Ikenna & KayOnda's Wedding Website

Hiiii, my name is Kassi. I have quite literally known KayOnda my whole life as she was there when I took my first breath. I’ve already been given the pleasure of watching her soar above and beyond through her many different phases in this life time and I am beyond excited to be by her side during this phase! Without her soaring first, I would’ve been stuck in the nest a long time ago. However, she paved the path for me and pushed anybody and anything that might’ve opposed me out of the way, so that I could soar too. Knowing how much she has loved, cared, and provided for our family, I can’t help but to thank God for bringing her and Ike together to create a family of their own (what a lucky family!). There couldn’t be a more perfect person for my sister, as I’ve seen their Longhorn Love Story grow and develop from the beginning. Not growing up with any brothers has made getting to know Ike and his all the more joyful. Your love for each other has kept love alive for so many others, even if you don’t realize it. I pray that this union continues to grow and allows God to use it in ways beyond your imaginations. I know you both will be an unstoppable force and always find peace in each other in this chaotic world! Love you, and can’t wait to see you at the alter!

Kelechi Akpunku

Maid of Honor

It all started in August 2011 during summer orientation at the University of Texas. I had the absolute pleasure of meeting my now best friend, KayOnda Bayo. Towards the end of the event, we engaged in brief conversation in during which, I was asked if I would be her mentor. I somehow weaseled my way out of responding because I didn’t feel as though I was well equipped to be a mentor at that time. However, as time progressed, our paths continued to align and before we knew it, we were taking classes together, participating in the same organizations, and overall spending more time together than either of us had anticipated. Fast forward to the moment her and Ike first started dating..I remember witnessing how Ike was in awe of KayK's beautiful yet strong aura and Kayk being attracted not just to Ike alone but to his determined demeanor. I recall picking them up so they could go on dates and being in awe of the connection the two of them had. We all spent so much time together that Ike and I began to call each other best friends too! On that note, KayOnda and Ikenna, you two are a match made in heaven and it has been an absolute pleasure to witness your love story unfold. Thank you both for allowing me to be apart of y'all's journey. I'm riding for y'all until the wheels fall off! Now, let's get married!!!

Titilope Gbangbalasa

Not sure where to begin with this one. KayOnda to me is one of those unexpected blessings that you just thank God for. Not sure why He chose Kay and I to do life together, but I am blessed and grateful to be here. 2015 pharmacy school kids running into each other… the plot to becoming Doctors began. Little did we know we would see the world together, fall and rise together, bring family and friends together, scheme and succeed together, grow in our faith together and experience parts of life our parents dreamed for us. KayK has consistently been a sister that is thoughtful and supportive, so I'm happy for this opportunity to serve her. There have been so many climactic moments of our journey and this Union with Ike is definitely one of them. I’ve been blessed to see KayK and Ike through their growing pains and glorious days, so this part of their love story is special to me. To see you both honor marriage the GODLY way is remarkable. The Lord is definitely at the center of this everlasting Union. My yorubaddie! Thank you for choosing me to stand beside you as your bridesmaid. I know you know I will be standing beside y’all through marriage also. Love you from the bottom of the Moses Mabhida to the top.  Philippians 1:6- For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. 

Stephanie Ashiofu

I was destined to meet KayK at UT as everyone said there was someone on campus that looked just like me. (chocolate, nice smile, polo hat with 24 inch hair lol) When we finally met I was honored to be called her twin and the more I got to know her, the more I learned how beautiful she is on the inside as well! It's been a pleasure witnessing her journey and the role Ike has played in it. I'm certain this match has come from Christ and I'm excited to see what their future holds. I cannot wait until your big day KayK and am thrilled that you want me there by your side! <3 #EverlastingEmesih

Chloe Love

I met KayK in high school when she joined the dance team. Although we got off to a rocky start we grew to like each other and eventually love each other. She came to visit UT when I was a freshman and she was in 12th grade. She mentioned it was cold on their charter bus so I let her borrow my favorite [and only] blanket for the way back, as much as I didn’t want to. If only I realized that was the first of many sacrifices that I would make for her as her “big sister” (she did get my blanky back to me!). I have thoroughly enjoyed her as a friend and sister; I wouldn’t trade our adventures and “get rich quick” schemes for anything! I am very grateful to have had her along the most important years of our lives so far and that we’ve been integral to each other’s growth. 16 year old us would be amazed at 30 year old us. Marriage is ministry and I can’t wait to see you two glorify God in this way!

