Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner 

The Lake Estate on Winnisquam

Ceremony and Reception

Fall

Our Wedding

It was February break, in New England! Sarah was visiting one of her old basketball teammates at Western New England University. A football party was being held down the street, and they decided to go. As Sarah walked through the doorway (Ike remembers her having to duck to get into the doorway), they noticed each other right away since they were both head and shoulders above the crowd ;) Ike approached Sarah and to get her attention executed a very smooth "robot" dance move. From that moment on, Sarah and Ike were talking consistently, over the phone and long distance. Sarah in Washington, D.C. and Ike in Massachusetts/Pittsburgh. For the next 6 years, Sarah and Ike traveled almost every weekend in order to be with each other. Finally, in the 2020 COVID pandemic, Ike moved to DC and the rest is history! Sarah and Ike just bought a house in Dumfries VA, with their kitties Kali and Pumpkin.

Our Story

Wedding Day Shuttle

Buses will be available to bring guests to the Lake Estate from two seperate hotel locations. We will also provide 2 different return times. Please see below for the details: Pickup Locations and Time: 1. Townplace Suites by Marriott Laconia Guilford : 3:45pm2. Holiday Inn Express &amp; Suites Tilton: 3:45pm Return Trip #1:9:00pm back to both hotels Return Trip #2: 10:15pm back to both hotels

Ceremony

Where: <a href="https://maps.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x4cb3359243fc0995:0x6cc48c8a5bc68433?entry=s&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjFspXq8fyPAxWj1vACHYLFGloQ4kB6BAgXEAA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Lake Estate on Winnisquam, Tilton NH </a>(on the dock behind the hotel) When: Ceremony begins at 4:30pm Cocktail Attire: Cocktail dresses, dressy jumpsuits, and jackets and slacks.

Cocktail Hour

Where: <a href="https://maps.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x4cb3359243fc0995:0x6cc48c8a5bc68433?entry=s&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjFspXq8fyPAxWj1vACHYLFGloQ4kB6BAgXEAA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Lake Estate on Winnisquam, Tilton NH </a>: (indoors at the resort) When: 5-6pm Please enjoy music, food, and drinks ahead of the reception!

Reception

Where: <a href="https://maps.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x4cb3359243fc0995:0x6cc48c8a5bc68433?entry=s&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjFspXq8fyPAxWj1vACHYLFGloQ4kB6BAgXEAA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Lake Estate on Winnisquam, Tilton NH </a>: (indoors in the ballroom) When: 6-10pm We cant wait to celebrate with you!

Schedule

Shuttle to the Ceremony

Buses will be available to bring guests to the Lake Estate from two seperate hotel locations. We will also provide 2 different return times. Please see below for the details: Pickup Locations and Time: Townplace Suites by Marriott Laconia Guilford : 3:45pmHoliday Inn Express &amp; Suites Tilton: 3:45pm Return Trip #1:9:00pm to both hotels Return Trip #2: 10:15pm to both hotels

Flights

We recommend flying into Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) or Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). MHT ~ 45 minutes to venueBOS ~ 90 minutes to venue

Manchester-Boston Regional Airport

Boston Logan International Airport

Accomodations

Fall draws thousands of tourists to the lakes region of New Hampshire. Please do your best to book accommodations ASAP, as prices do rise this time of year and accommodations quickly fill up.

We have secured room blocks at this location! Please use the booking link below. <a href="https://www.reseze.net/servlet/SendPage?hotelid=1829&amp;skipfirstpage=true&amp;page=1013" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Merchant/Nwokoye Wedding- Book Your Room!</a>

We have secured room blocks at this location! Please use the booking link below. <a href="https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1752153121560&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1752153121560&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink</a>

TownePlace Suites Laconia Gilford

We have secured room blocks at this location! Please use the booking link below. <a href="https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.30021.html?groupId=5X8RW3P4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.30021.html?groupId=5X8RW3P4</a> 2 night minimum and cutoff Sept 4th. 2025.

Best Western Concord Inn & Suites

Courtyard Concord

Fairfield Inn Concord

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tilton - Lakes Region, an IHG Hotel

Hampton Inn & Suites Tilton

Airbnb

Airbnbs are a great option and provide additional space for larger parties. See this link for Airbnbs located in the Tilton, NH area: <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/tilton-nh/stays" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.airbnb.com/tilton-nh/stays</a>

Getting Up North

There a lots of ways to get up north! Lyft and Uber (although few and far between). Car rentals. Shuttle services to the lakes region from both MHT and BOS. We suggest renting a car or shuttle services.

