Wedding Party
Anthony Jennings
Groom
From the very beginning, Anthony had this way of making me feel completely at ease like I’d known him forever. He’s thoughtful, funny in the most effortless way, and has a heart that’s even bigger than his sense of humor. Whether he’s making me laugh on my worst days or pretending I didn’t just lose my keys again, he somehow makes every moment better just by being in it. He’s my best friend, my favorite adventure partner, and the person who loves me exactly as I am (even when I’m hangry). I can’t wait to marry him not just because he’s the love of my life, but because I know that with him, every day will be filled with laughter, love, and probably a few sarcastic comments along the way.
Alyssa Jones
Bride
From the moment I met Alyssa, she had this magnetic energy that drew me in, qual parts warmth, wit, and a fire that could light up any room. She’s the kind of person who makes you feel seen, understood, and instantly cared for, all while keeping you on your toes with her humor and her fierce, unstoppable spirit. She loves with her whole heart, shows up for the people she cares about without hesitation, and somehow balances being deeply thoughtful with being the life of every room she walks into. Whether she’s hyping me up before a big moment or stealing the last fry off my plate, she brings joy, passion, and a little bit of chaos into every day in the best possible way. She’s my safe place, my favorite person, and the one who makes even ordinary days feel special. I can’t wait to marry her, not just because she’s the love of my life, but because life with her is an adventure I never want to end.
Vance Ovena
Best Man
Where do we even begin? Vance and I have been friends for over 40 years since elementary school, in fact. We’ve been through everything together: childhood adventures, teenage chaos, adult milestones, and more than a few unforgettable (and unrepeatable) stories along the way. He was always the wild one on the team the guy who brought the fun, pushed the limits, and still somehow managed to have your back no matter what. He’s loyal, fearless, and the kind of friend who wouldn’t blink if you asked him to help you hide a body he’d just say, “What time and where?” There’s no one else I’d want standing by my side for a moment like this. He’s not just my best man he’s been like a brother for decades, and I’m lucky to call him family.
Kimber Jones
Mother of the Bride
I can’t begin to express how much my mom means to me. From the very first day I was born, she has been my biggest supporter, my guide, my safe place, and my best friend. She has been there for every stage of my life, from my first steps to all the big, messy, beautiful moments that helped shape who I am today. She is the person I can always turn to for love, honesty, comfort, and advice. She has celebrated my happiest moments, held me through the hardest ones, and reminded me of my strength when I needed it most. Her love has been constant, selfless, and unconditional, and I am so grateful for the way she has always shown up for me. As I prepare to marry Anthony, I feel beyond thankful for everything my mom has done to help make this day possible, but even more thankful for the lifetime of love she has given me. She has shown me what kindness looks like, what strength looks like, and what it means to love people with your whole heart. She is one of the biggest reasons I believe in love, family, and showing up for the people who matter most. I am so lucky to have her as my mother, and I will carry everything she has taught me into this next chapter of my life.
Diere Spiegner
Officiant/Groomsmen
Diere and I have been friends for over 35 years, the kind of friend who’s been around so long, he’s basically part of the family. He’s the talker of the group, the one with the quick wit, the big personality, and the kind of charisma that can charm a room (or talk his way out of almost anything). If you’re wondering how we ended up hiding a body… yeah, he’s probably the reason. But he’s also the guy you want with you when things get real because under all that humor and charm is someone who’s solid, loyal, and always shows up. There’s no one more fitting (or entertaining) to officiate this wedding, and we’re lucky to have him bring both heart and humor to the ceremony.
Doug Jones
Father of the Bride
I am so lucky to have had the most incredible father in my life. From the moment I was born, you have been my protector, my role model, and one of my greatest sources of strength. You have always been the person I could count on, the steady hand through every season, and the voice of reason when I needed guidance, comfort, or reassurance. You have taught me what it means to be selfless, to be kind, to work hard, and to stand strong through every challenge life brings. You have shown me that love is not just spoken, but shown through actions, sacrifice, patience, and always showing up for the people who matter most. I am filled with gratitude for everything you have done for me, from the big moments to the quiet ones that may have seemed small but meant everything. Having you walk me down the aisle is something I will cherish forever, because you are the man who helped shape my heart and my life. You have shown me the kind of love, loyalty, and strength I hope to carry into my own marriage. I am so proud to be your daughter, and I will always be grateful that I get to call you my dad.