Taryn Haskett

Hello Everyone! I met KayOnda my eighth grade year at W.E. Greener Middle School. We both were in the dance auxiliary. She was a year under me. Therefore, she became my little sister. Our bond grew closer once KayOnda became a Longhorn at The University it Texas at Austin. KayOnda was one of my bridesmaids in my wedding as well. She is a loving and supportive Auntie to my children. I am forever grateful how she supports and love me. I am so happy that KayOnda and Ike are taking the next step into a lifetime commitment that will stand the test of time. I am blessed to be doing life with KayOnda and be a bridesmaid who will support her along this wedding journey. I love you Ike and KayOnda! I am so excited to see how your marriage will blossom and evolve over the years to come. I will always be here to support and pray for the strength of you all’s marriage.

Kristeen Onyirioha

Hi I'm Kristeen and I am excited to celebrate Kayk and Ike on this amazing journey. I've been around since the inception of this relationship, and honored to be apart of these new beginnings. Kayk is always a call away during moments when I need 5 hours of her time to vent and vise versa. Now that she's a married woman I'm going to have to respect myself and only demand 3 hours during our debriefing sessions. Here's to celebrating the soon to be Mr. and Mrs. Emesih. 

Chelsea Sumner

Dr. Chelsea Sumner, King Kay's no limit soldier, reporting and ready for duty! I never would have guessed when Jessie introduced us 5 years ago that you'd become my professional better half. I was just upset that I had to share my mentor during my short time on rotation. Turns out it was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. I found my mid-year buddy, my proofread this email before I send it, my impromptu travel friend, my VSFam, my prayer warrior, and my final roommate before you officially become Mrs. Dr. Emesih. You and Ike are so blessed to be each other's better halves and I'm honored to see you to #EverlastingEmesih. In a very short time, you became my sister KayKay, and I'll go to war for you every time. In the meantime you'll find me somewhere reading a book, traveling, or writing my plans to takeover the world as the youngest black woman pharma CEO. ✌

Fallon Clark

All it took was a quick Instagram message “I hear you’re moving to the DMV!” To reunite these former highschool dance teammates. Who would’ve imagined the two would go from the high school 50 yard line to doing life together as adults in the DMV for four years ! Though life has put a bit of physical distance between the two, they’ve remained close! Fallon wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in the world but standing beside her friend on such a momentous day.

Christopher Emesih

Best Man

I met Ike in the hospital when I was one. He's my younger brother and first comrade. As far back as my memory goes, Ike and I were completing missions. And no matter how much time passes between our connects, the bond is so strong we always pick up like we just paused the game to grab a snack. The relationship I have with my bro is one of the strongest and most effortless ones I've ever had. The older I get, the more grateful I am for bros, who are my legitimate best friends. Now that Ike and KayK have committed to each other, I'm very excited for them and the blessings God will bestow on their future family. The fam will always be here to support. Love ya'll, and cheers to this union!

Joseph Emesih

Best Man

Joe Emesih, AKA the final installment of the Emesih Brothers trilogy. Thinking back to growing up with Ike & Chris, having two trailblazers ahead of me to study and model against has been a major factor in my personal and professional development. The childhood bond could not have been tighter, and this bond has strengthened through our young adulthood. On a similar note, as I look at Ike and KayOnda’s relationship, they have been a powerful reference for a strong relationship founded in spirituality, growth, and “enjoymenting.” I am beyond excited to celebrate this milestone in 2023 and for decades to come!

Hudson Emesih

I’m very proud to say that Ikenna is a brother of mine. Though we are cousins, he and his brothers have been present in my life since diapers & rockers. In my youth summers were full of covert late night gaming sessions and in adulthood proud moments like seeing him walk across the stage and graduate from UT. To be the first of us to tie the knot is quite the extraordinary occasion, and another privileged moment I get to share with my guy! I wish nothing but the best for Ike and his bride KayK. May our God guide them towards an amazing future together.

Emmanuel Fayemi

Brother of the Bride

Kayonda is my loving, fun-spirited step sister that has my back no matter what. Not only are you family to me but a close friend. We may bump heads from time to time like all siblings do but that doesn’t do anything but grow our bond. I deeply appreciate everything you’ve done for me and every problem you’ve stuck with me through. I wish you the absolute best with your marriage and future family. Ike and I are developing a close relationship. Nonetheless; if you’re with my sister then your family. I’m honored to celebrate with you both. I appreciate the talks we’ve had and hope our bond grows stronger in the future. Congratulations on everything you’ve accomplished and keep striving for greatness as I do the same. Sincerely E-mann.

