Wedding Party
Unalissa Suncar
Matron of Honor
Unalissa is Abryana’s older cousin. Abryana looks up to her big cousin for practically everything. Even though they have lived on opposite sides of the country since Abry moved to California in 2003, they have remained close, with Abryana being a bridesmaid in Unalissa’s own wedding.
Sofia Gittens
Matron of Honor
Sofia is Abryana’s sister-in-law. When Anthony, Abry’s brother, introduced Abry to Sofia for the first time, Abry knew Sofia was special. The two instantly clicked. Abry has always wanted a big sister and now she finally has one!
Chidinma Wilson
Maid of Honor
Cousins Chidinma and Abryana, affectionately known as Chidi and Abby, were destined to be best friends. Their parents are best friends and passed the tradition down to them. Born only a month apart (Chidi is older), there has never been Abby without Chidi.
Teia Campbell
Maid of Honor
In junior high, two girls sat next to each other in a yearbook class. The rest was history! Abry and Teia have built a friendship where they know they can lean on each other for support and celebrate their big wins together. Through all the uncertainty of life, one thing is for sure: Abry and Teia have each other’s backs.
Sueandrea Kelly
Bridesmaid
Sueandrea and Abry bonded over their love of Bollywood movies and Justin Bieber’s documentary Never Say Never in junior high. As time went on, the two realized how much they loved to spend time together. Whether it’s a movie night, study date, or a night out, Abry and Suean just love hanging out together. Although this friendship has lasted for over decade, some things never change. They still do Bollywood movie nights and rewatch Never Say Never every once in a while.
Sydney Gilbert
Bridesmaid
If you want to laugh, get Abry and Sydney in the same room. The two friends love to riff and make jokes, sometimes a little too much. Another friend from junior high days, Abry is so grateful to have a long lasting friendship that has become such a huge part of her life. Sydney’s passion for life, her fearless spirit, and ability to adapt with whatever life throws at her inspires Abry everyday.
Brea Fleming
Bridesmaid
During Abry’s first week at Oakwood University, she was placed in an orientation group with Brea. The two gravitated towards each other and clicked. Although Abry now travels to Memphis because of Denzel, it’s important to know that Brea is the reason Abry fell in love with the city. Brea and her family opened up their home to Abry during Thanksgiving Break and showed her the true meaning of Southern Hospitality. Now working as a dentist in Detroit, Brea is the other long-distance relationship in Abry’s life, with the two constantly FaceTiming for hours and talking about everything and nothing at the same time.
Subirah Hendrickson
Bridesmaid
Subirah, lovingly called BiBi by Abry (and Abry only), is a beacon of light in Abry’s life. Dedicated, determined, and hilarious, Subirah reminds Abry to smile and not take herself so seriously. Studying as a medical student in Philadelphia, Subirah stills finds ways to show up for Abry, such as flying across the country to spend the weekend celebrating Abry and Denzel’s engagement. Subirah’s passion for social justice and equity motivates Abry to be the best person she can be.
Ariel Glass
Bridesmaid
Even though Ariel and Abry went to school together since seventh grade, the two didn’t become the dynamic duo that they are until Abry’s second year at Oakwood University. Ariel and Abry became roommates and had the best experience they could ask for. From a mold infestation in their dorm room to “accidentally” oversleeping for the 9 am classes one too many times, Abry and Ariel found themselves sharing so many crazy experiences. Although they haven’t lived together for years, the two still introduce by saying “This is my roomie”
Hallee Tyler
Bridesmaid
Even though Hallee and Abry have floated around the same social circles for their whole lives, the two didn’t meet until Hallee transferred to Oakwood University. When they met, the two instantly connected. Both were shocked by how similar they were and how easily they got along. Even though Hallee only stayed at Oakwood for one year, the two have continued to build a strong friendship. Abry and Hallee love to find any excuse to be together, whether it’s a road trip with one too many detours or a little date at the Cheesecake Factory.
Averne Panchoo
Bridesmaid
Averne and Abry met when Abry’s dad became the pastor of Averne’s church. One day after church, Averne invited Abry to go to the beach. After that, every church member knew that when you saw Averne, you saw Abry. Both ladies became inseparable. More like family, Averne and Abry have a constant friend in each other. Whether it’s Abry taking care of the family dogs when the Panchoo’s are out of town, or Averne’s dad always making sure his fridge is stocked with Abry’s favorite brand of turkey sausage, the two ladies have become major parts of each other’s lives.
Corliss Wilson
Bridesmaid
Corliss, also known as Lissie, is Abry’s younger cousin. Even though Abry still thinks about their younger days when she was teaching Lissie her ABC’s, Lissie has grown up into a brilliant young woman, who recently graduated with a Master’s degree in Ethics, Peace, and Human Rights. When Abry thinks about Lissie, she is so proud of how her not-so-baby cousin has grown into such a beautiful, caring, and gregarious young woman.