Lakes Region Airport Shuttle Service

Important Information

Travel

Autumn is truly the most beautiful season in New England! Explore the area’s vibrant fall festivals and discover unique treasures at local antique shops.

The Kancamagus Highway is a 34.5 mile scenic drive along NHs Rt. 112 in Northern New Hampshire that is well known as one of the best Fall Foliage viewing areas in the country. The Kancamagus Highway is now designated an American Scenic Byway for its rich history, aesthetic beauty and culture.

Kancamagus Highway

Great shopping, at discounted prices!

Tanger Outlets Tilton

Enjoy the lake and lake activities.

Lake Winnisquam

Foliage will be peak in October in NH! Enjoy a quick hike or walking trails

Belknap Mountain State Forest

Kettlehead Brewing Company

New Hampshire Boat Museum

Canterbury Shaker Village is a historic site and museum in Canterbury, New Hampshire, United States. It was one of a number of Shaker communities founded in the 19th century. It is one of the most intact and authentic surviving Shaker community sites, and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1993.

Canterbury Shaker Village

Golf club featuring a driving range, restaurant, and lounge area.

Lochmere Country Club

Things to Do

Kevin and Naomi Merchant

Ikechukwu Sr. and Rita Nwokoye

Madison Gibbs

Ekene Nwokoye

Kelsey Flood

Micki Schwarz

Rachel Ferris

Tariku Foster

Marialena Boike

Brandon Brown

Vanessa Nwokoye

Moe Metani

Gavin Klinck

Wedding Party

Registry

Q + A

Photos

Ceremony Details

ALL are invited to the traditional Nigerian wedding ceremony. We certainly do not expect you to attend both ceremonies, so please feel free to attend one or both.   Please see details below!   Date: June 7th, 2025 Venue: Dream Palace Banquet Hall Address: 11225 Bissonnet Street, Houston, Texas 77099 Time: 8:00pm   RSVP Date: May 7th, 2025

Attire Guidance

In traditional Nigerian ceremonies, guests will often wear the traditional outfit known as an Aso-ebi, which means “the family clothes”. See bottom of this page for pictures of what these outfits look like! Please feel free to wear your own cultural attire or traditional wedding attire (cocktail).

Travel & Accomodations

For the Nigerian ceremony, we recommend flying into either William P Hobby Airport (HOU) or George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). IAH ~ 45 min to the venueHOU ~ 35 min to the venue

Hilton Garden Inn Houston / Sugar Land 722 Bonaventure Way, Sugar Land, TX, 77478 (281) - 491 - 7777 or 1-(866) -577 - 1278 Room Block Rate: $107/night plus tax (DQ Bed). Offer ends 5/21/2025. Group Code: RTNE25 https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/houslgi-rtne25-87696b72-a6ef-495a-9d9b-b7bf734921c/

Home2 Suites by Hilton Houston Stafford 11121 Fountain Lake Dr, Stafford, TX 77477<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=home2+suites+houston+stafford&amp;sca_esv=b71b87a039ad9bf1&amp;rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1056US1056&amp;ei=a4aiZ5TDDLfpptQPqcPZiQc&amp;gs_ssp=eJwFwUsKgCAQAFDaBh0hcNO68ZfVEbpEqKPZooRGweP3Xj_M18y5BzpNUh66fYK2LgqCcQ61WcArvUNDtFZqxFVtMgKIY0z5CYJRvUsglnKlkl9GxcaYP_wBDW8aWg&amp;oq=HOME2SUITES+HOUSTON+ST&amp;gs_lp=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&amp;sclient=gws-wiz-serp&amp;safe=active&amp;ssui=on#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(346) 309-2240</a> Room Block Rate: $89/night Code: ISW (Ike/Sarah Wedding) Booking Link: <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/rooms/?ctyhocn=HOUFFHT&amp;arrivalDate=2025-06-04&amp;departureDate=2025-06-09&amp;groupCode=ISW&amp;room1NumAdults=1&amp;displayCurrency=USD" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/rooms/?ctyhocn=HOUFFHT&amp;arrivalDate=2025-06-04&amp;departureDate=2025-06-09&amp;groupCode=ISW&amp;room1NumAdults=1&amp;displayCurrency=USD</a>

