Almeda & Toby
Wedding Party
Almeda Giles
Bride
I am ME! I sing when I’m happy or sad - it’s just who I am - a “Worshipper for Life”!!! (God is Spirit, & those who worship HIM must worship HIM in spirit & truth. - John 4:24). I can laugh with the best of them, cry when it moves my heart, and dance like it’s nobody’s business when it’s time to “bust a move”! I have learned that life is too short and precious to stress over the dumb stuff. “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25) I love my children, family, life and i love people too, so if you’ve ever seen me watching you, I’m looking for the best in you! Peace be with you now and forever.
Toby Lopez
Groom
Don’t be too busy with life that you don’t include the Lord. Proverbs 3:5-6. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.”
Barbara Adams
Matron of Honor
Barbara is Almeda's Sister. Barbs, as we fondly call her, is the most bubbly person you probably will ever meet in your life. My children have always been "her" children, as she call herself their Mom-Aunt. My sister is my ride or die chick for sure and come hell or high water, she always has my back. Eddie Murphy made a song called Party All The Time, which truly fits my sissy's personality. Barbs - you are sexy, cute, fine and all of that!!!
Avalisa Gallo
Bridesmaid
Avalisa is Almeda's Oldest Daughter. Ava is my entertainer and personal wedding planner. She is such a gorgeous person, on the outside and the inside. She has the gift of eloquent speech, often referred to as the "golden tongue", and can fit into any environment - hood or prestigious. Ava showed her true strength when her little sister was evacuated from Incirlik Turkey. Ava gave up her life in Austin Texas to become a Mom to my baby girl for 6 months. That’s what love truly looks like!!! Ava, you are so talented and brilliant, and I don’t think there’s anything you can’t do.
Daisy Sudderth
Bridesmaid
Daisy - Almeda's Youngest Daughter! Daisy is such a strong leader with loads of personality & spunk, and is always pushing the limits, even when it gets her in trouble. She is my energetic baby girl, beautiful in every way and destined to go far in life. She excels in academics, sings like an angel and dances like a diva. Daisy showed her true strength when she was evacuated from Incirlik Turkey and had to live without her Mom for 6 months. Resilient!!! Daisy, Miss Omaha’s Outstanding Teen 2019, is a member of Titanium, the High School’s Varsity Show Choir, a Teen Attorney with the school’s Mock Trial Group and was the Freshman Cheer Captain last year. According to many who attending the pageant on Oct 27, 2018, Daisy has that “IT” quality! Keep letting that light shine “Lil Lopez”!
Angelique Lopez
Bridesmaid
Angelique is Toby's Daughter & Almeda's Friend. Angelique is somewhat responsible for me meeting my love - Toby. Angelique and I were stationed together in Incirlik Turkey, where we were known as Incirlik BFFs. After our families were evacuated from Turkey, we were inseparable. In fact, when she had to have her tonsils removed, I was there with her and the person responsible for telling her Dad how she was doing. Angelique is my (Toby) only girl, but was supposed to be a boy (according to the Ultrasound). She was a fearless child who grew up to be a person that always find the positive in every situation, regardless of the negative in the world. She bears the fruits of the Spirit and has a giving & generous spirit. There is no one like my Major Pain. I’m proud of you daughter.
Evette Jackson
Bridesmaid
Evette is Almeda’s Cousin. Evette is actually my first cousin, as my Mom and her Dad are brother and sister. Evette grew up in California and we were in Texas, so we didn't see each other all of the time, but when we both lived in the Tidewater Virginia area together we were as "thick as thieves". We would laugh and cry about our similarities, as our family is in a league of their own when it comes to the way we were raised. I also had an opportunity to really get to know my little cousins, her kids. I love you Cali-Cutie and really miss our chats.
Denita Hawkins
Bridesmaid
Denita is Almeda's Long Time Friend. Denita is my friend and Soror. We got saved in the same church, about 2 years apart, and have been friends for about 25 years. One of the things that I appreciate most about our friendship is that we don't need to talk everyday to know that we love each other, regardless of the distance. Though not sisters by blood, I am her kids' Auntie Meda and she is my kids' Auntie Denita. As a matter of fact, I was a bridesmaid in her wedding to her wonderful husband - Roy, some 22 years ago. Denita, my sister, friend & Soror, I love you girl and I know that you are praying for me and my love as we take this next step in life. Thank you for being you!!!
Toby Lopez Jr
Best Man
Toby Lopez Jr. is Toby’s oldest Son. My son, Junior, was such an innocent replica of me when he was born. We called him Solo because he is in a class all by himself - one of a kind. Growing up, Junior was my little ride or die kid. He is full of quality, which is something that he grasped going through the struggles of life. Junior has grown up to be a respectable man who loves life. He is also a God fearing man who loves the Lord, his family and his country. Junior, you and Rachel are a wonderful example of what a couple should look like and you have grown to be the father that I wish I was when you were young.
Vincent Giles
Groomsman
Vincent is Almeda’s Brother. Vincent, often called by his nickname - Beau, is my baby brother. I laugh with Beau when we talk about our age because the younger I say that I am, makes him younger too. Beau is always in hype mode, especially when it comes to talking about President Obama. I will never forget being on a 4-way call with Beau, my Mom and my sister, when they announced that then Senator Barack Obama would become the 44th President of the United States. My brother started yelling on the phone like President Obama could actually hear him. He was so happy and so proud, but our ears were ringing from his screams of excitement, but my Mom knew just what to say to quiet him down - Thank God Beau, I love you lil brother and am so glad that you agreed to be a part of our wedding.
