Lola & Rich
Meet the Squad
Megan Washington
Matron of Honor
It's hard to put into words exactly what Megan's friendship has meant to me over the last 16 years. If I could define it in 3 words it would be, "my soul sister". I met Megan @ Howard University during Pre Orientation Summer of '04. Through the roller coaster we call life, Megan has truly been an incredible supporter, sounding board, confidant, & sister. A perfect example is the day I met my soon to be husband Rich. I was out with Megan during St. Patty's day weekend when Richard introduced himself to me. Megan knew I wasn't the most open - and did what she does best... pushed me out of my comfort zone and told me to talk to Rich. For this & countless moments that she has been by my side for, it's only right that this moment is shared with my soul sister by my side as Matron of Honor.
Kenneth Washington
Best Man
Ken is the big bro. I didn't really know him until we became roommates in college (24C... if you know, you know). First impression - he was some guy who wanted to live in the college apartment with Matt and I, but didn't want to put his name on the lease (sketchy I thought...). But, honestly, I couldn't have a more opposite opinion of Ken from that time. He's the most solid dude I know. It's even the small things - like when I quit my job without another one lined up... money was tight, and without me even saying anything if we stepped out - he'd cover my food, drinks, or whatever else that came up while we were out. That's just the type of dude Ken is, and those are things that let you know someone has your back. For that reason, and countless others - I need Ken as my Best Man!
Olanike Laosebikan
Maid of Honor
Olanike Jumoke Laosebikan!! My very first best friend and my sister! This woman practically was my second mother growing up and has always been one of my greatest supporters. One of the many things I love about my sister is her unconditional love for all, and her nurturing personality. From our experiences in Nigeria to Chicago to LA this woman has consistently been such a positive light. I'm continuously inspired by her resiliency despite all the obstacles life has presented. From diapers to training bras, now a fiancée, it's safe to say I couldn't celebrate this moment without my big sister as Maid of Honor by my side.
Matthew Cash
Best Man
You'd be hard-pressed to find someone that knows how to have more fun than my boy Matt. We grew up in the same neighborhood, same high school, and ultimately became college roommates together (24C... If you know, you know). I credit him with getting me away from the baggy clothes of the early 2000's (thank the Lord) and improving my 'game' (that's how I got Lola). For as wild and crazy Matt can be, he's a great friend to anyone that's lucky enough to call him that. If you're ever having a rough day, or need someone to pick you up - Matt is that guy. Life of the party, my brother for life. I had to have him as my Best Man for the wedding!
Jillian Clarke
Maid of Honor
Crazy to think I have experienced more life/time with Jillian than without her. It all started freshmen year of high school with our mutual frustration for the school our parents forced us to attend. Fast forward 20 years later, a few life experiences and now two weddings on the way. She has become more than a bestie and more like my little sister. Her determination and resilience has always been such a burst of inspiration in my life. Not to mention her spontaneity and adaptability make her the life of any social gathering. We have celebrated so many big moments in our lives together that it's impossible to count. This is why out of our book of memories, I could't write this next chapter without my little sister as my Maid of Honor.
Troy Cosey
Groomsman
Troy once invited me to his college for a concert/festival. Said he'd purchase my ticket, and that I could pay him back once I arrived. That Friday night, he tells me he never bought my ticket, and that all tickets were sold out... I call Troy my best/worst friend - but that weekend turned out to be crazy fun (I snuck into the concert). I've had countless visits to the Bay where we seem to always end up with some ridiculous memory to hold on to (i.e. Troy sneaking into a Chicken & Waffle restaurant through the kitchen after they closed, Vijesh using a tree to climb into the apartment complex after we were locked out, only to break a branch and fall to the ground - note* these 2 things happened on the same night!). Of course I need you with me when I walk down the aisle. My brother!
Aneesha Perkins
Bridesmaid
Me and Perkins (as I like to call her) met during our Johnson Publication summer internship. It was literally love at first conversation. From then on we were inseparable and not only had our first three jobs out of college together but had an amazing run as business partners. There are so many memories with this amazing woman that have impacted my life in more ways than one. Her unwavering faith inspired me to rededicate my life to God in 2012 which forever changed my life. We have celebrated so many milestones together and learned countless life lessons . Aneesha has continuously been a light in my life that has only elevated our friendship. My wedding day would not be complete without having this ray of light, my Libra sister by my side.
