Hey y'all, my name is Lorin. I am the bride's proud older sister and mother of her two nieces Arianna (age 7) and Camille (age 3). I enjoy traveling the world (via photos at the present moment, but it still counts) and finding online glitch coupons (don't knock it until you try it). I'm excited to celebrate the marriage of two wonderful people!
It seems like I've known Lenore our entire lives! "Sisters by birth, friends by choice" is the truest statement that defines our relationship. She has been my best friend and I'm overjoyed that she chose to share this part of her life with me. Goke is a welcome addition to our family and I can't wait for them to invite me on more of their world travels (Iceland was amazing, by the way!).
Wuzzup, wuzzup, WUZZUP (in my Martin voice).
I am Sarah, the bride’s younger sister. I currently reside in Maryland. I work as a school psychologist in a charter school in Northeast, DC and I am a fourth-year doctoral student at Howard University.
Obviously, Lenore and I met 31 years ago when I swooped in and changed her world (for the better ;) although she and I probably didn’t become “friends friends” until about 2003 lol. I am looking forward to celebrating the union between Goke and Lenore and creating many wonderful memories!
My name is Asia Baysah and I live in New York.
Lenore and I met the summer between 11th and 12th grade - 2002 baby! We met in a high-school summer program called the Bridge Program at Sewanee: The University of the South. We were so young back then - tear.
We've known each other ever since we thought it was cool to wear over sized jerseys as dresses, wear faux fur and church dresses to the club, AAANNNND since we thought it was cool to record videos dancing to Soulja Boy and Danity Kane - I'll spare you all the sight of said videos.
I have way too many favorite memories with Lenore as she's been my best friend for almost two decades. However, some of the BEST memories were with our best friend, Joy. Lenore served as my maid of honor 2 years ago to my husband, Ansu.
Goke actually happens to be one of Ansu's closest friends, which is how he and I met. I don't quite remember the exact moment, but I'm sure it was epic.
I most look forward to witnessing Goke and Lenore's amazing union, and to an epic wedding celebration!
CONGRATULATIONS, LENORE & GOKE - I am SO happy for the best years to come!
My name is Swisyzinna (Swiss-Zena) I live in Cali and I'm married to an amazing man named Gerald Dewey.
I met Lenore at a friend's house in Cali and I loved her instantly. We bonded over tequila and Grey's Anatomy. I met Goke when he came to visit Lenore and we hung out for Super-bowl and I thought "aww how sweet is he" little did I know....
Lenore and I have been friends for one thousand years. (Technically it's only been 4 or 5 but hey 1,000 feels like the right answer.) Goke and I have been friends the last couple of years and he loves me sooo #winning.
My favorite memory happens to coincide with the first time I met him. I got to see them as friends and watch him have goo-goo eyes when she walked into the room and her smile from ear to ear when I pointed it out.
I most look forward to them having little ones that I'm sure will all be named after me :)
Hi, I’m Leafi. I like sunrises and sunsets. I enjoy dancing in moonlight and sunlight. I started yoga this year. I live in ATL shawty! I’m into feelings, happiness, abundance, manifesting…all that stuff.
Lenore and I met at Sewanee (Aug 2005) The summer prior she had just returned from Spain and both of us had heard a lot about the other. One of us was really excited to meet the other. I walked up to Asia and Lorin who both greeted me with big smiles. I turned toward Lenore and said “Hi Lenore! I’ve heard so much about you.” Lenore looked and smiled big, said hello and walked away! HAHAHA She’s been team #nonewfriends for years. Our friendship bloomed weeks later and we been in the thick ever since.
I met Goke at Asia’s Wedding in 2016. Lenore was smiling ear to ear, holding him tightly while showing him off like the best gift she’s ever received. It didn’t take any time to see what all the smiles were about. Goke was charming and charismatic and just wonderful! I could see why Lenore loved him so much.
My favorite memory of Lenore/Goke (the couple) – they were in Atlanta for the weekend for a wedding and we were able to get brunch with another couple. It was the first time I heard Goke’s trademark toast about friendship.
