Wedding Party
Christian Thomas
Best Man
As the groom’s younger brother, I have had a front-row seat to every chapter of Dez's life—from childhood adventures and questionable teenage decisions to the man he is today. Growing up together gave us more than shared memories; it built a bond rooted in loyalty, laughter, and the kind of understanding that only brothers can have. I cannot wait to stand beside him to marry the love of his life. I'm proud of you big bro!
Nana Pearson
Matron of Honor
Aja and I met our freshman year of high school, but it wasn’t until Mrs. Harris’ class sophomore year that we became inseparable. After high school, we became college roommates, creating a lifetime of memories in just five short years. I’ve also had the absolute privilege of watching Aja and Dez’s love story unfold from the very beginning. Watching two of my favorite people fall in love has been something truly special, and now, getting to stand beside my two best friends on their wedding day is so special. Aja and Dez, I love you both so big, and I can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter with you!
Clay Twymon
Best Man
Desmond, my brother, The first time we officially talked, you called to check in on a naive rebel who was going through it lol. Me, being the stubborn person I am, just said, “I’m cool.” Never did I imagine that conversation would be the start of an unbreakable bond that would last a lifetime. I remember practically living at your apartment at “The Point” probably more than you did. Practically bouncing strolls off of each other for hours at a time. Then, for the past five years (aside from the diabolical move to Arizona), we’ve spent almost every single day together. We’ve learned from each other, pushed each other prime Jordan and Pippen but let’s be clear, I’m Jordan. We’ve argued (mostly about sports War Eagle), cried, laughed, and prayed together. Through it all, you’ve been my best friend, my brother, and a blessing in my life. I thank God for you daily. I got you 4L and Even After That 🖤
Canaan Briggs
Maid of Honor
Aja & I met at church when we were toddlers! our parents had no idea the attachment that would be created between us. we quite literally have been inseparable since then. we danced together for 15 years and have had each other's front, back & sides throughout it all! we are now going on like 23 years of sisterhood! we get the chance to live out our childhood dreams by being each other’s maid of honor and there’s nothing more in life I wanted for us! she’s the yin to my yang and there’s nothing I wouldn’t follow behind her to do!
Khiry Smith
Groomsman
I first met Dez in August of 2017. It was crazy how when we first met that I really didn’t think I’d like him and I didn’t for a while. We came from two totally different backgrounds and that bothered me for whatever reason. However, it didn’t take much time for us to become best friends - brothers. This guy has been with me at my lowest points and cheered for me at my high points. I’ve seen my little brother transform into a great father, son, and soon to be husband. His journey was certainly not easy but I see that it made him into a man that not only I am proud of, but that in many ways I look up to. I am glad to know he has marked many chapters in his life for me- including this one.
Chloe Jenkins
Bridesmaid
Aja and I met, I want to say around the age of 4/5, at none other than AD West Dance Company. I was the quiet little girl who halfway did choreography and Aja was the show stopping child who knew all the dance steps! As time went on, I began to open my mouth and speak and somehow the ridiculous things that came out didn’t turn Aja away, and that led to a friendship and then grew into a forever sisterhood. Now how I met Desmond, is a rather funny story that we will keep under wraps LOL. But, nonetheless, cannot wait to get these two down that aisle!
Joshua Pearson
Groomsman
Aja and I go way back—all the way to kindergarten. I met Dez through Aja and my wife, Nana, during their college years, and we quickly formed a close bond. From day one, Dez and I just clicked. Now, I am excited to return the favor and stand beside Dez on his big day, just like Dez did for me.
Niyah Nelson
Bridesmaid
I met Aja at A D West Dance Company when we were just 9 or 10 years old — two little girls with big dreams and even bigger personalities. From 2010 to 2016, we just clicked , we danced side by side through every routine, rehearsal, recital and now life . Dance brought us together, and life made us sisters. Aja has always been one of my confidants — whether we were venting about rehearsals, navigating relationships, or just figuring life out one step at a time. She’s someone I can always count on, and vice versa . Though she’s about to take on a new last name, there’s nothing that will ever change my love and admiration for her. Aja is one of the most charismatic, kind, and loving souls I know, and I’m so honored to stand by her as she takes this beautiful next step. Here’s to the past we shared and the future she’s stepping into — with grace, laughter, and a whole lot of love.
Courtland Cox
Groomsman
My brother Dez has always been someone I could come to on a personal level. My first interaction with him was about sports during our college days, totally random by the way. Of course, we all know what particular football fan he is, (shaking my head). Sometimes I ask myself “why did I ask what team he cheers for”. All in all, we’ve grown closer over the years & share some of the same life values as men first, joined the same fraternity, & ironically everybody in his circle I consider family now. If you know anything about me, I don’t relate to everybody as family, but I can honestly say I know I have a brother within him for life.
Darby Nealy
Bridesmaid
The best kinds of friendships are the ones you don’t see coming and I was very fortunate to meet Aja during our first year of college at JSU! We love to say that our friendship just immediately clicked. no big rhyme or reason for it but God knew exactly what we needed in one another. i’d never felt so fiercely cared for by a friend and that quality is simply my favorite of Aja. she has a fierce love for each of those important people in her life and how perfect that the man she’s going to marry cherishes that and reciprocates it back to her tenfold. Aja is such a very special light and to bear witness to such a blessed union is an incredible honor!!
Jaz Daley
Bridesmaid
Aja and I met back in middle school, and I can’t remember the distinct moment, but I knew her, and I were going to be friends for a long time. Aja just has that certain aura around her that you can’t help but to fall in love with. We are now going on 14 years of friendship and to be able to have an amazing friend like Aja for that long is a true blessing. I’m so excited to witness you marry the love of your life Aja!
KeDarius Embry
Groomsman
My brother’s getting married, man, and it’s one of those moments that makes you stop and reflect on the journey. We’ve been through everything together—laughs, lessons, wins, and even times we didn’t see eye to eye. I’ll never forget the day we were so mad we were about to fight. We were both heated, drawing imaginary lines in front of us, daring the other to cross it—but neither of us did. That moment said more than any argument ever could. That’s when we both knew we weren’t just friends—we were brothers for life. When I first met Dez, it was a crazy night for me. He didn’t even know me like that, but he still looked out for me. The next day we talked, connected, and became friends. From that point on, he’s been showing me lessons—from life advice to how to carry myself in business. He’s helped me grow, challenged me, and stood by me through it all. I’m so proud of the man he is and even more proud to call him my brother. Thank you, Dez, for letting me be a part of this journey with you. This is just the beginning—and I’m honored to witness it.
Cejoi Carter
Bridesmaid
me and filet grew up together due to us meeting at AD West. She’s always been so nurturing and protective of my headspace since we were kids, and she’ll never understand how grateful I am for that. She’s overly deserving of this kind of love and appreciation for the rest of her life, and I am elated to stand alongside them and be a part of their village. Shoutout my brother Dez cause things wasn’t sweet off rip 😬 but it’s sweet as strawberry wine now 😉 word to Chris Stapleton. We appreciate you being so open to our dynamic but let’s be frank, you had no choice brotha. But no for real , thank you! I love y'all deep.