Clarissa & Otis
Wedding Party
Curtis N. Ofori
Best Man
How They are Connected: Curtis came out of the womb with Otis in ‘83. He’s been watching his back (and vice versa) ever since.
Ashley A. aka "Ash Cash"
Maid of Honor
How they are Connected: Met during tryouts for the cheerleading squad in high school over 15 years ago. It didn’t take long for them to form an everlasting bond that followed their friendship from high school to college in Philadelphia, PA where they became roommates. After college, life took them in different directions; Ashley went back to Harrisburg, PA to start her career & later moved to DC while Clarissa stayed in Philadelphia before moving to LA, but living in different area codes didn’t stop their friendship. They planned annual “balling on a budget” vacations, & they continued to visit one another in their respective cities. Ashley has been such a loyal & true friend that Clarissa considers her to be another sister, so there was no way she was standing at that altar without her!
Lucas J. Bolar
Groomsman
How they are Connected: Luke and Otis connected after working at Ruehl (clothing store) for extra cash right after college in 2005. They quickly dropped Ruehl but kept each other as buds. They played on the same JCC basketball team and are Capital Club of DC members. Otis was a groomsman in Luke’s wedding.
Makeeta J. aka Keeta aka "Mom"
Bridesmaid
How they are connected: Makeeta was the one to teach Clarissa how to ride a bike, so it shouldn’t be surprising that she’s also the one mostly helping her to prepare her for the biggest journey of her life, marriage. Keeta is the kind of person that sincerely wants the best for everyone, and it’s evident through all the help and words of encouragement she’s given to Clarissa through the years and that isn't only limited to their own personal relationship. From day one, Keeta and her husband, Mike Jones, have welcomed Otis into the family with open arms. There is no way Clarissa couldn’t have the sister that taught her how to ride a bike, not stand next to her as she begins the biggest “ride” of her life!
Michael Jones
Groomsman
How They are Connected: Mike Jones and Otis connected based on marriage and friendship. Mike Jones (always the full name) was an early supporter of Clarissa and Otis when they started. Mike is also the loving husband to Keeta and the father to Aston and Noelle!
Dara S.
Bridesmaid
How they are Connected: Outside of being “glam girls” together, Dara has been at Clarissa’s side for a lot of her big moments in life; from undergrad & grad school graduations to letting Clarissa live with her during summers so that she could fulfill her modeling dream. Dara was the first to visit Clarissa in California despite the craziness that was unfolding (Covid) which is an example of how Dara always makes a way to be there for family no matter what the circumstances may be. Dara also gave Clarissa the best love that she could have ever received through the gift of her pug Seamus, which is the same love that Otis must compete with every day (kidding, kind of). There is no way Clarissa could fathom standing at the altar without her sister next to her to share another big moment!
Richmond N. Owusu
Groomsman
How They are Connected: Richie, as he is known in the family, is Otis’ younger brother. He is smart, hardworking and in Information Technology for Hospital Systems. Watching Richie grow up from a young brother to a man has been one of the great joys of Otis’ life.
Ayana L. aka "Yana"
Bridesmaid
How They are Connected: . Ayana is the kind of sister you can call whether you’re having a good or bad day, but especially a bad day because you know she’ll make you laugh when she laughs at her own jokes, or at the end of the call when she exclaims, “later gator!” Described as both quirky and professional, Ayana has been there to support Clarissa through her education and career, but she’s also been there for a lot of the fun times. She puts the “party” in bridal party! One of Clarissa’s fondest memories is when they were able to spend time in Vegas, NV and San Diego, CA together. Still, even though Ayana is a lot of fun, her heart is what Clarissa admires most because it is genuine, and that’s the kind of energy Clarissa needs by her side to start her love story with Otis!
Charles N. Ofori, Jr.
Groomsman
How They are Connected: Chuck, as he is known within the family, is Otis’ youngest brother. Otis & Chuck share a love for fantasy football and the stock market - both of which they ask for advice often.
Samantha O.
Bridesmaid
How are they Connected: Samantha is married to Curtis who is Otis’ twin brother. However, it’s more than just circumstances that made Clarissa choose Samantha to be a member of her bridal party. She quickly began to see her as a friend and a confidante. Clarissa also knows, as a fellow “Pennsylvania girl” (as Otis likes to refer to them), Samantha will be honest with her and knows that they will have one another’s backs because they just get one another. So although they will be sisters through marriage, becoming friends was a choice that Clarissa cherishes every day and is happy to have Samantha as a member of her bridal party!