Lenore and I have memories that span every aspect of life as we have been doing this friend thing for about 15 years now. My favorite thing about Lenore is how happy she is to see you every time she sees you. Always makes my heart smile.
I'm most looking forward to meeting everyone and dancing for my life the entire wedding weekend.
I'm Noel Corbin. I live in LA (but I’m a Georgia girl who is still in-love with NYC). I love all things Black History/ Culture and Fashion/ Costuming.
Lenore and I FIRST unofficially met in 2008 at a fashion show in Atlanta, Georgia when she was modeling and I was just starting out in fashion design. We officially met, 5 years later in Brooklyn, New York, when she responded to an online ad that I posted, seeking a roommate.
I will never forget the night I met her to show her my apartment, she glided through the front door and twirled around the den as if she didn’t have a care in the world. I immediately thought to myself- “Well that’s different- Is this chick going to pay her rent on time?” But after I found out she was from Georgia, I figured she just might work out as a pretty good roomie! Little did I know I found my God-sent creative sister.
My favorite memories with Lenore were the late night artistic sessions in the den, me at my sewing machine, while she worked on her latest script.
Keep twirling Lenore- we’ll all be twirling right behind you & Goke!
Hey hey hey
I am Aisha and I live in New York. I’m currently writing this on my day trip to Milan - sounds glamorous but I promise it’s not. I love travel and am working towards my goal of visiting all 7 continents. I only have Antarctica left - who is coming with me?
Lenore and I met during a training at my summer camp in The Berkshires in western MA as we were both leading international trips to Chile and Japan respectively. I was the only other black person there so we connected instantly. We kept in touch during the year and I invited her to spend the following summer crashing with me in New York. Then I life coached her through her move here. That summer solidified our friendship and I couldn’t be more grateful. Lenore is my favorite work out and travel partner!!
I remember meeting Goke for the first time at a birthday party for Asia but I don’t think Lenore and Goke were together at the time. Either way I’ve learned how much Goke and I have in common and look forward to more evenings in New Rochelle.
I am most looking forward to celebrating this union as Lenore has always been the dreamer and lover in all things.
Hi Everyone! I'm Kemi, Goke's older sister! I live in Middletown, CT. I moved to the US from Nigeria 3 years ago. I'm married to my husband Tunde, and we have two amazing children - Malik and Ameerah.
I've known Goke all my life - He's my baby brother! I consider myself his "younger mommy" In fact, when I first had my son Malik, I would often mistakenly call him Goke! I'm so proud to see Goke all grown up into this amiable young man, to have found Lenore and getting married!
I met Lenore when she came visiting the family 2 years ago and I was enthralled by her openness and friendliness. Her boisterousness endeared her to everyone!I keep looking forward to the adventures these two undertake and I'm glad to always be a part of it.
My favorite memory of Lenore & Goke is their first Christmas in Atlanta in their matching pajamas - it was so cute!
I'm most looking forward to them having little ones and also sharing my Nigerian recipes with Lenore! Welcome to the family Lenore!
My name is Marques Torbert and I live in Boston with my wife Alli but am originally from Cleveland, OH!
Goke and I met our freshman year at Columbia University and initially bonded over whether southern hip hop was better than east coast rap! My fondest, funniest, and most accurate early memory of Goke includes him walking down a cobblestone path at Columbia University (an institution that has been around since 1754) wearing a 3XL throwback Lakers jersey, yellow Lakers hat (with perhaps a white headband underneath), white and yellow Nikes, baggy jeans, all while carrying advanced calculus and computer science books discussing social inequalities in America. As you can imagine, things didn’t add up but I was quickly drawn to him (mainly because of the headband)!
As you can see, we’ve changed some over the years in attire but have continued to have a close relationship. We’ve been roommates, highly UNSUCCESSFUL business partners, background dancers, and advisors for each other. Although he can battle you in debate for hours over the silliest topics, he is without a doubt the nicest and most giving person I know.
