Abraham & Muhammad
Wedding Party
Abraham Olatunde Akande
Groom
Registered Nurse is just one of the many hats Abe wears. He’s a brother, a son, he’s “Uncle Abe”, he’s “My Charge Nurse”, he’s “such a pain in the ass”. In school to become a Nurse Practitioner, Abe has always shown that nothing can hold him back from his dreams. When Abe met Shoaib (haha, that sounds like a funny movie title) he saw something in Shoaib that he’s never seen before. Someone who is kind, loving, and inspirational. Someone who drives him to be a better man and also has so many of his own big dreams and aspirations. From the way Abe looks at Shoaib you can tell he always knew that things would one day reach this point. And also, this wedding LITERALLY couldn’t happen without Abe, he’s the damn Groom. Duh! 🙄
Muhammad Shoaib Janwari
Groom
Star of the show (in his own head😂) Muhammad Shoaib, “Sho” for short, is the reason this whole event is happening. With the stamp for his Student Visa still drying in his passport, Sho came here to follow his dreams of working in Digital Media and Arts. Who knew he’d unexpectedly find love in one of the most anxious, neurotic, Type-A, American Man he could find. While Abe is often concerned about the details of things, Sho is the constant reminder not to take life so seriously. He is the breath of fresh air in a room full of farts 😂 When he and Abe lock eyes, they are immediately lost in a world only they understand and have created. They have found a love that is so special and warm that it can withstand even the biggest storms, trials and challenges. Sho will make sure everyone who has the honor of sharing in our special day, will enjoy and happily celebrate the union of 2 hearts. And he’ll look like an absolute Supermodel while doing it. #GYAT
Alexis Romero
Maid of Honor
Alexis is Abe’s best friend. She is a mother, wife, social worker and has grown up with Abe since grade school. They have shared laughs together, cries together, and important life milestones together. She is amazing at everything she does in life. And this wedding could not happen without her.
Zeeshan Zulfiqar
Best Man
Zee is the Groom’s (the handsome Pakistani one 😉) secret keeper. They've grown up for many years back in Pakistan together. Zee's glad to be the only witness to some of Shoaib’s….umm…more “dramatic” periods of life LOL. Sho is to Zee what Samantha is to Carrie. They’ve shared many a cocktail, and Zee is more than happy to share one (and many more) with Sho on his special day, to celebrate a cheers to all the happy new couple’s endeavors. 🥂
Suhail Ahmed
Groomsman
Suhail, Shoaib's big brother (but you wouldn’t know that, judging by his age-defying looks) is an aspiring filmmaker, artist and hardworking Chicago transplant fresh off the Airplane terminal from Pakistan. They grew up dreaming, laughing, crying, and living life together through thick and thin. Together they came here to follow their dreams of creativity and success. It is an honor that he will get to be apart of his little brother’s special day. And though their small family of just him and Sho here in America is in its Infancy, through this holy matrimony, he will gain a brother-in-law and so much more. His favorite pastimes include teasing and roasting Sho while anticipating Sho’s reaction. Jokes on him this time though, because Sho is the star of this Show! ✨😝
Ahmed Rik
Groomsman
Ahmed and Show, closest friends and occasional rivals, have shared life's roller coaster, from professional wins to personal milestones. Their bond, tested and strengthened over time, includes unforgettable moments like Show's epic contributions to Ahmed's sister's wedding—capturing memories, sharing laughs, tears, and even oversharing personal escapades (yes, TMI, guys!). As Show steps into a new chapter, Ahmed's set to share hilarious, perhaps blush-worthy tales from their journey. Here's to the (im)perfect duo—may your future be filled with more joyous, if not slightly embarrassing, memories. Cheers to friendship that endures, laughs that last, and stories that bind. Love you, mate!"
Shanna Alevras
Groomswoman
Shanna is an entrepreneur, businesswoman, mother and wife and one of Abe’s closest friends. Her and Abe enjoy the glamour that life has to offer. Of course Abe could not have this quite lavish day without her attendance, love and support.
Cynthia Rosa
Groomswoman
Cindy is an ER/ICU Nurse, a wife, a soon to be mother, however she is also an avid music fest goer, with the attention span of a DoDo Bird. Cindy and Abe have shared many a drink together. Former Coworkers at Illinois Masonic, Cindy and Abe have enough teambuilding to last a whole nursing career. Many a busy shift working together in a Level 1 Trauma center will do that to you. And this special day wouldn't be possible without her.
Eve Miller
Groomswoman
Often nicknamed Evelyn (which is NOT her name; she will tell you) Eve is an ER Nurse, mother to an adorable cat, and more importantly one of Abe's closest confidants. Another member of the Illinois Masonic crew, Eve and Abe grew close through many shifts togather. Although, RiotFest was another reason they were able to bond over their love for music. Who could get married without having their friend there to absolutely ROCKOUT with?
