Update: In light of COVID-19, we wanted to let you know our wedding is going forward as planned. As always, your health and safety are our top priority, and we completely understand if you’re no longer able to attend. Please just let us know as soon as possible.

September 4, 2021

Greensboro, North Carolina

#Aisle2Akins

De'Onna & Anthony

Wedding Party

Meet our family and friends who are walking down the aisle with us.

Noah Smith

Son of The Bride and Groom

I will be the cutest ring bearer ever!

Shawana Smith

Maid of Honor

Awwww my baby sis/first child getting married. I remember when you was 4 years old hooked up to all those machines. All I could do was cry because I wanted to know what was wrong with my baby sister. I ask God to wake you up so you could talk to me again. And my God did just that. Im so thankful that I have been able to share this this wonderful thing called life with you. Just know that your big sis has your back and Im always going to ride for you. Love you always 😘😘😘. Oh and Anthony Im thankful for the way you love my sister and my newphewson. It means alot, for that, thats why you’re my brother 😉.

Alysea Wilson

Lady in Waiting

Ariel Wilson

Lady in Waiting

Ashley Hollins

Bridesmaid

I met De’Onna at church. I went to church in NJ and she was in NC.For some reason there was a north/south beef. Lol. When I would come down for conference I would always speak & be cordial but the girl was so fake. Lol! I said you know what I’m gonna stop speaking to her because I don’t do fake. Lol Once I moved to NC we became friends through our mutual friend, Nathan. Dee then became my sister! We did just about everything together, I was basically sharing MY room with her. We have so many memories. I can’t choose just one. Throughout our friendship, we’ve had more ups than downs. I learned she wasn’t fake at all but she was loyal! Here we’re years later and I would have never guessed that fake girl from NC would ask me to be her bridesmaid. Lol. I’m honored to be apart of her wedding!

Ashley Malachi

Bridesmaid

One of my favorite memories is when you, Ebona, and I voted on who we all thought would have a child first and who would get married first out of us three? Looks like I was right ! Congratulations to you and Anthony ! You deserve nothing less sis!

Avonna Smith

Bridesmaid

“I don’t have any recollection of when we first met, but who does when your cousins!? I’m not gonna put us on blast about my favorite memory! lol but you ride for the people you care about and thats all I will say about MY favorite memory! I used to think that as the older cousin you are supposed to look up to me all of the time. I have watched you grow over the past few years and you have shown me that its okay to look up to my younger cousin every now and then! I am truly excited for you, Anthony, and Noah! I cant wait for 2021 to witness this union! Congratulations, Love Vonna

Briana Williams

Bridesmaid

Shaun! I cant believe I’m writing for your wedding website! I’ve known you now for about 8 years. Anyone around us would think it has been all our little lives. You are strong, beautiful , smart and resilient. You are a good friend and great mom! I pray God continues to bless not only you but also your union with Tonio. I have no doubts you will be a great wife. Love y’all ! -Teedy

Ebona Goins

Bridesmaid

Dee and I met in 9th grade. We were instantly bonded when we discovered that we were born on the same day, of the same year, at the same hospital only hours apart! One of my favorite memories with Dee is sitting on the pavement in my aunt’s driveway in 12th grade, looking pitiful, giving her old school Honda “Susie” a pep talk after she locked us out. A strong second would have to be when Dee’s finger got jammed/dislocated in basketball practice... the dramatics 😂

Jasmine Cobb

Bridesmaid

Cousin, I love you more than you will ever know. 14 years ago, you have made me feel like I belonged. I am forever grateful. Through the years I have watched you grow from this girl who loved basketball and softball to this amazing women, mother, and soon to be wife. When I look at you, I see this graceful, strong, beautiful black woman and mother. Anthony is lucky to have you. Anthony, De is lucky to have you. I have watched you love De for many years. Now, I am watching you love Noah and that is priceless. You are a fiancé and a father, soon to be a husband. There is no one I would rather call cousin than you. You have always been family, we’re just making it official now. Continue to be the amazing black man you are. To the future Mr & Mrs. Akins, a lifetime of happiness.

Keyatta Jackson

Bridesmaid

Well I didn’t come to say a Easter speech but I have always welcomed Anthony as my cousin in law with open arms! Baby I can’t wait to march down the Aisle to Akins!! Thank you for being the man to my cousin who I love dearly and light skin Noah!! I LOVE YALL

Keyona Barrett

Bridesmaid

De’Onna and I are 3rd cousins and best friends. We met when we were younger but formed a strong bond at the illustrious James Benson Dudley High School. De’Onna and I both know we can always count on each other. We fight hard but we love harder!

Markell Wylie

Bridesmaid

I met De’Onna as my softball teammate at NCCU. I couldn’t tell if she was just quiet or mean lol. At first we were just on a hi and bye basis, encouraging one another on the field and parting our ways after. One weekend she ends up calling me and I answered. To my surprise this quiet/mean girl is full of “energy” begging me to come hang out. I was halfway asleep but she would not take no for an answer and then tells me shes outside waiting. Im like who is this person? So I decided to go and had the best time of my life. We spent the next 4 years almost inseparable and I’ve loved every moment. To this day, I don’t think I can turn down and outing with you. Thank you for being my pick me up, my confidant, my motivation , support, and most of all my bestfriend. I love you!

Shemeika McCray

Bridesmaid

I will never forget the time we all got kicked out the house because of Ari and Alysea at daddy house. This was when Cris was pregnant and we had to scrub the walls. -Shemeika

Takina Alston

Bridesmaid

“DeOnna is the friend that’ll give to you whenever you’re in need, no strings attached and doesn’t use what she does for you over your head. She’s the friend I’ve always been, but never got in return. The kind of friend with the energy you keep.” -Takina