I honestly can’t say there was a specific moment that I met “Lola” as many of you call her. When I came out of the womb she was there, staring at me, excited by this new play toy that moved and blinked. Over the years Funlola has grown from my sister to my friend. We can cry from laughter or just sit on the phone in silence. I’ve always been inspired by her intelligence, no matter how frustrated she got with helping me with my homework, she still helped. And even when my parents were worried if I would ever latch on to academics, she knew I was either tired or hungry. She will always be there cheering me on, I couldn’t have asked for a better sister.
I remember multiple times when she told me about Ade. One time specifically, we were driving somewhere random after church and she couldn’t wrap her head around someone who liked her but wouldn’t talk to her on a daily basis. Though Ade was very upfront she thought she had lost him. I petitioned to her: “maybe he’s really serious about studying for the Bar exam.” While she seemed like she understood, she couldn’t fathom studying being that serious. As promised, when studying was over Ade was back like he never left, dispelling all assumptions. Ade and Lola are a match made in heaven and I truly cannot wait to celebrate this union. Helloooo somebody, don’t even tell your neighbor cause we ain’t got space for them.
LOLA'S RESPONSE: LOL! My girl. My bestie, my little seesterrr. I'm so appreciative of your wisdom and guidance through Ade and I's relationship. It's hilarious to remember this conversation you referenced, because having studied for (and passed, praise the Lord) the bar exam, I now know that man was really studying and I was buggin for no good reason. You are truly the best sister I could have asked for. Thank you for sharing this day with me. Love you Chuka!
She is someone I looked up to and has inspired me in different ways. Her confidence has paved way for me as a individual . I will always be grateful to have you as a sister, I can boldly say I have a big sister that cares about me and will always have my back.
Thank you Funlola! For being you and always keeping it real. I truly can’t wait to celebrate you and Ade’s union .
She is not just my sister but a friend I can always count on and this includes compulsory listening to all my shenanigans. We’ve shared laughters and held hands in tears, all these are memories I carry dear to my heart. Your determination and zeal inspires me to be nothing short of the best.
I appreciate you so much and I’m honored to be a bridesmaid for you and Ade’s big day.
I can’t wait to celebrate you. PERIOD.
Law school is a one-of-a-kind experience. You do not know what the three years hold or what people (professors and colleagues) may have tenure in your life. I'm grateful that Lola is in mine. I met Lola on our first day at Howard Law, and she has been a friend and sister since. It is undeniable that Lola's striking personality and sense of humor stand out to most, but what drew me to her were her sincerity, compassion, and determination. When she and Ade decided to pursue a relationship, I could not have been happier. Their relationship is the type you hope for a close friend, and it has been such an amazing experience watching their love blossom throughout the years. I am honored to serve and support them as a bridesmaid during this union.
LOLA'S RESPONSE: We always joke that we didn't come to law school to make real friends, but look at us now. I'm so honored to have traversed one of the toughest times of my life with you by my side! I'm so happy to share this life-long memory with you! Thanks for loving crazy little me and Thank you for sharing this day with me. Love you!
I formally met Lola in 2014 when we were selected to be members of Alpha Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. To be completely honest, she wasn’t my favorite person when I met her initially, however once we found out that we were in the same spec family our relationship blossomed. After pledging, we moved in together the following semester and have been inseparable since.
Oddly enough, I knew she and Ade were serious, but it didn’t dawn on me how serious until one fateful day. Since I had known her, her passcode to her phone was 2344 (our numbers on our line) and I never had any issues accessing it whenever I needed. One day, I tried to access her phone and was swiftly denied. Why, you may ask? Because she changed it to a number significant to her and Ade, their anniversary or something cute like that. I was so not ready for this complete and utter shift in loyalty lol. Rightfully so, my stronghold on her passcode didn’t stand a chance to who would be her future husband. Now, nearly 4 years later, I consider third wheeling with one of the flyest lawyer couples you’ll ever meet one of my favorite past times. I am truly blessed and warmed to be apart of their union!
LOLA'S RESPONSE: I wish could insert emojis on this website because I really cannot LOL. I actually remember this day and remember explaining to you I changed my code and being met with a blank stare of confusion, then laser beams. But on a serious note, you are really my soul sista, my friend!! I love you so so much, and enjoy our text threads littered with voice notes of you cackling at me for something silly I said. Thank you for sharing this day with me. Love you girl!
I met Lola our sophomore year of college at Howard University. However, well before we were formally introduced, I vividly recall noticing Lola around campus and admiring her sense of confidence. Our shared interest in the law ultimately led us to cross paths, but our love for beauty, traveling, and all things luxurious has enhanced our ever-growing friendship. What I value most about Lola is that she doesn’t simply encourage her friends to reach their fullest potential but rather invests herself into helping them get there. I am thrilled to be at Lola’s side as she enters the next chapter of her life with the man of her dreams.
