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT

RSVP

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