Brittany Thorson
Groomswoman
Brittany is the mother of a beautiful and rambunctious doggo, and not to mention she is the Super ER Tech Abe had the honor of working with. Through out many carpools to work and outings around Chicago, Abe and Brittany formed a bond that most Nurses and Techs would fawn over. She's the tatted, bad-ass ER Tech you wish you could be. And an even cooler addition to this wedding! :)
Monica Krickl
Groomswoman
No thats not a Victoria Secret model, I get how you'd be confused, but thats Monica for you! Monica is an ER Nurse and member of the Masonic brigade. Never afraid to let anyone know that Abe was her charge nurse if they had a problem with her, Monica also bonded with Abe through her development as an amazing new ER nurse. Her fearlessness always inspired Abe to encourage and motivate her and know that she was more amazing than she could ever dream she was. And whether they are rocking out to tunes in the car or smashing Fax Machines in a rage room, these two know how to have fun! Well for this wedding, you can leave the sledge hammer at home, babes, her being there makes it a smashing enough time! <3
Abejale Projillo
Groomswoman
Abby bonded with Abe through their shared Nursing School Woes. Abby may stand at a generous 5-foot (4?) but trust me, all amazing and great things come in small packages. She works hard, plays harder, and never turns down an opportunity to try something new. Her and Abe's bond has only grown over the years, and along with many others, this wedding wouldn't feel right without her. Well lets see how that plays out through her attendance to this amazing multi-cultural gala! And she better not steal any of my ideas for her upcoming nuptials! Yeah thats right, this beauty is spoken, sorry fellas!
Tiffany Truesdell
Something Blue Crew
Squad, TEN HUT! That's Sergeant, I MEAN Nurse Truesdell to you! A member of the service, and also working her ass of in an ER near you, Abe has had the honor of having the most understanding boss and more importantly, mentor, anyone could ask for. When she isn’t telling her large and ferocious dogs to “Shut the hell up”, she is running around an ER, advocating for her patients, keeping up morale and looking damn good while doing it. Though they have known each other a short time, Abe and Tiff have fostered a friendship that will last many lifetimes. Because she is so special, she gets her own category as Abe's "Something Blue Crew" meaning, she will be decked out in blue to support Abe in his special day. Be jealous!
Sound Layphu
Groomswoman
Sound, A.K.A, “Shoaib's alter ego” (The Asian version anyway, LOL) with her long beautiful flowing locks of hair, she embodies the same glamour as Sho. Through consumerism, westernization, and their “Great Migration”, they met, and found a sister in each other. Through their shared passion for beauty, the arts, and photography they are forever deeply bonded. Not to mention, this little wildflower will disembowel anyone who would ever dare to hurt Shoaib. (And that’s on PERIOD BOO) 😘😎
Kavya Devineni
Groomswoman
Kavya, on the cusp of becoming a dentist, exudes a delightful mix of fun, care, and kindness that infuses our friendship with warmth. Our bond, sparked at a friend's birthday bash where gossip flowed freely with each sip, has only deepened over time. Together, we've explored the culinary world, whipped up delicious meals, and indulged in Kavya's passion for photography. But it's our shared love for gossip that truly cements our friendship, as we revel in each other's company, exchanging stories and secrets with abandon. With Kavya's comforting presence, our friendship feels like a cozy sanctuary, a place where laughter and camaraderie abound, making every moment together an adventure to cherish.
Halima Omo Bolaji
Groomswoman
Halimah is like Shoaib's baby sister. Halimah and Shoaib turned out to be family while exploring this funny thing called life. Shoaib has always been there for Lima he has showed up for her so many times and never treated her like a stranger, he's shown Halimah that love from family could also come from a stranger you met one day. It’s obvious that Halimah loves Shoaib from the bottom of her heart and would do anything to make him be happy in this life:)
Kynnedy Penix
Groomswoman
Kennedy, a beautiful, fun-loving, and incredibly talented vocalist, is a close friend of Shoaib. Together, they have shared laughter, occasional disagreements, and cherished the most precious moments. Over time, their bond has only strengthened as they've grown together. With Kennedy's remarkable talent and charisma, it's undeniable that she is destined to become tomorrow's superstar.
Dr Carl Ferraro
Officiant
A staple of Emergency Medicine in the Chicagoland area, Dr Carl Ferraro isn’t just the weirdo he appears to be LOL. Carl is funny, kind, intelligent, and very caring. He provides excellent care to his patients, provides needed morale boosts to his colleagues, and he’s damn handsome! Through his interactions with Abe, Abe knew that Carl was a special kind of friend. Not to mention, who wouldn’t want a famous Physician Musician to officiate their wedding. Abe and Shoaib are honored that Carl would officiate their special day, and make it the memory of a lifetime. Thanks Carl for being here to celebrate with us.
Deanna Akande
Sister Of the Groom (Abe)
Deanna loves music fests, concerts and all things Sloths, she is included in this wedding because Mom made me 🤣, Deanna is the younger sister of Abe. Though they did not get the choice of being in one another’s life, Dee had been there for Abe when all else was doomed. Often each other’s plus one to events so they can laugh together, she’s the honorary Sister of the Groom for this wedding, and no one can take her spot. Forced to be here or not, it is important that she is here. Lighten up little sis, you’re gonna love this multicultural bonanza, Mom said so!
Barbara Lewis
Mother of the Groom
Don’t call her Babs or Barbie, who could have a wedding without this amazing woman! Abe’s mom is the cheerleader any kid wished they had! Here for her son’s (second *cough*) wedding, Barb lives her life by how much joy her children and grandchildren bring to it. Though Muhammad’s mother could not make it to this wedding, Barb is enough Mom for both grooms! Love you mom!!! -Abe