LOLA'S RESPONSE: Kay! My Bougie Twin LOL. I love you for being so unapologetically you. Whether that's being down to take a luxurious vacation just because we feel like it, or being brutally honest with me, still in the sweetest way. Our relationship is one I value deeply, and I'm honored to call you a friend! Thank you for sharing this day with me. Love you sis!
Let’s talk about Ade. I met Ade in 2007 and neither of us really remember how, lol. I venture to say it was through one of several religious affiliated organizations on campus, which sounds a lot better than at a party so we’ll leave it at that. Either way, we hit it off pretty quickly and became really good friends. Fast-forward to sophomore year, I convinced him to room with me and 2 other fine gents, and promised him we’d all be on our best behavior. Ha! Shortly afterwards, we’d pledge together on the best line to come through Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, THE Alpha Eta Chapter – s/o Spring ’09! We came back from a semester abroad and we lived together junior year and the summer following. Then senior year, as well as the year after graduation, and the summer following that. Honestly, Ade is the only person aside from my family that I lived with for THAT long. We even joked in recent years about if we lived in the same city, would we still be roommates? I’m leaning towards a Yes.... But truthfully speaking, the fact that we lived together for so long and are still friends speaks, ya’ll. We are both very particular people, and prefer things a very particular way – I’ve got stories. But God! And I digress, lol.
All those years we lived together allowed me to gain a Brother; a true confidant, best friend, and a consistent reminder that God lives in each of us. Ade makes it easy to trust, to follow, and to support him because he’s genuinely a great guy, which is hard to come by these days. So Lola, thank you for being the best thing that’s happened to him, because he truly deserves it. And to say I’m honored to have a part in this celebration of Ade and Lola is an understatement. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for them!
ADE'S RESPONSE: Sir King. Like you said, it’s crazy that how we’ve known each other for almost 12 years now! Other than Lola, and my sister, you are my true best friend and confidant. You’ve been there through my highest and lowest times. I’ll never forget how depressed I was waiting to hear back from law schools. You encouraged me to stay prayerful and reminded me that everything happens for a reason. Fast forward 7 years later (through pledging the Alpha Eta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, through several moves and multiple trips), and you were right. Not only did I get the firm job I never thought I would get, but I met my wife! We’ve been through a lot, together and individually, but our friendship is as strong as ever. Thank you for standing up there with me.
Ade and I met in 2012, while students at Howard University School of Law in Washington, D.C. Within the first few days of our 1L year, we found we had plenty in common and our friendship has continued to blossom ever since. Anyone who knows Ade, knows he’s one of the most respectful, hardworking, God-fearing and mild-mannered men around. I am grateful to call him a friend and honored to stand with him at the alter.
Now that we’ve gotten all the pleasantries out of the way, ladies and gentlemen, let the record reflect, that in our last year of law school I was the matchmaker here. I connected, linked, hooked-up, brokered this union that we’re celebrating. In fact, I’m actually the reason you’re reading this right now. Therefore, I believe I’m entitled to a modest 3% fee of all dollars sprayed on this lovely couple, at the reception. This will truly be a day the Lord has made!
ADE'S RESPONSE: You may not remember this, but you were the first person I met at law school. We were standing in line walking into Houston Hall. You took one look at me and said, “you’re African right?” We’ve been friends ever since. Everyone has at least one friend that they go to for counsel, and you are definitely one of them for me. I appreciated our conversations in law school. Your wisdom helped to keep me grounded in the midst of what looked like chaos. I mean it was your wisdom that helped to encourage this relationship between me and Lola (even though I didn’t realize it at the time, sneaky guy). It only makes sense for you to stand up there with me, and I thank you so much for doing so. Side note, the way our accounts and this wedding are set up, I on’t know if we can swing the 3% spray tax. But we’re forever indebted to you :).
Ade and I met in 2007 as freshmen at WashU. Somewhere between our men's weekly bible study group and small "gatherings" in my dorm room, I decided this tall brother from Chicago was a pretty good guy (despite him still wearing durags in public...) and we became friends. Sophomore year, Ade, two of our other friends, and I decided to room together (shoutout to Gregg 2040 and the "What She Wants" party!), where I first learned that Ade is the most disciplined and hardest working person that I have ever met. This was further underscored when we pledged Alpha Phi Alpha on the greatest line to EVER come through the Alpha Eta Chapter (shoutout to Spring '09 and my Anchor!). After both studying abroad junior year, we lived together our senior year of college as well, further cementing our legendary legacy in the Class of 2011 through more small gatherings in our Loop Lofts apartment, a spring break trip to the Dominican Republic, and "the Life & Times of Ade Johnson" at our last W.I.L.D. (please see my facebook page for reference), just to name a few examples.
Despite living in different cities after college, Ade and I have remained close through frequent visits, vacations, and annual trips to Made in America. Despite being fraternity "brothers", I truly look at Ade as one of my actual brothers, so I couldn't have been happier to learn that he was taking that next great step in life. Although getting his law degree from Howard was a great accomplishment, I now know that Ade's true gift was meeting Lola. I haven't met two people more meant for each other than this power couple, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for them. Thank you again for giving me the honor to share this special day(s) with you all!
