Bethany Caldwell
Brian Okombo
Bethany Caldwell
Brian Okombo
July 3, 2026
Our Engagement Story: A Parisian Fairytale
On New Year’s Eve 2024, Brian called Bethany with an exciting invitation: a wedding in Paris! He told her their flights and hotel were already booked—they simply had to show up. The wedding was for a friend (Newton Ndege) he said, and Bethany, swept up in the magic of a Parisian celebration, eagerly began planning. With the help of her mom and closest friends, she searched for the perfect outfit for what she believed would be a beautiful and romantic weekend abroad. Once in Paris, the two spent their days exploring the city’s iconic sights—taking in the beauty of the Eiffel Tower, wandering through the Louvre, and standing beneath the grandeur of the Arc de Triomphe. They strolled hand in hand through cobblestone streets and tucked into cozy cafés, savoring every moment of the dreamy trip. When “wedding day” arrived, Bethany and Brian headed to what she believed was the venue: a quiet building in the 8th Arrondissement. A woman greeted them and led them upstairs—Bethany assumed she was the wedding planner. But when they stepped onto the rooftop, everything changed. There, against the backdrop of the Paris skyline at sunset, was a stunning display: a heart-shaped arrangement of white flowers, candles and rose petals lining the aisle, and the words “Will you marry me?” written in elegant script beneath a floral arch. As “All of Me” by John Legend played softly in the background, Bethany turned to see Brian smiling—this was the real event. With the sun casting a golden glow over the City of Love, Brian got down on one knee and asked the question Bethany had been waiting for. Overcome with emotion, tears in her eyes, she said YES. A proposal to the woman he loves, in the month of love, in the city of love, from the man she loves—proof that they are truly #Meant2B.
RSVP
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Schedule
Friday, July 3, 2026
Ceremony
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
26 Paris Ave, Rockleigh, NJ 07647
Formal attire requested. Gowns, cocktail dresses, tuxedos, or suits are welcome.
While we love your little ones, our wedding day is planned as a 16+ celebration. Attendance is limited to those named on the invitation. Please RSVP by Monday, June 1, 2026.
Cocktail Hour
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
26 Paris Ave, Rockleigh, NJ 07647
Formal attire requested. Gowns, cocktail dresses, tuxedos, or suits are welcome.
Reception
7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
26 Paris Ave, Rockleigh, NJ 07647
Formal attire requested. Gowns, cocktail dresses, tuxedos, or suits are welcome.
While we love your little ones, our wedding day is planned as a 16+ celebration. Attendance is limited to those named on the invitation. Dinner selections will be made table side during the reception. Please RSVP by Monday, June 1, 2026.
Travel
Hotel
Marriott Park Ridge
Use the link provided on our website or the discount codes noted for discounted rooms - the last day to book under the block is June 1, 2026. To speak with a live agent, feel free to call the number provided. Thank you for celebrating with us!
Discount Code - OCWOCWA (king bed) / OCWOCWB (two-queen beds)
Flight
EWR / LGA
NYC has multiple airports, but LaGuardia (LGA) and Newark International (EWR) are both about 30 - 40 minutes from our venue and selected hotel block.
Wedding Party
Trenicia Lewis
Matron of Honor
Trenicia is Bethany’s first cousin, but she’s always been more like a big sister. From family road trips, to being the one who introduced Bethany to the best music, books, movies, and pretty much everything else growing up, Trenicia’s been shaping Bethany’s world since day one. She gives the best advice, keeps Bethany grounded, and always knows how to make her laugh. She’s always been right by Bethany’s side, and her wedding day will be no different!
Monet Davis
Maid of Honor
Monet is Bethany’s godsister, just two years older than her, and truly like the sister she always needed. Even though they lived less than five minutes apart in childhood, they still cried anytime they weren’t allowed to have a sleepover - that’s how much time they spent together. From their childhood living room concerts to Monet making Bethany snacks after school and teaching her everything she knew, Monet has always been the coolest big sister. When it comes time for the wedding, you’ll definitely find her owning the dance floor!
Kail James
Bridesmaid
Kail and Bethany met at Hampton through their business school program, and she’s been her girl ever since. She’s the life of the party and always down for any adventure, no matter how wild it gets. They share the same sense of humor—no matter where they are, they’re always finding each other across the room just to laugh at the same thing. She keeps Bethany laughing, motivated, and focused on the future all at once, which is exactly why she’s the ultimate supportive bestie.
Alexandria Reid
Bridesmaid
Bethany met Alexandria at Hampton, and they clicked right away. They’ve stuck together through so many phases of life, from late-night adventures to celebrating big wins, and now they’re both living much of the reality they dreamed about back in college. She has the sweetest soul, a giving heart, and she somehow manages to achieve every goal she sets for herself—all while still being down to party. Beyond all the fun, Alexandria has always been Bethany’s sister in Christ, and she’s so grateful to have her by her side.
