...The Wedding Party...

Stephanie Ozowa

Meet Stephanie, the Bride's sister and ultimate Partner in Crime! By day, she works as a Talent Acquisition Specialist. Stephanie is also a co-owner of The Bake Box - our Stephanie is on a first-name basis with her oven – she loves to bake, and when she is not baking, she’s crafting up a new baking recipe or watching a good TV show or movie.

Stephanie is also a devoted wife to her husband, Ben, and a loving mom to her son Kika, who happens to be my Godson and our ring bearer.

One quirky tidbit about her – she’s bananas about banana bread, yet ironically, she couldn’t eat a plain banana if her life depended on it!

Shilpi Saraf-Uiterlinden

Introducing Shilpi, the Bride's original partner in Canadian adventures! By day, she's weaving her urban magic as a City Planner. Our friendship began in a hilariously unexpected way back in 2012 while we were both toiling away in government gig. Picture this: After a particularly grueling conversation on how to best handle the many aggravated members of the public we interacted with daily, Shilpi strolled up to me and hit me with the classic line, "Do you want to be friends?" I mean, seriously, are we back in kindergarten? But hey, I'm no stranger to embracing the weird and wonderful, so naturally, I said yes!

But wait, there's more to Shilpi than her knack for making friends like it's nobody's business! By day, she weaves her community building magic as an Urban Planner. She's also a globe-trotting aficionado, having wandered her way through 21 different countries. And if that wasn't impressive enough, she's also a mixology maestro! I'm talking cocktails that'll knock your socks off!

And here's a juicy tidbit about our adventurous friend – she's lived the expat dream in not one, not two, but four different countries! Shilpi, you're like a human passport stamped with tales of wanderlust and cocktail shakers! Cheers to you, my international galfriend!

Ejehi Joel-Emuan

Allow me to introduce Ejehi, the Bride’s fabulous niece and my adorable mini-me in spirit! Despite not sharing a resemblance, we're practically two peas in a pod when it comes to our fiery personalities. I first laid eyes on Ejehi when I made the leap to Canada, and she was just a tiny tot of two. Instant connection? You betcha! I bunked with her and her folks for the first couple of years, and let me tell you, the bond we formed in that cozy room has only blossomed into something even more epic over time.

Now, fast forward to today, and Ejehi is rocking it in grade 10. Ejehi is killing it in the AP program at her school. Not only that but she has a wide mix of passions. She loves watching movies, playing the piano, or hanging out with friends. She’s also trying her hands on photography, cinematography, and video editing.

Fun-fact: Ejehi has performed on stage in five musical theater productions over the past three years. No matter who she plays she never fails to shine like the star she is.

Gabby Igbeyi

Meet Gabby, the Bride’s other fabulous niece! I had the privilege of meeting Gabby the moment she entered this world and got to soak up two fantastic years with her before I jetted off to Canada. But distance couldn't keep us apart! We reunited when Gabby and her family moved to Canada, and boy, was I thrilled to have my sister close by again and to reconnect with Gabby.

Gabby is currently rocking grade 10, but come September, she'll be walking into grade 11 like a boss. In her free time, she’s all about binge-watching TV, gaming like a pro, and diving into books. But that's not all – she's got some serious artistic flair and a love for anime that knows no bounds!

And guess what she's most pumped about? The epic after-party! She can't wait to devour all the delicious food and bask in the joy of having the whole family together.

Matthew Ferguson

Meet Matt, the Groom's younger brother and Best Man. Matt is an accomplished painter, sculptor, woodworker, and all around artist. His current base of operations is an art collective studio in downtown Barrie called Spare Room.

Matt is a funny, active, creative, curious guy. If you see him don't be afraid to say ‘Hi’ and ask him about his latest piece, anything Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, or great animé recommendations!

Tyler Penfold

Introducing the Groom's most enduring friend, Tyler. The Groom's father and Tyler's father have been friends since they were kids and had kids at the same time. Those kids were Tyler and the Groom, so there is a running joke that Tyler and the Groom were born friends. And so far that's been very true!

In addition to being a great friend, Tyler is a loving husband to his wife Lorraine, and a wonderful father to his two sons Eddie and Rhys.

Derek Kent

Please meet Derek, a long time friend of the Groom's since high school. Derek shares a deep love for all things film and music.

Derek is also a computer wizard and has a collection of retro machines and devices. But don't let his nerdy side fool you, he's also an avid cyclist, gearhead (ask him about Formula1), and gun collector. A modern-day Renaissance Man!

Filyp Okoh

Meet Philip, aka Filyp, aka Filled Lips – Ehi’s older brother and fellow partner in crime. By day, he rocks the supply chain world, and by night, he's all about sports. Whether it’s shooting hoops, cheering for Chelsea, smashing badminton birdies, or hitting the squash courts, Philip's got game. He’s also an adventure junkie, always up for a good hike or anything that gets the adrenaline pumping. Fun fact: once upon a time in Nigeria, he owned a record label, named Base Lounge, and even recorded a few singles!