Patrick Boctor
Groomsman
Patrick is Toby’s Son. Patrick is my step son, but I’m Dad. He’s a sharp youngster and I’m proud that I was able to raise him as my own. Patrick is my little guy that grew and grew. He has a great heart. He’s a great dad and his kids love him. I see him growing into a very important part of the Lord and God’s kingdom by helping others. Patrick, I like the relationship that we have. I know you are concerned about me moving to Nebraska, but I’m just a phone call or flight away.
Santana Lopez
Groomsman
Santana is Toby’s Son. Santana was Dad’s little guy and he’s another individual that’s in a class by himself. He has always been that little guy that wanted to help me with anything. He loved clinging to his Dad. I remember one time that I told him that one day I would go to the “happy hunting ground” and he said that he wanted to go too. It was sweet and funny. Keep pushing my son.
Angel Lopez
Groomsman
Angel is Toby’s Grandson. He has always been a pretty good natured guy. I’m so proud of him. He has grown up to be a fine young man of quality and strength. Angel went on a mission to the Dominican Republic for two years. He learned to speak Spanish before departing and crafted this skill while there serving the Lord. After returning from the mission, Angel married his lovely wife. He is in college at UCM in Missouri. He is a loyal son, a fun loving grandson and a God fearing young man.
Khalil Mahdi
Groomsman
Khalil is Toby’s Grandson - Angelique’s oldest son. Khalil has always been Lil Khalil. When my immigrants (the name that I gave my grandsons when they were evacuated from Turkey) got back from Turkey, they were “the military brats”. It was a lot of work, but the kids have always loved Grandpa, and it was an honor to be trusted with my little guys. I remember a time that I went to Missouri to visit Angelique and the boys and I had no money. The kids asked me to draw something for them, which meant so much to them. Khalil is a really good kid, full of love.
Xavier Mahdi
Ring Bearer
Xavier is Toby’s Grandson - Angelique’s youngest son. I call Xavier - Manzavala. When my immigrants (the name that I gave my grandsons when they were evacuated from Turkey) got back from Turkey, they were “the military brats”. It was a lot of work, but the kids have always loved Grandpa, and it was an honor to be trusted with my little guys. It was good for the boys, but also good for me to build my relationship with my grandsons.
Aubrie Janae Foster
Flower Girl
Little Aubrie is my sorority's local chapter’s President's daughter. Aubrie is the cutest little diva that I have seen since my baby girl and when I say diva, I'm not talking about a smart mouth bad child. Aubrie is a classy little diva who will win your heart with a smile. It's no wonder that she has this personality, her Mom, Saundra, is a class act who is beautiful, truthful, and full of love and grace. Thank you Saundra for agreeing to let Aubrie be a part of our wedding.
Joyce Giles
Mother of the Bride
Joyce is Almeda's Mother. My mother is feisty and truly funny. She will love you to life, but cut you to pieces if you mess with her kids and her grandkids. Joyce don't play! My Mom has visited us in Virginia, Hawaii, Turkey and Nebraska. When I'm cooking Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner and want to make my own homemade Cornbread Dressing, I call my Mom and she comes through every time. In fact, I have cousins who place orders for her to cook them “hot water” cornbread when they are coming to town. My mom is retired now and just living her best life doing what she wants to do! Lady, a name we so fondly call her, we love you to life and are so glad that you are ready to open your arms to our growing family.
Eugene Walls
Uncle of the Bride
Eugene is Almeda’s Uncle. Eugene is 1 of 2 of my Mom's living brothers and both of these men will have you rolling over laughing. When I go to visit my family in Texas, most of the time I stay with Eugene & Janie (Eugene's wife of almost 50 years & my aunt), many times without asking. I just go back to "my" bedroom and lay down, while everybody else is still laughing and having fun. Eugene has given me some very sound advice over the years and that which I heeded, proved to be very beneficial. One piece of advice that he gave me was to consider dating someone older than me, as I have traditionally held down the role of cougar. Well here I am about to marry an older man and I couldn't be happier. Eugene, I love you to life and thank you for always supporting your family.
Jimothy Jamison
Officiant
Jimothy is Almeda’s Cousin. Jimothy is not just my cousin, but he's my brother. Though he's a Pastor, Preacher, Apostle and Prophet, I can talk to my brother about ANYTHING. He doesn't judge me, but sometimes rebukes me in love. I have cried with this man of God so many times, but have laughed with him more times than I have cried. When we arrived in Omaha, Jimothy told me that I would be getting married here in Omaha, and of course I believed him because I have received prophecy from my cousin before that has come to pass. My cousin is so cool & when I say swagger, Jimothy is full of the swag and smooth as butter. Jimothy, thank you so much for your love and your friendship. We are so excited that you will be officiating our wedding and look forward to you meeting Toby.
Timothy Lopez
Honorary Groomsman
Timothy is Toby’s Son. Timothy is my second oldest son. He has an aura around him that draws people, whether in his private or professional life. We have a spirit filled time when we are together or on the phone. Timothy is a family oriented man who is putting the Lord first in his life. He’s a great father and husband. I admire you son.
Robert McNair
Honorary Groomsman
Bobby is Almeda & Toby’s friend. Bobby is a maniac that I (Almeda) met in Turkey. Through his relationship with Angelique, is how Toby met him. My first encounter with Bobby, who was the Base Exchange General Manager, was when he came to my building to meet with the Base Commander. My office was a few feet away from the Commander & Bobby walks in my office & looks at me. With me being that girl that can kill you with a look, looked Bobby up & down, to which he responded with the same look. We laughed at each other, introduced ourselves & have been friends ever since. When Toby met Bobby, they had an instant connection and he loved Bobby as a son. They have had those long conversations while painting together. We love you Bobby and are glad that you will be a part of our wedding.