Dr. Colwick Wilson
Officiant
Dominique Copeland
Best Woman
Growing up we used to fight like cats and dogs. Then something changed in our relationship, we grew closer together. I started to talk to Dominique more about what was going on in my life. Whether that's finance, jobs, weight lose, or advice about life. She is always a phone call away and will pick up. I came to her when I wanted to propose to Abry, she took my thoughts and vision and made it one of the best days of my life. She has turn from just being my older sister to my best. Don't tell her I said that.
Ian Campbell
Groomsman
Ian and Denzel met at Oakwood University. When Denzel first attended Oakwood, he was new and only knew a handful of people, including their mutual friend Nate. Denzel would hang out with Ian and Nate to watch basketball games. As their relationship grew, they worried it would end at Oakwood. God had different plans. Ian moved to Memphis to attend school to be a doctor of physical therapy. They moved in together, and it was like college all over again. They played NBA2K, watched sports, and attended playoff games. Denzel was honored to watch Ian walk across the stage to become a doctor. Now he is some Denzel calls a brother.
Jaerae Dell
Groomsman
Denzel met Jaerae, who he calls Dre, through their friend Nate. They bonded over the video game NBA2k and always played each other in their dorm rooms. Apparently, Denzel always beats Jaerae. As they got closer over the years, they would argue like brothers. If Jaerae said the sky was blue, Denzel would say the sky was red. They have a competitive spirit in their friendship and constantly push each other to be great. Denzel was proud to see his friend receive his white coat and diploma and become a doctor of dentistry. Their relationship continues growing, and Denzel is happy to call Jaerae his brother.
Josiah Taylor
Groomsman
Denzel has known Josiah for as long as he can remember. They both grew up in the SDA churches of Memphis, TN. With Denzel being a LeBron James fan and Josiah being a Kobe Bryant fan, they developed a healthy rivalry. Now, Josiah is rooting for LeBron! After Josiah graduated from Oakwood University, their relationship developed. Denzel thinks it is because they were able to move on from the fact that Denzel's team beat Josiah's team in the intramural basketball championship. According to Denzel, Josiah is the type of brother he can depend on for anything. Whether he needs help moving, a friend to play basketball with, or just someone to talk to, Denzel knows he can count on Josiah.
Jalen Brown
Groomsman
There are pictures of Jalen and Denzel sitting in Sabbath school together at ages three and four, suited and booted. They grew up playing video games together. A memory that sticks out to Denzel is their time in high school playing basketball after school. They would spend hours playing, laughing, and having fun. As adults, they both have careers in technology. Whenever Denzel has questions about anything tech-related, he knows Jalen is always there to answer. Denzel is glad to have Jalen as a brother.
Mark Townsell
Groomsman
Growing up, Mark and Denzel both served at church together. The young men first bonded over computers and video games. Denzel admired Mark's talent when it came to playing any video game. Denzel and Mark had so much fun playing Modern Warfare 2, which Denzel thinks is the greatest Call of Duty. The young men played matches against each other for hours. They would yell at each other over the mics despite their parents telling them to keep it down. These days, they are active in church together, and both help on the media team.
Jonathan Roberson
Groomsman
Jonathan and Denzel grew up playing computer games with each other. They would use an ancient invention called a house phone to communicate with each other. Growing up, they dreamed of becoming millionaires from gaming, but their parents had other plans. As they got older, their relationship grew. The young men shared the stage at their high school graduation and are now both in tech. To this day, they still game together.
Jabari George
Groomsman
Jabari and Denzel met at Oakwood in Dre and Ian's room. Jabari and Denzel would play 2k, and Bari would lose. However, Denzel wouldn't dare play Madden against Jabari because he knew the outcome. Jabari and Denzel also bonded over the game of basketball; they would go to the dorm room and watch games together. During the breaks, they would argue about the better player or team. There was nothing but laughs and smiles in that dorm room. After they finished watching games, they would play basketball. They were like Shaq and Kobe in Denzel's head. Folks in intramural weren't stopping their pick and roll. One of many memories Denzel remembers was the championship game. Let me set the scene for you. It was a Saturday night; the gym was fully packed to watch the chicken chaser play ball, and it was hot in the gym. Tip-off happens; Jabari and Denzel run up and down this long court. Denzel thinks it has been at least ten minutes off the clock; Jabari tells him it's only been three minutes. They continue to battle with the other team. It gets to the second half, and the Chicken Chasers are down by fifteen points with five minutes left on the clock. Jabari and Denzel dug deep with the rest of their teammates, and somehow, they brought the game back within 3 points. Someone inbounds the ball to Jabari; he comes upcourt and shoots from the hash mark. Denzel is under the basket, thinking what is wrong with Jabari. BANG the ball goes through the net. Chicken Chasers are your champion.
