Wedding Party

Akeem Shadare

Best Man

TJ and I have been friends since we were little kids back in the motherland. As we’ve grown up and faced life’s challenges along the way, our friendship has evolved into a brotherhood. I remember trying to dress like him, talk like him, and even dance like him when we were teenagers. I never really could nail the dancing part though. He’s someone I’ve always looked up to and one of the most supportive and encouraging people I know; always willing to lend a helping hand in any way possible. I’ve known Queen for quite some time now and the joy she brings to his life is undeniable. I wish you both good fortune and lots of blessings on your journey together as one.

Ashley Abamu

Maid of Honor

I met Queen when I was fifteen in marching band color guard. She eventually quit color guard and joined the drill team but God kept us close. I would go over to her house to braid her hair, and Queen has a thick head of hair, so we would end up spending hours together just talking. She has always been one of those people I could tell my secrets to and share my thoughts with. I can be my complete self around her and she has been nothing but genuine towards me. Tj is also genuine, kind, and very patient person. These are qualities I see as a perfect fit for Queenie. I so happy he was patient enough to find his Queen and I cannot wait to cry these tears of joy come October 6, 2019.

Samuel Falabi

Groomsman

I have known TJ from when we were kids. We lost touch for a long time and reconnected in 2016. It has been a brotherly relationship from that point on. I admire Tj’s passion, hard work and commitment to people and things he cares about. He likes to stand out from the crowd and not conform to norms...lol. I met Queen about the time I reconnected with TJ and I can attest to their genuine love and commitment towards each other. They’re each other’s best friend and they walk through life phases together. I’m excited to be part of their big day. I wish them both all the happiness and fulfillment they desire in their marriage.

Mar'shae Broadnax

Maid of Honor

I first met Queen about 15 years ago when we were in the 5th grade. As an immature kid, I thought she was kidding when she told me her name. Then I found out her brother’s name was King and I thought, wow, this girl is cool! From then on, Queen has been a constant in my life: playing tennis, passing notes b/w classes in our notebook (every note had to be decorated to Queen’s standards or she wouldn’t write back), band in middle and high school, student council, Highsteppers; we’ve been by each other’s side supporting each other along the way. I’ve watched Queen grow into a strong, beautiful woman and am so happy for her! We have years of memories and laughter and I am excited to stand by her side on her special day! I pray God blesses T.J. and Queen with a lifetime of love and happiness!!

Youssouph Djiba

Groomsman

It’s been many years since TJ and I became friends. Our friendship started at UT where we were dance coordinators for ASA. We naturally spent a lot of time together at the genesis of our friendship, and as fate would have it, we ended up spending more time together as we ventured into our careers. And on that end, he’d probably tell you that I was there every step of the way as we worked our way to becoming software developers. I’m extremely happy to have had him beside me as I was going through the same transition he was. He’s been a constant friend of mine since we met, the energy never wavers. I’m really happy for him and Queen as they prepare to get married. Funny enough, I was there the moment their relationship started! So, I like to think of myself as their good luck charm.

Funmilayo Dawson

Matron of Honor

I've known Tj my whole life. He's honestly the best brother I could have asked for. We definitely had our fights as siblings, but the love and support he's shown me all these years have been worth it. I remember him talking to me about Queen before they started dating. Tj's a very passionate person, so you can imagine that conversation. And of course, now they’re getting married! Queen is already my sister in my mind. She fits in perfectly with the rest of us: sassy, smart, and beautiful. I look forward to the many new memories we’ll get to make together. I love you both so much!

James Oyeniyi

Groomsman

I’ve known TJ since the beginning of college. Although we shared the same last name, there was no clear relation as far as we knew. That never stopped him from treating/bullying me like a little brother. Now that I’m much bigger and stronger than him he would never dare. Haha😏. On a serious note, I’ve admired that TJ has been someone that always had strong beliefs and was willing to defend them. He’s challenged me to think for myself even though at the time I may have found it annoying. Truly someone who cares for his friends and wants to see them win. I also met Queen in college. Although we didn’t know each other well, I could tell they both worked well together and over the years I have seen that love blossom. I wish both Queen and TJ a happy married life full of joy and prosperity.

Falis Yusuf

Bridesmaid

It all started Summer 2010 at the University of Texas at Austin during Freshman Year Orientation. Queen and I were both standing off to the side waiting for the next girl to be our Jester roommate assignment. Little did we know we'd be roommates for the next 4 years, and best friends for a lifetime. That first semester I grew to learn Queen's bubbly personality, curiosity for growth, and free-spirit, and knew it was a match destined to happen. Over the past 10 years, it's been amazing to see Queen’s growth in all aspects life, including her relationship with TJ! Our sisterhood has withstood distance, time, and life lessons! I'm SO happy to be apart of Queen and TJ’s special day. Looking forward to the celebrations their marriage will bring. Here's to a lifetime of love!

