Wedding Party

Calvin Mends

Best Man

I consider myself lucky for knowing Ray the longest out of everyone! A solid 28 years I’ve known him. Some people might say it’s because he's my brother but I call that jealousy. Ray and I have been through it all, the highs and the lows, the best and the worst, and at the end of the day I know he annoyingly got my back to a fault. I couldn't have asked for a better older brother. I wish my partner in crime all the best and success on this new chapter of his life.

Cherie Glass

Matron of Honor

I first met Nkiruka in 2005 when she was dating my brother and quickly decided that I didn’t like her. I thought she wore fake color contacts and she had my brother completely whipped (I was wrong about the contacts). It wasn’t until she came to live with us during holiday breaks from school that I *actually*, and begrudgingly, got to know her and eventually grew to love her. She won me over with her exuberant, challenging, frank and brilliant personality. She became one of my biggest champions, a close confidant, a debate opponent (she usually wins, but I hold my own), a travel companion, and my best friend. I am fortunate for her friendship and could not be more excited to be a part of this special day. P.S. Please walk down the aisle to All of the Lights.

Eddie Mends

Groomsman

My brother Ray has made a huge influence in my life with his ambitious, mindset and positive attitude. He has always been there for me. He's helped me stay positive about getting through college and graduating. We both got injured playing college football and the way he overcame that adversity, gave me a different kind of fire and passion to overcome a similar adversity. He inspired me to even start playing American football when I was younger because soccer just wasn't cutting it. Because of him I had more success playing football. Ray has accomplished many great things in his young life with his positive mindset which has rubbed of on me and I wouldn't want it any other way. I'm very proud to call him my brother and a mentor.

Ijeoma Ogbuchiekwe

Bridesmaid

In 1987, my parents made an executive decision— without including me and my feelings—to have another child. I guess they were hoping to enhance my sharing skills, as if one sister wasn’t enough. So at the sassy age of 3, I left the bourbon and bayou to meet her in Arizona. The adventures of being the oldest sister included: her pointing her finger a half inch away from my face while saying “I’m not touching you”; wearing her food/drinks on road trips because she missed her mouth; and convincing my mother to buy HER a pet rabbit on MY birthday. But I got her back by continuing to plait her hair when she clearly outgrew the style. I am beyond grateful to have such a beautiful, bold, and smart sister. It is my honor to stand beside her as she enters this new journey. Love you baby tea!

Randy Brefo

Groomsman

I met Ray through his mother. I rented out their basement which I was told used to be Ray's room. He was in college at that time so he was rarely home. We first met when he came home early in 2008 and we have been friends since. We have a lot of crazy memories together, but the one I will never forget was my 26th birthday. To cut the story short, let's just say Ray drank himself stupid lol. I’m very exited for Ray because we both grew from young boys to now men and he found an amazing woman. Congratulations bro!

Allecyn Gay

Bridesmaid

Nkiruka and I met in Baton Rouge, Louisiana during our time as Corps Members with Teach for America. We both taught Special Education and wanted to make sure kids had options. I knew she’d be a friend for life when we took 40 teenagers to DC in 2009. Her ability to show up for me and others is unparalleled. Through relationships, jobs, and overall life changes, Nkiruka has always been there for me. She kicks no nonsense advice and always has supportive solutions for tough times. We have never let distance, space, nor time keep us from maintaining our friendship. I have very few friends who became such in my adult life. I’m blessed she is one of them.

Corbin Barnes

Groomsman

One of the first memories that I have of Ray was in the summer of 2003. Ray had just joined the football team at Park View High School. The very first time I saw Ray, we were heading out to practice and Coach Pierce was giving him an earful. He was not wearing his team uniform, instead he came to practice in a t-shirt and jean shorts. Over the years of playing football with Ray, we became close friends and obviously still are. Ray was a year older than me and went to play football at Shepherd University. He was one of the main reasons why I decided to play football at Shepherd University when I graduated. We became roommates and the rest is history. I am happy to welcome Ray’s better half, Nkiruka, into our circle of friends. And I look forward to and wish them many years of happiness.

Camille Bowens

Bridesmaid

Nkiruka and I met in New Orleans back in 2011. As extroverts we bonded instantly. We remained in touch as she relocated back to the DC area and distance wasn’t an object. She is currently one of my longest standing friends. She has always been there for me despite any of our differences of opinion. The reason I rock with her to this day is due to her special brand of unapologetic honesty and her unwavering loyalty, 2 things the world doesn’t have enough of. Her dedication to loving me as I am and repeatedly showing me my value to her has been paramount to my own personal growth both as a woman and an individual. I can be myself around her and these types of connections are so very rare! She is the truest definition of a friend and I cannot wait to see her become Mrs. Mends!