Cameron Turner
Groomsman
Cam and Denzel met at Oakwood. Cam didn't like Denzel at first. Cam was trying to figure out who this loud person was in the group. Once Cam figured out who Denzel was, their relationship started growing. The two bonded over so much stuff, whether it was playing basketball, watching basketball, or evening playing NBA 2k. Denzel and Cam's relationship grew during their junior year at Oakwood. Cam and Denzel bonded over NBA2k. Denzel would go to Cam's dorm room and beat Cam in 2k; the record might be 200-10 in favor of Denzel. Cam and Denzel's relationship continued to grow after both walked across the stage in 2021. Whether that's playing video games, talking on the phone about life, or just laughing. Denzel is proud to call Cam a brother.
Kadarius Jack
Groomsman
KJ and Denzel met through Ian. From day one, they connected. KJ is a Celtic fan and hates Lebron. Denzel is a Lebron fan and hates the Celtics. They bonded over watching and attending basketball games together. KJ and Denzel had the same competitive spirit. While they both were at the house one day, KJ said to Denzel, "I can stop Kyle Lowry from scoring twenty points on me. Denzel looked at KJ with disbelief. Denzel couldn't believe what had come out of KJ's mouth. Denzel burst out laughing and even invited Ian to hear this nonsense. Denzel says, "We're talking about an NBA player who also has won a ring." KJ responds with, "I know." To this day, KJ thinks he still cannot stop Kyle Lowry from scoring. Moments like that are why Denzel calls KJ his brother.
Greg Darville
Groomsman
Greg and Denzel grew up together in the SDA church. They ran in the same circle because of how small the churches were in the Memphis area. Denzel and Greg lived one street over from each other. Greg's mother homeschooled Denzel along with Greg's siblings. They played on the same basketball team in middle school and high school. In Denzel's head, they were like Pau Gasol and Zach Randolph. They still remember how Coach Baton had them running in Breathe of Life hot gym for practice. Greg was also on the team that lost to the Chicken Chasers. Denzel and Greg have always shown up for each other's achievements, from graduating undergrad to Greg's white coat and his matching day in medical school. They both talk about being amazing future husbands and the stress of planning a wedding. Denzel is glad to have Greg in his life.
Reyn Paul
Flower Girl
Aiden Steele
Ring Bearer
Karsyn Bobo
Flower Girl
Nathan Davis
Groomsman
Nate and Denzel met... Well, we're not sure when they met. Nate and Denzel grew up together in the SDA churches in Memphis. Their parents were friends so that's how their relationship started. Nate and Denzel also went to the same school MJA. They saw and spoke to each other in the hall and passing but their actual friendship didn't start until College. Both of them went to Oakwood University. When Denzel transferred to Oakwood in the fall of 2017, Denzel didn't know that many people. One person Denzel knew was Nate. Nate and Denzel kicked it all the time at Oakwood from playing basketball, going to the cafeteria, and even going to church together. Denzel and Nate have a lot of moments together, some that can't and won't be discussed. A moment that comes to Denzel's head is a game called Clash Royal. Nate put Denzel on to this mobile game. They would sit in the dorm room and play this game for hours, laughing and raging. Another moment would be going to play basketball in the back of Holland. There would be so many people out there playing, Nate and Denzel always would stick together and play on the same team. Someone even offered to give them free haircuts to play on their intramural team, both said no. That wasn't the right business move looking back on that decision. Denzel and Nate have both shown up for each other's accomplishments in life. Anytime the two of them get together it's bound to be a lot of laughing. Denzel is proud to call Nate his brother
Kylan Owens
Groomsman
Kylan and Denzel met.. Again they're not sure when they met. Both of them grew up in church together. So that's where their relationship started. Denzel and Kylan's relationship grew through playing video games together. They played so many games together, to name a few MW2, Black OPs, GTA, Divison, and the game of it all NBA 2k. One day Kylan had this bright idea to play 2k park, so Kylan hit up Denzel and his uncle T Mason 3. Mind you Denzel grew up playing 2k every year, but this year was a little different. NBA 2k added a game mode called park. T Mason 3 and Denzel buys 2k in the middle of the game cycle. That means they are the Christmas noobs. Kylan failed to mention that we had to use real money to get our my player overall up. This is how Denzel addition of spending virtual currency all began. Honestly, this is all Kylan's fault. They spend money and off to the park we go, Denzel is new at the game mode and asks Kylan what to do. Kylan is just laughing at Denzel is missing jump shots, layups, and dunks but every day after that Denzel keeps getting back on 2k. Kylan, Denzel, and T Mason 3 would stay up to two and three am playing the game, knowing we had work and school. Just laughing, crying, raging, and being loud. There were times when Denzel's mother would come into his room to say you're being too loud. Kylan and Denzel really formed a brother and their relationship grew. Denzel is proud to call Kylan his brother