Wedding Party
Saliha Elmore
Maid of Honor
My Maid of Honor, Saliha (Swaleeahh) Elmore, is not just my sister, but my closest confidante and lifelong companion. We’ve grown up together, and our bond is something I hold near and dear to my heart. Through all the hardships we’ve faced, both individually and together, we’ve always been there for each other, holding each other close—past and present. I used to be able to feel what she felt, a connection so deep that it shows just how close we truly are. Saliha is the strongest, most compassionate person I know. She’s faced the worst pain life can throw at her but has also experienced incredible joy, and through it all, her heart remains pure and strong. Her loyalty and strength are unmatched, and she would never spill my secrets—so please, don’t ask! She’s not just my sister, but my rock, and I’m beyond lucky to have her by my side on this special day.
Jack Downs
Best Man
Meet Jack, the brother and best man who’s always ready to crack a joke—whether it’s a fresh one or one he’s repeated for the hundredth time. And let’s be honest, it only makes the punchline better every time. Jack’s humor is the kind that can brighten any room, and he’s never afraid to laugh at himself along the way. But beyond the jokes, Jack’s life has been shaped by some serious moments of growth and learning, especially with his brother Andrew by his side. Together, they’ve navigated the ups and downs, learning a lot about life and each other along the way. And though their uncles—Dan, Tom, and Pat (whom we all loved and miss dearly)— they made an indelible mark on Jack and Andrew, leaving them with lessons about family, strength, and, most importantly, laughter. For the Downs family, a good time is never complete without a cold beer and hearty laughter, and Jack is at the center of that tradition. He’s also been a steady source of support, not just for Andrew but also for his amazing wife Melissa and their adorable fur baby, Lucy. As a husband, Jack’s loyalty, humor, and love shine through in everything he does. Through it all, Andrew has had the privilege of looking up to Jack, who has been his mentor, guiding him with wisdom and humor. Today, as Jack stands by Andrew on his big day, it’s a reminder of the bond they share—one built on laughter, support, and a whole lot of love.
NancyRose Byrd
Flower Girl
NancyRose, Nadia’s niece, is a kind, intelligent little girl with style and grace. She has a heart full of love for life, and her playful, joyful spirit shines through in everything she does. NancyRose is quick to laugh and always curious, asking questions and showing an eagerness to learn. She’s incredibly gifted when it comes to reading and spelling, and her quick wit makes her a joy to be around. NancyRose is also sensitive to light and sounds, and I kindly ask that everyone respect her needs due to her Autism. If she becomes overwhelmed, she may stim, but it's important to understand this is just how she copes with the world around her. Please be patient and kind, as she deserves nothing less. She is more than her Autism; she is NancyRose—a beautiful, sweet little girl who brings joy to everyone she meets. Her kindness and ability to love life despite the challenges she faces make her an extraordinary person. She is truly one of the sweetest, most special kids anyone could know, and I’m grateful every day to have her in my life. Andrew and I are thankful NancyRose will be a part of our wedding!
Lamar Parker
Ring Bearer
Lamar Parker, Nadia’s nephew is one of our adorable ring bearers, is full of energy, love, and a little bit of rambunctiousness! He absolutely adores his siblings and has a special bond with his mom, Saliha (our Maid of Honor). Lamar is the youngest of us all, and we can see so much of each of us in him as he’s growing. If Lamar gives you something that belongs to him, you’ll know that he likes you—he’s just showing his love in his own special way. Lamar may be small, but his heart is as big as his spirit, and we’re so excited to have him as part of our big day!
Isaiah Worthy
Ring Bearer
Isaiah Worthy, Nadia’s nephew, is a kind-hearted, respectful young boy with a quiet yet confident presence. He adores his mom, Candice, and his loyalty to her is truly special. Isaiah knows how to behave in public, always showing respect to adults and even opening doors for ladies, which speaks to his strong manners and thoughtful nature. He may not ask for much, but if you give him the basics—a snack, a treat, and a soda—he’ll be the calmest, sweetest boy around. Isaiah is incredibly smart and has a wealth of knowledge about topics he’s passionate about. If he decides to share his thoughts, he’ll tell you all about what interests him with a focus and clarity that’s beyond his years. Though he’s tough and knows how to defend himself, his heart is always with his mom, Candice. He’s a strong, independent boy, but it’s clear where his heart truly lies. Isaiah may be quiet, but when he chooses to open up, he’s a wealth of information and a true joy to be around. We’re so grateful to have him be part of our special day!