Erron Watson
Groomsman
I met Erron playing baseball at Eastern, and we have been friends for 28 years, which means he has had almost three decades to collect stories, witness questionable decisions, and still somehow choose to stick around. Some friendships are built through time, but ours was built through baseball, road trips, competition, and a whole lot of memories that probably should have stayed on those trips. Every baseball road trip turned into an adventure when Erron was around. We always managed to find something to get into, whether we planned it or not. He brought the kind of energy that made every trip more fun, every story more memorable, and every season feel bigger than just the game itself. Those years gave us more than baseball; they gave us a brotherhood that has lasted long after the uniforms came off. Erron has been one of those lifelong friends who can make you laugh just by bringing up one old story. He has seen me through different chapters of life, and our friendship has stayed solid through all of them. He is loyal, funny, competitive, and the kind of person you are lucky to still have in your corner after all these years. He is probably still holding a grudge because I’m the Black Michael Phelps, but I respect that kind of commitment. After 28 years of friendship, memories, and nonstop jokes, I am grateful to have him standing with me on this day.
Tiffanie Stokes
Maid of Honor
My Maid of Honor is my big sister, which means she has been bossing me around since birth, and now she finally gets to do it with an official title. Honestly, it feels fitting. She has been leading the way for me my entire life, whether I wanted her advice or not, and somehow she has always known exactly when to push me, protect me, encourage me, or lovingly put me in my place. She is my built-in best friend, my fiercest protector, and the person who has shown up for me through every season of life. She has seen every version of me, from the little sister who probably annoyed her constantly, to the person I am today. She has celebrated my wins, helped me through hard moments, listened when I needed to vent, and reminded me of my worth when I forgot it myself. There is something so special about having a sister who knows your whole story. She knows the childhood memories, the family chaos, the embarrassing phases, the inside jokes, and all the little pieces that made me who I am. She has been there for the big moments and the ordinary ones, and those are the ones that have meant the most. I truly would not be who I am without her. She has shaped me with her love, strength, honesty, loyalty, and the kind of support only a big sister can give. There is no one else I would trust more to stand beside me on my wedding day, mostly because she would show up even if I did not ask. Having her as my Maid of Honor means the world to me, and I am so lucky to call her my sister.
Tatyana Jennings
Ring Bearer
She’s always been my baby girl and always will be. Watching her grow into the amazing young woman she is today has been one of my greatest joys. No matter how old she gets, she’ll forever have my heart. Having her stand by my side on this special day means more to me than words can say. Tatyana is everything you hope your child will be: brilliant, driven, and wise beyond her years. She’s got a spark that lights up any room and a mind that’s always working a step ahead. I’m endlessly proud of the young woman she’s becoming. Having her be part of our wedding day, walking down the aisle as our ring bearer, is something I’ll treasure forever.
Erika Williams
Matron of Honor
My Matron of Honor is my longest-running friendship, basically a lifetime subscription I never want to cancel. She has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, and somehow, through every season, every version of me, and every chaotic chapter along the way, she has stayed one of my favorite people. We may not talk every single day, but that has never changed the strength of our friendship. When we do talk, it is like no time has passed at all. We can pick up right where we left off, laugh about the same ridiculous memories, and fall right back into the kind of friendship that feels easy, safe, and familiar. That kind of bond is rare, and I never take it for granted. She has been there through every awkward phase, every questionable outfit, every heartbreak, every lesson learned the hard way, and every glow-up. She has seen me at my best, my worst, and all the messy in-between, and somehow she still likes me, which honestly says a lot about her patience and loyalty. She knows the stories, the history, the inside jokes, and the parts of me that only someone who has been around for a lifetime could truly understand. She is family by choice, the kind of person who has earned a permanent place in my heart. Having her stand beside me as my Matron of Honor feels so right because she has been beside me in life for so many years already & I could not imagine saying “I do” without her standing there with me.