Lenore has been a welcome addition to Goke’s life. I had the chance to get to know Lenore on a deeper level during a couples trip to Paris. Although the sights of Paris were great, the best part of that trip was staying in one night playing games, sharing stories and laughing hard. She is full of energy, laughter, joy, confidence, and most importantly can match Goke move for move on the dance floor.
Alli and I can’t wait to celebrate with you both!
I was old enough to see and remember when Mom and Dad brought Goke home from the hospital. He was tiny, light skinned and cute, the cute part he grew out of I guess :). He grew up fast though, into this really smart young boy full of ideas. At a very young age, he soon turned into my geeky companion and we bonded fairly quickly taking apart Dad's computer and putting it back together. He would pressure me to go and buy the parts to fix it. By age 7 or 8 he would fix the computer while pretending to not listen to the adult talk my friends and I were discussing. He later told me everything we talked about when he got older. Fair to say, i taught him a thing or two. Most of all he has a very kind heart.
Goke (Mr Goks) is my younger brother and one of my best friends. I have known him all my life - the story started long time ago in Ilorin, Nigeria where I was responsible for walking him to school. We have gone from singing silly songs as kids, to discussing life dreams, to meeting the love of my life at his party. I have been lucky to have a brother who is smart, kind, and never fails to keep me humble. I have also met his lovely fiance Lenore and they do make a great couple! I have always felt protective of Goks and now he has Lenore to protect him. I have watched Goks grow from a shy quiet boy to a super confident man – I am so proud of you brother. Happy Married life Mr. Goks!
“Uumbaewii” My name is Reggie Thomas and I live in Brooklyn, NY, but born and raised in Middletown, CT.
Goke & I met our junior year of high school. Our first interaction is an example of his generosity, as he offered to let me copy his homework. We instantly became friends and I knew I’d always have someone who would be there for me (to pick on). One of the funniest memories I have of Goke happened the summer after meeting him. While using his computer, I stumbled upon a random music file and after clicking it, I was introduced to “Gangsta Gok,” his rapping alter ego. Needless to say, he was mortified to walk downstairs as I was blasting songs of him attempting to rap in an accent thicker than the Game of Thrones plot.
Throughout the years, Goke has been the benchmark of a best friend; dependable, loyal, honest, accepting, encouraging, and he even listened to my not so great raps. Not many people can say their best friend has literally saved their life multiple times, but I can. We actually refer to each other as “kin” because our bond is more like brothers. That being said, I’m blessed to inherit Lenore as a sister. In a short time, Lenore and I have developed our own relationship and I look forward to more gospel music sing-offs and southern music dance-offs.
I'm excited for the big day because… "In life, there are championships and ships that sail the sea, but there are no ships, like companionships."
My name is Sy Cabria and I live in NYC with my lovely wife Amanda and our two puppies, Dingle and Gio.
Goke and I first met in 2002 during our freshman year at Columbia and we formed a lifelong bond over our love of hip hop and disdain for our freshman year prerequisite writing class, Logic & Rhetoric. We would scour the internet for the meanings of rap lyrics daily and at all hours, and consequently could never make it to that class on time. You could find us sprinting from our dorms to our 9:00 AM class at 9:15 AM with sweat dripping from our 3XL size throwback jerseys. From that point on, I knew this was going to be a lasting friendship full of “good times on the reg(ular)”.
Goke is the epitome of a good time with an infectious personality and uncontrollable shoulders on the dance floor. At times over the years, our friends and I have had to clear the dance floor to make room for the sheer force of his dance routines. I am sure everyone will get a taste of this at the wedding.
While Goke and I have certainly kept up the good times on the reg over the last 17 years, I’ve also seen Goke grow into the successful man he is today. His drive, confidence, and smarts have taken him far — and all the while he has remained a devoted and thoughtful friend, son, and brother. I can now add to that list a caring and devoted husband with his marriage to Lenore.
In Lenore, Goke has met his perfect match. She matches his unbound energy, challenges his intellect, and has truly made him a better man. Amanda and I have loved getting to know Lenore and are excited about all of the adventures to come that we’ll share together (we’ve already ticked off that list hiking a glacier!). Their wedding is sure to be just like them — full of love, fun, and energy. We can’t wait to celebrate your special day!