Abraham Bankole

What starts here changes the world! So happy to be apart of this Texas Longhorn Love story that is Ike and KayK. Ike has been MY BROTHER HOMIE since UT orientation. From the study halls in Jester to vacation trips across the globe, we’ve been solid through and through. Blessed to be a part of your wedding and this next chapter in your life! KayK was my big sister from the beginning of college, always there to help me navigate everything from what classes to take to relationship problems. Its been truly amazing to see y’alls love grow. Praying that God continues to be the center of y’alls union and for a lifetime of love. 

Daniel Haskin

I met both Ike and KayK in 2012 at UT’s New Black Student Weekend. My first impression was that Ike was a quiet, cool dude and KayK was the type of chick who was on multiple organization’s executive boards but someone you could still talk trash with lol (there was a lot of Dallas/Houston rivalry in those days). I never would have guessed I would be gaining a brother and a sister that weekend. Looking back on the all the memories: pledging APhiA, all the parties/kickbacks, the last minute study sessions, graduations, game nights, ski trips and countless others, I consider myself blessed to have shared in your love story. May God continue to show y’all favor, and may the Fire of your love never dim. Love yall forever family

Kelvin Obimah

I met this guy Ike during the first week of undergrad. And when I met him, he was using a bunch of big words and speaking in parables LOL. I was like “Huuuhhhh? What is this guy saying man!” In fact, if you have one conversation with Ike, you will improve your vocabulary and become a scholar immediately! Haha but seriously, for the last 11 years, Ike has always been a brother I can count on, someone who always challenges his peers, and just an overall solid dude. As for KayOnda, she’s amazing person. I will never forget when KayKay blessed the squad with the organic chemistry lab study materials—talk about impacting the community! And she changed my life when she introduced me to peanut butter and honey sandwiches! I am so exited to celebrate this union between my BrotherHomie™️ and his wife. Here’s to a lifetime of love, happiness, and each other.

Kennedy Osuagwu

I met my guy Ike freshman year at UT, we took chemistry together and he was one of the few solid guys in the class. We hit it off pretty quickly we are both Igbo warriors, enjoy sports, shoes, and correct lifestyle. Soon after, we were line brothers enduring the journey together — shoutout to Fall 13! What I noticed from the jump is that Ike does not fold under pressure. Whether it was navigating our line, securing the Pharm D, or keeping up with the big boss, also know as his fiancé KayK, he has always found a way succeed. With KayK by your side the sky is the limit! Wishing you both a fruitful marriage as y’all enter this next chapter of life! 

Frank Shannon

First and foremost I would like to say Boomer Sooner! May you guys journey be filled with a lifetime of love and riches. Me and Kay kay started our friendship in Ms. Georges class at Skyline High school. Even though I was the teachers favorite, Kayonda made it a mission to dethrone me and prove to everyone that she was the smartest person in our class. Through our classroom rivalry we had no clue that this was a start to a powerful loving friendship that would last forever. Literally I gained a sister forever that would always have my back and not let anyone talk noise to me except for her.
From the first time Kayonda introduced me to Ike, he has always been a great friend and brother to me. Ike, I am so happy that my friend has found a best friend, leader and spiritual partner in you brother. Stay strong my boy I know she can get a little feisty at times but she means well and she truly loves you. It has been so amazing to watch and be apart of you guys journey. I pray that the lord bless yall forever. Love you guys, TURN UP!

Eric Tambe

Hello, I’m Eric. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Ike & Kayonda for nearly a decade now after first meeting at UT. As a transfer pharmacy student it was difficult for me to get acclimated to a new environment, but Ike & Kayonda effortlessly welcomed me into the “black pre-pharmacy fold,” making me feel right at home! We since shared countless memories- from taking over Saint Maarten to snowboarding trips in Reno, I thank God for not only growth but the journey. We’ve grown our individual friendships to point were it’s no longer friends, its family. The two of you are some of the most loyal people I know, and I couldn’t be happier for yall.

Edidiong Utin

I am a lifelong friend of the groom, having known him for over 10 years. We met in college and have been close ever since, bonding over our shared love of the sports and adventure. I am honored to be a part of his special day and stand by his side as he marries the love of his life. In my free time, I enjoy watching the Cowboys play, traveling, and trying new foods. I am excited to celebrate this milestone with Ikenna and KayOnda and am looking forward to many more years of friendship.