Walden Chicago, IL – was the setting for the July 9 wedding celebration of Ashley Gerou and Hakeem Olayanju of Chicago, IL. Drew Bradle, friend of the couple, officiated the ceremony.

Serving as Maid of Honor for the ceremony was friend, Kendall Kennedy. Bridesmaids were friends, Deanna Bougie and Lisa Gartland, and family; Azizat Daramola-Jacob, Katie Gerou, Lindsey Gerou and Bashirat Olayanju.

Serving as Best Man was friend, Chris Podolak. Groomsmen were friends, Okenwa Aguwa, John Collingwood, Brian Germain, and family; Shawn Gerou, Nick Gerou and Ahmed Olayanju.

Ring bearers were nephews of the couple; Blake and Max Gerou, Jola Daramola-Jacob, Dayo and Gabe Olayanju.

The bride is the daughter of Alan and Cathy Gerou of Escanaba. She is the granddaughter of Adelore Gerou and the late Theresa Gerou and Matt and Arlene Smith, all of Escanaba. Ashley graduated from Kendall College of Art and Design with a degree in visual communications and is the Creative Director for GovernmentCIO.

The groom is the son of Yekini and Mojirade Olayanju of Ilorin, Kwara, Nigeria. A graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in finance, Hakeem is an International Accounting Manager for Trustwave Holdings.

The couple is at home in Chicago, IL.