The "I Do" Crew

Angela (AJ) Jones

Bride

Jaracus (Jay) Copes

Groom

Nizihti Jones

Maid of Honor

Nizihti is AJ’s only biological daughter, mini-me and built-in best friend. From laughter and late-night talks to everyday moments and life’s biggest milestones, Z has been right by AJ's side through it all. Their bond goes beyond words—it is a forever connection rooted in love, trust, and an unbreakable mother-daughter friendship. Nizihti currently resides in Dumfries, Virginia.

Lawrence (Larry) Carr Jr

Best Man

Larry and Jay met in college in 1997, but it was not until 1999 that their friendship truly took off. Jay needed a wingman for a mission, and Larry stepped up without hesitation. By the following summer, they were living together, and from that point on, Larry has been more like a brother than a friend. Today, Larry resides in Newark, New Jersey, but their bond has never skipped a beat.

Ariel Bradley

Matron of Honor

Ariel and AJ met in 2018 while working at the Federal Courts, where a meaningful bond quickly took shape. What began as a professional relationship soon evolved into something far greater - family. Over time, Ariel became AJ’s oldest bonus daughter, and their relationship blossomed into one rooted in love, trust, and the shared joy of motherhood. Ariel resides in Olympia, Washington with her husband and their one-year-old son, continuing to build a beautiful family of her own.

Marquis Aikens

Groomsman

Marquis and Jaracus met in 2001 when Jaracus was living in California. They quickly bonded through their shared fraternity, and from that point on, you rarely saw one without the other. Often mistaken for actual brothers because they were both tall and dark skinned, the truth is they are brothers in every way that matters. Their bond is built on loyalty, laughter, and unwavering support. Marquis currently resides in Los Angeles, California.

Amaya Copes

Bridesmaid

Amaya is Jay’s oldest biological daughter, and their daddy-daughter bond has been strong since before she was even born. From the very beginning, she has had her dad wrapped around her finger. Amaya currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, where she is thriving and studying at Spelman College.

Jermel Collins-Day

Groomsman

Jermel and Jaracus met in 1998 while pledging the greatest fraternity on the planet, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. Their bond was forged through shared experiences and countless adventures over the years. Jaracus also proudly serves as the godfather to Jermel’s daughter, Chloe, further solidifying their family connection. Jermel resides in Queens, New York, with his wife and children.

Aida Gherghis

Bridesmaid

Aida is another one of AJ’s bonus daughters, affectionately known as the “flower child". Like her older sister Sophia, Aida has been a constant and loving presence in the family; always showing up for life’s most meaningful moments with grace and heart. Her loyalty, gentle spirit, and deep connection to the family have made her role incredibly special and deeply cherished. Aida currently resides in Alexandria, Virginia.

Tirrell Copes

Groomsman

Tirrell is Jaracus’s brother-cousin, and growing up, the two were inseparable. Their birthdays are only one day apart, and the adventures they shared, along with family videos from their childhood that will go to the grave with them, make Tirrell a truly special choice as a groomsman. Tirrell currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Sophia Gherghis

Bridesmaid

Sophia has been a part of AJ’s life for over 20 years, first entering her world through AJ’s son. From the very beginning, she became AJ’s first bonus daughter, a role she has carried with love, pride, and unwavering devotion. Throughout the years, Sophia has been a steady and loving presence during life’s most meaningful moments and has grown into the big sister Z always hoped for. Her bond with the family is deep and enduring, making her place in AJ’s life truly special. Sophia currently resides in Lorton, Virginia.

Kevin Shinholster

Groomsman

Kevin and AJ met at fourteen and quickly became best friends, supporting each other through many of life’s highs and lows and still remaining best friends after 41 years. As the keeper of all his secrets, AJ has truly seen it all!!! When Kevin met Jay, the connection was instant, thanks in part to the fact that they share the same fraternity, and yes, there is only one. Today, Kevin resides in Birmingham, Alabama, but his loyalty, humor, and long memory have stood the test of time.

Nevaeh Corbin

Flower Girl

Nevaeh is Jaracus’s youngest niece and easily the most animated of the bunch. Her energy, expressions, and big personality light up every room she enters. Nevaeh lives in Salisbury, Maryland, with her mom, sister, and grandfather.

Chloe Collins-Day

Flower Girl

Chloe is Jaracus’s goddaughter, and as you can already tell, she has a personality all her own. She proudly reminds everyone that she is with the Nupes, making her loyalty very clear. Chloe resides in Queens, New York, with her parents and brother.