Kayla Owens
Bridesmaid
Kayla and Bethany met in high school, and from the start she was the kind of friend who made everything easier and brought so much joy into Bethany’s life. They had endless movie dates and shared lots of laughs, and even as they went to different colleges and life got busy, they always found time to stay connected. Kayla has the kind of loyalty that makes you feel truly seen, especially during the times Bethany’s needed it most. Kayla has always been a dear friend Bethany can count on.
Mitchel Otieno
Bridesmaid
Mitchel, the groom’s sister, is a sweet and smart soul who’s always ready with a smile. She has amazing taste in music and is full of love for her friends and family, and Bethany is grateful that she’s shared that love with her so freely. With birthdays just days apart and the same “eldest sister” energy, they connected right away. Kind, thoughtful, and endlessly fun, Bethany is so excited to have Mitchel by her side on this special day.
Newton Ndege
Best Man
Newton and Brian go way back to their Triple S High School days in Kenya, and since then, he’s been stuck with Brian as a lifelong friend. He now lives in Australia, but despite the distance, they never miss their weekend banter—mostly Brian reminding Newton that Arsenal is still trophy-less. Honestly, Brian chose Newton as his best man because Brian knew he’d already mastered the art of standing by someone through thick and thin… thanks to Arsenal.
Bovin Odhiambo
Groomsman
Most of you know him as Bovin, but to Brian he’s Jalum—and he’s been Brian’s brother ever since their days at Binghamton University. They’ve bonded over so much: their undying love for Manchester United (which means they’ve also shared a lot of collective suffering), endless debates over Musa Juma and Lingala music, late nights fueled by ajawa, and of course, hyping each other up about their career goals.
Edward Oluoch (Junior)
Groomsman
Junior has been Brian’s long-term friend, and together they once took the bold risk of starting over from scratch. Today, Brian can proudly say they achieved everything they planned—but let’s be honest, it’s mostly because Junior always knows the shortcut. This man doesn’t just know the “how,” he knows the “who and who”—which basically means if you ever need something done, he’ll have three uncles, two cousins, and one mysterious connection ready in five minutes. Brian is so proud of his progress and grateful for his support.
Nganga Kuria
Groomsman
Man Kush wuod Okuyu is a character all on his own. He has no filter whatsoever, which means if you’re sitting too close to him at the reception, just prepare yourself emotionally. Nganga is the life of the party, and truly, you will never catch him in bad spirits—mostly because he always brings his own spirits. He’s the adventurous one: golf, vacations, and if there’s ever a boys’ trip happening, you can bet Nganga was the mastermind. The only problem is, when Nganga plans the trip, just make sure your bank account and your excuses for work are all ready—because he does not play around.
Jonathan Caldwell
Groomsman
Jonathan is the bride’s brother (ora). Every time you see him, he’s talking about his next big move. He’s got a love for cars and good action movies, which basically means he can always be trusted as the getaway driver. One thing about Jonathan, he’s really good at connecting with people and making everyone feel like a friend. That’s why he’s the perfect groomsman, because whether you need a listening ear, a pep talk, or someone to share a laugh with, he’s your guy.
Joseph Kiyingi
Groomsman
Joey is a great friend of Brian’s, though he prefers to call him Mansour. Now, poor guy gets all the roast about Uganda—and honestly, he takes it like a champ. One thing Brian would never do, though, is trust him as the DJ of the party. But that’s just Joey—always adventurous, always on the move, and somehow convincing everyone to tag along on his next wild idea. He’s the kind of friend who makes life louder, funnier, and just a little more unpredictable.
Gallery
Registry
FAQs
Question
Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?
Answer
The ceremony is outdoors, weather permitting, followed by an indoor cocktail hour and reception.
Question
What do I need to know about the venue?
Answer
Our venue ensures comfort and convenience for all guests. The venue is handicap accessible and offers complimentary valet parking.
Question
What is the attire?
Answer
The dress code is formal attire - please avoid jeans and sneakers.
Question
Am I allowed to bring a plus one?
Answer
We are excited to celebrate this day with our closest loved ones. We are only able to accommodate guests named on formal invitations. If you have a plus one, you will know!
Question
Are children allowed at the wedding?
Answer
Although we love all the little ones in our lives, our big day is for those aged 16+.
Question
Where should I stay for the weekend?
Answer
We have reserved a room block at the Marriott Park Ridge - refer to the "Travel" section of the site for a direct link to the reserved room block. You are also welcome to choose another hotel or nearby AirBNB outside of the room block!
Question
What if I don't RSVP on time?
Answer
RSVP information will be provided in the formal invitation. If you don't RSVP by Monday, June 1, 2026, you will be marked as a "Regretful Decline". We will miss celebrating with you, but we have to provide an exact guest count and cannot accept late RSVPs.
Question
Are you registered?
Answer
Please refer to our registry linked on this site for details. Thank you for your contributions to help us start this next chapter—whether it’s traveling on our honeymoon, saving for our first home, or supporting one of the other gifts on our registry!