David Abedrabo

Groomsman

Justin and I were in Mrs. Lee's freshmen English class when Ray first started school here in the states. Justin wasn't exaggerating when he said Mrs. Lee made him read To Kill A Mocking Bird every single class, but without complaining Ray did it (as visibly annoyed as he was and even though we could barely understand him). Ray and I have been good friends for a long time and experienced a lot together. One unforgettable memory was during our senior year after football practice. Ray's 83' Nissan (Hell, might have been a Datsun) broke down in the middle of the road and we ended up pushing it uphill. Seeing the hard work and strides he's made along the way has been amazing to witness so far. Needless to say, Ray has come a long way in life and I couldn't be happier for him and Nkiruka.

Cassaundra Allison

Bridesmaid

I met Nkiruka in 4th grade when she first moved to AZ. Full of attitude and a lack of southern charm, she had it out for me. Maybe it was my math skills that challenged hers, my sweet demeanor or the birth mark on my back (there’s a story, I’ll share later) but something rubbed her the wrong way and she wasn’t having it. So as any young girl would do, she chose to keep her enemy close and a friendship 21 years strong formed. I got the opportunity to meet Ray in 2015 on a work trip and I remember thinking this guy was a saint. Nkiruka picked at him the whole time and he didn’t cower or fight; he collaborated, chose his battles wisely and looked at her like she held the world. I knew then, this guy had a chance to change that long last name. I can’t wait to be a part of this celebration!

Chris Fowler

Groomsman

Money doesn't buy friendships but oddly enough money started this friendship. I remember seeing Ray around high school but really didn't know him. I was introduced to Ray at a Varsity basketball game through our mutual friend CJ. During halftime of the game, tradition is everyone would go to the concession stands for food and snacks. While we were at the concession stands, I was hungry and broke and my future close friend Ray lent me 5 bucks. That day on we started a friendship and brotherhood that couldn't be broken. That $5 right there has paid for itself time and time again. And yes I paid him back.... I think???

Deven Comen

Bridesmaid

I have followed in Nkiruka's footsteps, quite literally. We first met on a social justice community bus tour of D.C. when I was a freshman and she was a senior at Georgetown. Little did I know how her wise counsel would guide me through major decision points, such as the decision to defer my Deloitte offer to enter Teach for America--and the decision to try out Deloitte after teaching. Nkiruka helped me through the transition to consulting, a move that challenged me, a fervent social justice warrior joining what I had previously considered the "evil" private sector. The way she served her federal clients and believed in their missions inspired me to see Deloitte in a new light--and I started to really love my job. I LOVE HER.

Rick Congo

Groomsman

I remember when I was a sophomore at Shepherd and I vaguely knew Ray through Corbin. I ran into them on campus one day and Ray invited me to come hang out with them at their townhouse. At the time I was staying on campus in the dorms. I fell asleep on their couch that night and ended up staying there for 3 days straight. I only left to grab some clothes from my dorm. Ray saw that I brought clothes and asked me a simple question, "Rick, I don't mind you staying here, but do you go to class?" Even back then he always had my best interest in mind. A few weeks later I moved in and he's been like a brother to me ever since. I'm extremely proud of what Ray has become. I'm happy that he has found an incredible person to spend his life with. Congratulations Ray and Nkiruka!

Fanny Spencer

Bridesmaid

Justin Nelson

Groomsman

I remember meeting Ray freshman year in high school, English class. Our teacher used to make him read ALL THE TIME, knowing he could barely speak English lol. I'm so glad Ray decided to run track senior year, I believe he and I got a lot closer over the course of the season, and for that I'm incredibly grateful. Congratulations to my bro and his lovely wife-to-be!!

Florence Acosta

Bridesmaid

Nkiruka also known as "Lana" to me. We met way back in the sixth grade at the good ole Orangedale Elementary School. These were the 112 & Backstreet Boys years when we thought Genuine was so fine! We were childhood besties and I can still remember us watching music videos on repeat in her old apartment while her mom used to make us Dirty Rice and Gumbo while her sisters Kaye & Ije would let us partake on their wild adventures. I introduced her to her very first boyfriend, Cherie’s brother; and in 2015 back when I got married to my husband, I vividly remember hinting to her to give Ray Ray a chance. Cheers to Mr & Mrs Mends2be!

Mac Oul

Groomsman

I've known Ray since high school. We became friends due to our love of playing football and rocking bootcut jeans. Fast forward to today, football is boring and everything is tapered fit. I wouldn't have guessed that we'd practically be neighbors today getting runs in, debating on hot topics, and frying the heck out of people, but wouldn't have it another way. I'm so pumped for you and Nkiruka and can't wait to celebrate!

Lauren Lawson

Bridesmaid

Nkiruka and I met our sophomore year of high school and shared good times in student government. Our friendship sparked when we learned both our families were from the South. I’ve always admired her loyalty to her family and friends, ambition, and down -to- earth personality.Though we have lived a distance from each other we have always stayed connected. Nkiruka embodies a warm and loving spirit and has always been a true friend of integrity. She has always been supportive, and for that, I am so grateful. I am proud of you and love you! Congratulations! I wish all the best for you and Ray on your new journey.