Brandon Tanksley

Groomsman

I met TJ at a birthday dinner where the only person I knew was the bday girl, and she had many guests to entertain. TJ and I ended up sitting next to each other (probably because we were both late) and you would've thought we had known each other our whole lives. I appreciate the perspective he has on life and how he has challenged my perspective. After meeting Queen, she is literally perfect for him, they have been an example of true love and I'm glad to share this journey with them.

Nicole Akpunku

Bridesmaid

Let’s see....I met Queen in the 5th grade where we went from being strangers, to riding the bus together every morning, to finding out our parents were good friends and then fast forward time and BOOM we both decided to live together while at the University of Texas at Austin. During our time at UT, Queen and I slowly transitioned from friends to sisters. We’ve lived together, cried together, seen each other at our highs and lows and the list continues. I remember having conversations amongst ourselves about who would get married first and Queen never thought it’d be her...then came along Tj. Tj is one of the best things that has ever happened to Queen and I’m so excited to witness the great things God has in store for you two!

Raymond Tambe

Groomsman

When I met TJ freshman year of college, the first thing that struck me was that he was more stubborn than me and liked to argue even more than I did. (Just for context, I ended up becoming a lawyer). Over the course of several years, the second thing that struck me is that TJ is fiercely loyal to the people in his life and expects the same from them. In Queen, TJ has found someone strong-willed enough to counteract his stubbornness and inability to just stop talking and someone who is fiercely loyal to him and to their relationship. They truly are an amazing match and I pray they will have the most amazing marriage! I love TJ like a brother and I can't wait to stand by his side on that special day!

Alexandria Traylor

Bridesmaid

Honestly, I will never be able to tell you a story about how I met Queen. I just always remember having her in my life. This is because we were raised as sister friends in the same church in her hometown of Dallas. We lost touch during my high school years, but, thankfully, we re-connected while I was in college. Queen has a natural inclination to support people in ways they didn't even know they needed. Queen has gone out of her way to show up for me time and time again, despite being miles away. For this, I am grateful. I am so blessed to be able to call her my friend and push partner. I am even more happy that #TJFoundHisQueen.

Gabriel Sheffield

Groomsman

I met TJ in college and I’m not sure if he liked me very much. It was cool because eventually we would become the best of friends. I met Queen when she was a freshmen at UT and I thought she was really quiet. I soon learned that I was mistaken. I’ve watched their relationship blossom into something really beautiful. I knew it was real when he wanted to kick me out the car ride from Arizona so he could see Queen in Austin. Having to drop me off in Dallas would’ve made it very difficult to see his future bride lol I love both of y’all and I can’t wait to see where your love for one another takes you!

Gbemi Maiyegun

Bridesmaid

I met Queen during her freshman year of college at the Black Student Lock-In. When I found out that she was going to be my mentee, I was very excited because she was the only person in my group that i truly felt a connection with! We instantly hit it off and grew closer over the years, and I’m so happy to see her with the love of her life. Queen has such a wonderful heart and I am so excited to share this exciting day with her! Wishing the both of you a happy marriage, and I can wait to celebrate!

Rudi Ngnepi

Groomsman

For a good few years, I kept hearing about this guy called TJ while attending startup and social events, but he always felt like a myth because we went a few years without connecting. Then the magical moment happened when we crossed paths at a non-profit event. We really deepened our friendship when I attended his July 4th gathering in 2017. The dude is smart, intelligent, cares about his sisters and more importantly, he is REAL. I then met Queen shortly thereafter and it was easy to see why TJ was so crazy about her. It's rare to see two people that love each other and truly want to make each other better while maintaining key relationships. I am looking forward to seeing how their love continues to grow and how they will both positively change their environments.

Asha Shirwa

Bridesmaid

When I met Queen, we were in Houston training for our Teach For America service in Dallas. From TFA, to grad school, to our fitness journey, my years in Dallas were some of the best with Queen as a roommate. We experienced countless trips, game nights, fitness studio explorations, and meal prepping Sundays. I am so thankful for our friendship and the years we spent growing together. It’s truly been beautiful to watch her and TJ’s love for each other grow throughout the years and exemplify two young people that truly love each other and are best friends. Anyone who spends time with Queen and TJ can attest to their bond and love for each other. I look forward to their beautiful wedding ceremony and the lifetime of milestones they will accomplish together.