SpringHill Suites Houston Sugar Land 13434 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX 77478 <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=pringhill+suites+by+marriott+sugar+land&amp;rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1056US1056&amp;oq=pringhill+suites+by+marriott+sugar+land&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIYCAEQLhgNGK8BGMcBGIAEGJgFGJkFGJ4FMhgIAhAuGA0YrwEYxwEYgAQYmAUYmQUYngUyGAgDEC4YDRivARjHARiABBiYBRiZBRieBTIJCAQQABgNGIAEMggIBRAAGBYYHjIICAYQABgWGB4yCAgHEAAYFhgeMggICBAAGBYYHtIBCDU0NDRqMGo3qAIAsAIA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;safe=active&amp;ssui=on#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(713) 234-7997</a> Room Block Rate: $105/night Code: ISWS (Ike/Sarah Wedding) Booking Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/houss-springhill-suites-houston-sugar-land/overview/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/houss-springhill-suites-houston-sugar-land/overview/</a>

Nigerian Wedding Overview

Ceremony to begin promptly at 8pm We understand that this type of event might be unfamiliar to our guests, so we have provided details on the order of events expected at the ceremony: Entrance #1- Welcome- Entrance of Grooms &amp; Brides family- Entrance of the Groom/Groomsmen and Bride/Bridal Party- Opening prayer - ceremony has begun!- Breaking of kola nut- Passing of the Palm Wine- Blessing from the Fathers- Applause and Dancing - We are Officially Married!- Bride and groom first dance- Dinner Entrance #2- Re-entrance of the mothers of the Bride and Groom- Grand re-entrance of Bride and Groom (and bridal party/groomsmen)- Dancing and celebration!- Gratitude by the Groom and a Closing Prayer We have also linked an example video of a Nigerian ceremony for you to review if you'd like. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions!

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th7yTXQpqy0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th7yTXQpqy0</a>

Transportation

See below for the shuttle schedule to the venue: Hilton Gardens Sugarland / Home2Suites Houston / Springhill Suites by Marriott, Sugarland:Pickup #1: 7:30PMPickup #2: 8:30PMReturn #1: 2:30AMReturn #2: 3:30AM We also suggest either: Lyft and UberCar Rentals

Post Wedding Boat Cruise

Invite Only: For those who are staying in town, we have also planned a Post-Wedding Boat Cruise and visit to NASA on Sunday, June 8th. We kindly ask for an RSVP to this activity no later than May 7th due to headcount requirements. Please text Sarah (508 -414-4841) if you are interested in this event.

Date: June 8th, 2025   Time: 1:00pm to 8:00pm (see shuttle details below)   Attire: All White - Smart casual   Boat Cruise landing: 2500 South Shore Blvd, League City, TX 77573   Shuttle Details: 1:00 PM PICKUP: Hilton Garden Inn Sugar Land - 722 Bonaventure Way, Sugar Land, TX 77479   2:00-5:00 PM: Houston Party Boat - 2500 South Shore Blvd, League City, TX 77573   5:30/6 PM : NASA Space Center Houston - 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058   8:00 PM RETURN: Hilton Garden Inn Sugar Land

Attire Examples

Nigerian Traditional Ceremony

If you are interested in ordering, please complete this <a href="https://warm-store-692.notion.site/1371f7ec5d6080a6874cc0110bf5086e?pvs=105" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Form </a>to input your measurements by Jan 31st, 2025! *Sample measurement examples for men and women are below* As the event gets closer, we will work with you on refining styles and colors! Please note the images in the "Nigerian Traditional Ceremony" section of our website are just examples of what these outfits may look like, as we are getting these hand stitched in Nigeria. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Female Measurements

Please include as many measurements from both female examples as you can.

Male Measurements

Please include as many measurements from both male examples as you can.

Order Page - NEW

Please note the images below are just examples of what these outfits may look like, as we are getting these hand stitched in Nigeria. If you are interested in ordering, we will work with you on refining styles and colors. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions!

To order a traditional outfit, please see our recommended styles and color guide! Please submit measurements, colors, and payments by Jan 31st, 2025!

Aso-eb #1: Sophisticated and traditional - <a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/inwokoye/e/328755" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Link</a>

Aso-eb #2: Casual and elegant - <a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/inwokoye/e/329861" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Link</a>

Aso-eb #3: Flashy and style - <a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/inwokoye/e/328755" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Link</a>

Ladies Aso-eb - <a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/inwokoye/e/328755" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Link</a>

Fans - <a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/inwokoye/e/328755" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Link</a>

Hat - <a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/inwokoye/e/328755" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Link</a>

Men’s Accessories - <a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/inwokoye/e/328755" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Link</a>

Ike & Sarah

Ike & Sarah

Photos