Nana Acheampong
Groomsman
BLUUUU PHIIIII.... y'all know what it is. This is frat, this is my former roommate, former colleague... still my guy. When we were roommates, I definitely tried to be more like Nana... he went to church regularly, hit the gym often, made food at home. I used Sundays for brunches, laid on the couch and ordered takeout. Nana has a good heart, and is a genuine dude. I'll be joining the married-club with him soon!
Ebony Aryal
Bridesmaid
2007, the start of senior year CapComm at Howard University! This is truly when me and Ebony's relationship began to blossom. Little did I know what a vital part we would play in each others lives over the years. It literally feels like just yesterday we were talking about what life would be like post college. In looking back at my biggest accomplishments to my hardest moments, Ebony has literally been there though thick & thin. She has been one of my biggest cheerleaders but also one of my most effortless relationships. I couldn't imagine the last 13 years of life without her by my side. Her humility, unconditional love, strength & selflessness are some of the the many reasons why she has become family. Ebo let's add one more memory to our countless list with you as my bridesmaid!
Paul Anderson
Groomsman
I didn't have any brothers growing up - but if I did, I'm sure it would've been similar to the relationship I have with Paul. The stories we have from growing up are countless... from filming our own "And-1" mixtape in my mom's driveway, to epic water balloon fights, and Paul just showing up at my mom's house in the morning for breakfast like Hakeem in Moesha. Glad to have my brother walking down the aisle with me!
Makeia Carrier
Bridesmaid
We all have that devoted friend that loves to help people because it's in their blood. That friend who is all about making sure their friends are as happy and fulfilled as can be. That perfect guide for a good time and the biggest cheerleader in the group (next to me :)). That friend would would be Ms. Makeia Carrier. I met Makeia at Howard University in 2004 but it wasn't until our adventures in LA that our friendship truly flourished into the bond we share today! She has been a ray of positivity in my life, no matter the distance. Which is why celebrating this next chapter in my life wouldn't be complete without my kindred spirit as my bridesmaid!
Uche Onwuzurike
Groomsman
The embodiment of Work Hard/Play Hard. Uche is just a stand-up dude... and when its time to step out, we STEP OUT. I feel like there was never a dull moment in LA. We're both from the Midwest - so I also appreciate that he's never afraid of a little 'roasting session.' He's probably the one friend that I still can't pronounce his last name - so why start now? So glad to have him walk down the aisle with me this summer!
Kendra Turner
Bridesmaid
There are no mistakes in why & how people come into your life. I am forever thankful for the timing of my friendship with Kendra. I met Kendra freshmen year at Howard University, Crandall Hall 2nd floor. It was freshman year move in day '04 & as you can imagine I was beyond thrilled to be a Bison. I remember walking across the hall to introduce myself to my new next door neighbors and it was there I met Kendra. From then on we shared so many laughs, turnups & aha moments. Kendra's determination & unwavering love and support for her family & friends is just one of the many reasons why I love her. Our friendship experienced so many firsts from teenagers to adulthood. As I journey into this next phase of life it's only right we add this as another first with you as my bridesmaid.
Will Long
Groomsman
I made a promise a long time ago that you'd be in my wedding - and I intend to make good on that. Met you in little league baseball, when we called you mighty mouse... then you decided to hit a growth spurt in high school and started looking down at me! So many memories from growing up - baseball, track & field, football, bb guns (if you know, you know...). It was you who made me go out to a bar on St. Patty's day in 2013... and I can't thank you enough. That is the day I met Lola, my bride-to-be. Keep steering me in the right direction, and I know you're still looking down at me as I walk down the aisle. Stay rested King. I miss you. #WillLongStrong
Alicia "Chach" Miller
Bridesmaid
My effortless fashionista! Alicia and I met at Howard University in '04 but our friendship didn't truly bloom until my move to LA in 2013. My transition to LA wasn't an easy one, but I can say having supportive, inspiring and all around good people in my life like Alicia, made the transition that much easier. I'm not even sure Alicia knows how impactful her friendship has been to me over the years especially through all the different phases/transitions life has blessed me with. One of the many things I LOVE about Alicia is her pure heart and her loyalty. It's been a crazy journey filled with so much growth and life lessons. As I enter this next phase of life, It wouldn't feel complete without having Alicia as my bridesmaid!