Ibrahim Kamara

Groomsman

I’ve known TJ for 2yrs, as long as I've lived in TX, so being a fixture in this union is a gesture I don’t take lightly. I came to Austin from Philly, leaving just about all I knew, and TJ was one of the first people I met. We naturally bonded over our West African roots, but what truly solidified the friendship was a shared intention to do great things and to make the most out of life. Though I often have to question whether the man has a serious bone in his body, it's obvious TJ is an incredibly caring and thoughtful individual—a surprise considering how laidback he is. TJ has been a mainstay from the beginning for me, unknowingly ensuring my seamless transition to Austin. Forever grateful for you, my dude; look forward to kicking it with you and your family for many years to come.

Doyin Oyeniyi

Bridesmaid

As my older brother, Tj has been a part of my life from day one. With just a year and some months between us, we were a dynamic duo back when we were kids, running around getting into trouble (and sometimes fighting, if we're being honest). As our relationship has changed over the years, we've grown not just as siblings, but as friends, advisors, and confidants. Which is why I remember vividly the first time Tj sat me down to tell me about how he was in love with a girl named Queen and how he planned to woo her. That was back in college and since then, I've enjoyed watching their love blossom as they've laughed, danced, and grown together. I look forward to watching the two of them continue to build a life together. Here's to the new dynamic duo!

Vivek Patel

Groomsman

I met TJ in the fall of 2017 while working together as programmers. Between his friendly character, passion for work, and overall good nature; it didn’t take long for us to become good friends. Together we powered through long days, scheming and dreaming of better days and bigger ambitions to come. We also snuck in games of ping pong when we could! Most work relationships end soon after people leave, but the effort TJ has made to continue our friendship is truly heartwarming and I consider myself incredibly lucky to call him my friend. I've only had the pleasure of meeting Queen a couple of times, but the happiness and love I sensed between the two was something genuine. Knowing the amount of effort TJ puts towards his passions, Queen is in good hands! Wish the beautiful couple the best!

Helen Oyeniyi

Bridesmaid

My name is Helen Oyeniyi, sometimes known as Ife, and I am TJ's best friend and youngest sister. Although I don't exactly remember my first encounter with Queen, it feels like I have known her forever, and I'm glad that she is not only a sister, but also a friend. The summer of 2017 was one of the bests, and part of it was because of all the memories and laughter us three shared at Burnet Flats. Its been great seeing the love you guys have for each other grow tremendously these past couple of years, and I can't wait to see what God provides for y'all in the future. I love you two so much, and I'm so excited for the big day!

Iheanyi Ekechukwu

Groomsman

I became friends with TJ back in 2015, after being introduced to him through a mutual friend. Back when we both lived in Austin, I helped TJ with teaching programming to black and latino people in the Austin community through the organization that he founded, ROOTs Technology. Even though I moved to New York City in 2016, TJ and I stayed in touch and would still hang out whenever I visited Austin. I wish TJ and Queen nothing but the best for your future together, your relationship is a great example of what love and happiness look like.

Ebun Ogunjobi

Bridesmaid

I don't recall when my African sister Queen and I first met, but best believe I am thankful for this here friendship. I am glad our friendship started when it did and God has allowed us to get closer over the years. Although we saw one another every day during drill team, college did not stop our continuous love and support over the years. It makes me happy to know TJ wholeheartedly has you and vice versa. I admire the way you two take care of each other and love on one another. I will always be in your corner, sister. I am honored and so excited to be a part of this huge milestone in both of your lives. Can't wait to link up like our old prom days hehe. Cheers to a lifetime of love, peace, and happiness :)

King Ekejija

Groomsman

It’s so crazy how time flies isn’t it? It seems like just yesterday my sister,Queen, and her husband, TJ, were dating in college. Throughout the years, I have had the honor to interact with TJ on a personal level and I can honestly say that he is a one of a kind individual!I am thankful for his presence in my life, and I am glad to be able to call him a friend. In life people search far and wide for their soulmates and I am happy that my beloved sister and him were able to cross paths . I am also proud of how dedicated they are into helping each other grow together. I truly believe that they were destined for each other and I wish only greatness for them. I can’t wait to see how much greatness the future holds.

Jennifer Nwaneri

Bridesmaid

I first met Queen through TJ during our undergrad days at UT Austin. From the first time I met her, I could instantly tell that she was special. Queen has a radiant fun-loving personality that lights up any room she walks into. Intelligent, confident, and poised, she truly does carry herself like a queen. I am beyond grateful to know such an amazing soul and to be a part of their wedding is something that I will always cherish! I wish them both a blessed marriage and a lifetime of happiness!

Akinyele Oyeniyi

Father of the Groom

Frank Ekejija

Father of the Bride

Olawumi Oyeniyi

Mother of the Groom

Cheryl Ford Ekejija

Mother of the Bride

Della Ekejija (Late)

Mother of the Bride