My name is Paul Dossous and I live in NYC.
Goke and I shared a suite our first year at Columbia, and we were forced to socialize with each other. Thankfully we actually became friends! We were also in the same Calculus class. Goke would strut into the class half way through and wondered why Calculus was so hard. I didn’t mind letting my new friend copy my homework though…
Over the years Goke has served as my loan shark, IT guy , advisor and, most importantly, a great friend. The guy will always tell me what I need to hear whether I ask or not, and I truly appreciate that.
In any situation Goke’s goal is always to make sure everyone is comfortable and having a fun time. Lenore shares the same trait. Within minutes of meeting her, she made me feel like I knew her for years. You guys are a perfect match, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you two.
Hey everyone! I’m Sol Kahn, and I live in New York with my wife Kelly and our kids, Jake and Stella.
Goke and I have known each other half our lives. We were randomly assigned as suite mates Freshman year of college, and ended up living together for eight years.
We have a long running joke that Goke and I used to bicker like an old married couple. Goke has a very specific definition of clean, and it doesn’t involve leaving your shoes in the living room!
One of the best things about Goke is how much he cares for the people around him. Giving someone the shirt off your back is supposed to be figurative, but I’m pretty sure Goke has literally done it!
My favorite memories with Goke are when we would stay up late and strategize. We were always planning something - a new business, a new party, how to succeed in our jobs, or just how we could end up with a happy life. Seeing Goke and Lenore together, it looks like that planning ended up working out.
Goke’s been a true friend through good times and tough times. I’m excited to see him so happy with Lenore, and honored to be a part of this special day.
My name is Ansu Baysah and I live in New York with my amazingly talented wife, Asia (go ahead and check her out over in the Ore Iyawo section, I’ll wait..)
I first met Goke through a mutual friend back in 2007. As anyone who’s spent any time with him can attest, his lust for life was immediately apparent and his spirit infectious. We’ve since bonded over good music and great conversations through the years. He’s become one of my closest advisors.
I met Lenore when I first started dating my wife. She came up to Boston for Asia’s 25th birthday and was as devoted a friend as anyone could have asked for.
While I still maintain that I introduced the lovely couple, the details surrounding that fateful afternoon remain foggy (as do the details surrounding their FIRST date but that’s another story…)
Needless to say, Asia and I are extremely happy for both Goke and Lenore and can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Nore is my Aunty and I call her Nore instead of Lenore. I am excited for Goke and Nore’s wedding, when they get married Goke will be my uncle.
When Nore calls, I like to ask, “Where is Goke?”
This is my first time being a flower girl and I am so happy to have a new uncle!
*Written by my big sister, Arianna
Hi Everyone! My name is Olivia Maude. Although I can’t talk yet... or walk... I will somehow make my way down the aisle on February 22, eating the flower petals that I’m supposed to throw. I can’t wait.
I’m also excited for my god-parents, I call them, God-Mommy and GG (God-father Goke). They’ve been there with me since birth. I love them so much because they love to play & laugh with me, do tummy time, and feed me! They are the best!
Hi, my name is Jake. I'm 4 years old, and live in New York. You can find me on the soccer field, running around the park, playing with toy cars and having fun with my little sister Stella.
I like to Facetime with Uncle Goke at random times of the day. Surprisingly, he almost always picks up, so I get to see him at work, the grocery store, the gym, and when he's spending time with Lenore.
At first, I was a bit confused to be in the wedding, but then I learned that I wasn't going to marry Uncle Goke or Aunt Lenore, they were going to marry each other. This made a lot more sense, but I'm still concerned about who I'm going to marry. Hopefully I'll have it figured out before the wedding.
I'm very excited to be a ring bearer for the first time! I'm just coming off a part as "The Dog" in my school play of "Are You My Mother?" so maybe if I do a good job in my role as the ring bearer, Aunt Lenore will cast me in one of her shows!