Michelle Briscoe
Honor Attendant
Michelle Briscoe, Nadia’s cousin, our beloved and missed honorary guest, was an incredible dancer, teacher, and above all, a phenomenal mother. She had the power to command a room, drawing everyone in with her energy, grace, and passion for movement. When she spoke, everyone listened; when she danced, the room came alive. Her spirit and presence were unmatched, and not a day goes by that I don’t think of her. Though Michelle never had the chance to meet Andrew, I know in my heart that she would have loved him and would have brought him into her world of dance—he would have been part of her Dance Revolution dance party in no time! She believed deeply in the importance of family and being truly present in each moment. As we celebrate our love, it is an honor to have Michelle’s spirit with us. Let’s dance and be fully present in her honor, just as she would have wanted—celebrating life, love, and the power of family.
Patrick Downs
Honor Attendant
Today, as we celebrate love, family, and togetherness, we want to take a special moment to honor someone who holds a forever place in our hearts: Uncle Pat. Uncle Pat was more than just family. He was a true light in every room. Known for his unforgettable sense of humor and the way he could make anyone laugh, his joy was contagious. He was the kind of person who never hesitated to lend a hand, especially to his many brothers and sister, always showing up with kindness and quiet strength. To Andrew, Uncle Pat was a cherished Confirmation sponsor and a guiding presence. His influence is part of the man Andrew is today. Though Uncle Pat is no longer with us physically, his spirit is deeply woven into the fabric of this day. He is remembered at every Downs family gathering through the stories, the laughter, and the love that carries on in his name. And so, it wouldn’t feel right to celebrate this wedding without acknowledging him. Uncle Pat, we miss you more than words can say. You are here in our hearts, today and always. We love you.
Nadia Elmore
Bride
I am Nadia—an empathic, compassionate, hard-working forever student, and a proud Harry Potter lover. I’ve lived in many states, but my personality at its core has never changed. While public speaking in front of large groups isn’t my favorite thing, I will happily talk your ear off about my kids (my students). Being a special education teacher is my true calling, and I’m incredibly passionate about supporting kids and helping them learn to advocate for their diverse needs. Now, let me tell you about the love of my life, Andrew Downs. We met during the chaos of Covid, and I haven’t looked back since. He is loyal, loving, and allows me to be exactly who I am. He accepts me through my ever-changing diabetic mood swings and loves me through my ups and downs. He’s a man with a heart of gold, and I respect him deeply. I will love this man until the day I perish. I may not have a vast number of friends, but I firmly believe in quality over quantity. It’s an honor to have my dear friends Jordan, Gloria, and Rhonda here today. Having both families here today is truly a blessing. To see everyone gathered in one place, sharing laughter and joy, fills my heart with gratitude and excitement for the future. Thank you all for being here and sharing this special day with me. It means the world to have you by my side as I marry the love of my life.
Andrew Downs
Groom
I’m Andrew Downs, and I’m known for being calm, kind, and loyal. My kindness extends to both my family and my friends. Through my own experiences, I’ve learned that life can be hard, but I know I can always rely on my family for guidance and support when I need it. At the core, I’m a simple man—I don’t need or want much. Just sleep, food, and my girl by my side is all I really need to be happy. I’ve faced some tough times in my past, but those experiences have shaped me into the man I am today. My parents, John and Sue, raised me to be compassionate and thoughtful, and I’ve learned from life’s challenges the importance of grace and honesty. I’m loyal to my core, and I love Nadia deeply. I’m more than happy to watch Harry Potter with her all day and night, as long as I get to take a nap in between! I don’t complain much, except when it’s too hot outside—but otherwise, I’m pretty easygoing. Nadia and I are best friends. We love traveling together, exploring new states, and learning from each other. Her insights on history and the world have opened my heart and mind to perspectives I never knew. I’ve learned that love is a gift, and I will never take it for granted. Today, I’m proud to stand beside Nadia, the love of my life, as we begin this amazing new chapter together.
A.
Officiant
TBD