Love,
Zack
ADE'S RESPONSE: Zack, my man. I don’t actually remember where we met, but again it’s been almost 12 years! It’s funny because I almost forgot about all the memories until reading your story, from throwing the “What She Wants” party, to travelling for Spring Break or festivals, to pledging the Alpha Eta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha. We’ve stayed real friends through it all. You always talk about how much you admire me, but I hope you know the feeling is mutual. It’s your constant drive that encourages me to go after what I truly want. I don’t think I’ve ever met a harder working person in my life. I’m so glad that our friendship has withstood the test of time. Thank you for standing up there with me.
I met Ade over 10 years ago (wow time flies) while we were pledging doing community service in joining Alpha Phi Alpha. Between our journey to Alpha and being their unofficial Wash U party chaperone I can honestly say that I was, and have been, blessed to meet Ade. It says a lot when you have someone who’s the same age as you that you look up to daily; iron truly does sharpen iron. To my friend and frat brother turned family, I could not be happier for this journey you and Lola are embarking on.
ADE'S RESPONSE: Justin, a.k.a. J Ross, a.k.a. The Silencer. We first met . . . well at a party. But we got to know each other more while pledging the Alpha Eta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha. Even during those first encounters I noticed a quiet confidence about you, and I have admired that ever since we’ve been in the chapter. It’s a confidence that says, I may not speak much but when I do it’s with conviction and purpose. I’ve witnessed you grow so much as a man, from being single, to being a husband, to being a father. The love you have for your family inspires me so much. Just know that I truly look up to you, and am happy that it was not just Alpha that truly made us brothers. Thank you for standing up there with me.
I met Ade late Summer 2015 right after he had taken the bar. But before I met Ade, I knew a great deal about him: where he was from, how tall he was, where he would be working, where he would be taking the bar, his bar study schedule, and when he would be taking the bar. Lola told me. As Lola’s best friend my duties that summer included being her venting outlet and advisor on all things Ade. When I finally met Ade he struck me as a humble and intelligent individual. He had never met me but treated me as a friend nonetheless—and it was genuine! The more I have gotten to know Ade, the more that first impression has proven to be true. Words cannot express how excited I am to bear witness to this beautiful union.
P.S. – If Papa was the coordinator that put this all together, I am the self-proclaimed assistant-deputy support staff coordinator. Haha. Just kidding…unless he’s really getting that 3%.
ADE'S RESPONSE: Funny enough before I met you I knew a lot about you as well! Lola constantly talked about her best friend from Howard that was about to start law school. It was clear that you both have been through a lot and have supported each other through the years. Good friends that withstand time are hard to come by, so I instantly admired you for that. In the beginning we only had a few short encounters, but as we’ve gotten to know each other more I have seen that you are truly a determined, supportive, and genuine person. Your friendship with Lola makes perfect sense. I’m glad that you are a part of her village and look forward to making you a part of mine as well. Thank you for standing up there with me.
Hey Im Charles! Ade’s cousin - So ive know him for pretty much all of his life. One of my earliest and fondest memories of Ade and I was when he would come from Canada - I mean Chicago to visit us in Rhode Island. As the older cousin I took this opportunity to flex and show him everything I could. It was especially fun because of his enthusiasm and reaction every time. He’d say, “See dat, wow!” To just about everything I pointed at. From different cars to buildings, to just cool toys that I had. It was always “See dat, wow!”
Ade was always smart and then he went on to became a lawyer making us all proud. Through the years he has remained humble, hard working, fun to be around and supportive of those around him. As he's grown up, its great to see that Ade has maintained his boyish wonder and eye for spectacular things as im quite sure when he met Lola, his reaction was the same as it had been whenever something striking & beautiful is put before him.. "See dat, wow!” So congrats to Ade and Lola as we will all soon be celebrating their wedding and union as one in a few short months. Praise God!
ADE'S RESPONSE: It’s so funny because I don’t actually remember visiting Rhode Island as a child. Of course you and your parents would tell me stories, but I guess I was too young. You don’t know this, but living in Chicago (Canada as you say), I always felt like I was estranged from my cousins. I really didn’t get to see you all that much other than during big events like reunions and weddings, so I loved when those opportunities came up where we could hang out and get to know each other. One time in particular that I remember was your sister’s wedding. I think I was 14 still wearing a wave cap outside and you were 16 rocking cornrows; we both thought we were so cool. Even though we hadn’t seen each other for years, I was shocked at how easily you tried to pick up where we left off, hanging out and showing me around, just happy to take me under as your “little cuz”. We’re adults now, but I’ll never forget that weekend. It let me know that we may not see each other often, but when we do it’s all love. I’m excited to see what the future has in store for us, individually and as cousins. Thank you for standing up there with me.