01:00 AM EDT on Sunday, September 12, 2004

Angela Bannerman and Frank Ankoma

Washington Park United Methodist Church, Providence

7.10.04

It's standing room only at Washington Park United Methodist Church as Angela Bannerman walks down the aisle on her father's arm. Even the foyer fills up as latecomers -- mostly couples with young children sleeping in their arms -- arrive. Fortunately, she and Frank Ankoma have booked the gigantic Rhodes on the Pawtuxet ballroom for the reception.

Earlier, getting ready at the Westin Hotel in downtown Providence, Angie says they expect at least 500 guests. "In the African culture, not everyone feels the need to RSVP a wedding invitation. 'You sent me an invitation -- of course I'll be there' -- is the feeling."

Both the Bannerman and the Ankoma families originally come from Ghana, West Africa. "We're having a traditional African celebration with an American twist," says Angie, as she waits for her aunt to arrive at the hotel to bless her wedding dress before she puts it on.

Frank, 38, and Angie, 29, met through a mutual friend, in 1999. "They stopped in at my house to use the bathroom, of all things." On Frank's side it was an instant attraction. But Angie was dating someone at the time. So they lost touch until November 2000 when they bumped into each other at a club. Frank was there with the same friend who had brought him to her house. They exchanged phone numbers and started dating.

In the fall of 2001, Angie moved to New York City to attend graduate school at Columbia University. Frank, a Quality Assurance Lab Technician at Microfibres Inc. in Pawtucket, stayed in Rhode Island, but would visit almost every weekend.

Frank proposed on November 27, 2001, on their one-year anniversary. He had planned a couple of special things, setting the stage for his proposal of marriage. "But I was crabby," says Angie. "He wanted to go to dinner, then the beach, and I didn't want to. So he just pulled over on the side of the road and gave me a ring in the middle of all my whining."

They decided to put the wedding off until she graduated, so that they could have a really big celebration. They have 8 bridesmaids and 8 groomsmen, plus two junior bridesmaids, a flower girl and a ring bearer, bringing the wedding party total to 22, including bride and groom.

She graduated this past May, with two masters' degrees from Columbia: in social work and in public health. Now she's looking for a job -- in Rhode Island and in New York, and she's optimistic.

Back at the Westin, the limo has arrived, but still no aunt to bless her dress. "I can't wait any longer. I'll just have to go without the blessing," says Angie. Minutes later, the aunt arrives. Angie decides to have her bless the traditional African dress she will change into later at the reception. The two hold hands and pray over the multi-colored dress, then head for the door.