Donte` Jennings
Groomsman
The day he was born was the first time I truly understood what unconditional love meant. Donte changed my life in the best way, and it’s an honor to have him standing by my side on one of the most important days of my life. Watching the man he’s become fills me with pride beyond words. He’s talented, smart, and a gifted athlete, but even more than that, he’s becoming an incredible man. Watching him grow has been one of the greatest joys of my life, and having him as a groomsman is something I’ll never forget. Proud doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Addison Stokes
Bridesmaid
My niece is one of my beautiful bridesmaids, and I still remember the day she was born like it was yesterday. From the moment she came into this world, she had a special place in my heart, and it has been such a gift to watch her grow through every stage of life. I have watched her become this amazing, kind, funny, thoughtful, and beautiful person, and I could not be more proud of who she is. Seeing her grow up has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. She has brought so much joy, love, and light to our family, and I feel so lucky that I have gotten to be a part of her journey. Having her stand beside me on my wedding day means more than I can put into words. It feels like such a full-circle moment to look at her now and remember the tiny baby I once held, the little girl I watched grow, and the incredible young woman she is becoming. Now she gets to walk beside me as I step into one of the biggest and most meaningful chapters of my life. I am so proud to have her by my side, not only as my niece, but as someone I love so deeply. She will always be one of the most special people in my life, and having her as one of my bridesmaids is something I will cherish forever.
Linnie Jennings
Mother of the Groom
In Loving Memory of My Mom – Linnie Jennings When you talk about someone who loved me with their whole heart, there was never a question it was always my mom. Her love was constant, unwavering, and the kind you carry with you forever. She was truly beautiful in every way full of grace, knowledge, and quiet strength. She supported me through every stage of life, always believing in me and standing by my side, no matter what. Though she’s not physically with us on this special day, her presence is deeply felt. She helped shape the man I am, and I carry her in my heart into this next chapter of life.
Kendra Lenord
Bridesmaid
She may be one of my newest friendships, but somehow it feels like I’ve known her forever. We bonded over shared work trauma (shoutout to survival mode!) and what started as venting, laughing, and getting through the chaos together turned into a friendship I truly value. She has been such a bright spot in my life, and I’m so grateful our paths crossed when they did. She is kind, funny, supportive, and such an incredible person to have in your corner. Even though our friendship is newer, it has already become something so special to me. I feel so lucky to not only have her standing beside me as a bridesmaid, but also to have her in my life as a friend.
Rea Hagan
Honor Attendant
I met Rea 15 years ago when she walked into my boxing class and and in true Rea fashion immediately compared her age and physical condition to everyone else in the room. I looked at her and said, “As long as you show up, I’ll handle the rest.” And she did again and again, not just in that class, but in life. Rea has been a steady, powerful presence ever since. She’s the one you call when things go sideways or as she likes to say, “I am 9-1-1.” Her strength, wisdom, and heart have left a permanent mark on my life. If my mom were here, I know she would be the one walking me down the aisle. But since she can’t be, there’s no one else I could imagine in her place. Rea is not a substitute, she’s an honor. And I’m so proud to have her by my side on this day.
Imani Jackson
Bridesmaid
We may have met later in life, but it truly feels like you were meant to be here all along. From the moment we connected, you became such a bright and joyful part of my world. You are a total ray of sunshine! funny, smart, caring, and the perfect mix of chaos, humor, and heart. What started as bonding over shared work trauma quickly turned into something so much more meaningful. Somewhere between the venting, the laughing, the survival-mode moments, and our wonderfully weird sense of humor, you became someone I could count on, laugh with, and genuinely be myself around. You bring so much light into the lives of the people around you, and I feel incredibly lucky that I get to call you my friend. I’m so grateful to have you standing by my side today, and even more grateful to have you in my life always. Love you forever, #368Crew.
Sammie
Bridesmaid
You’re the kind of person everyone loves to be around always positive, always welcoming, and always bringing the best energy into every room. You have such a natural way of making people feel comfortable, included, and happy just by being yourself. Our friendship came so effortlessly, like it was always meant to happen. Somewhere between the laughs, the chaos, the work stories, and the everyday moments, you became someone I’m so grateful to have in my life. Your vibe is truly unmatched. You are fun, kind, supportive, and such a bright light to everyone lucky enough to know you. I’m so thankful to have you standing by my side as a bridesmaid, but even more thankful to have you in my life as a friend. Love you always, #368Crew.
JoJo C
Bridesmaid
We met at work, and along with the legendary 368 crew, bonded over the shared decision not to sip the company Kool-Aid. Some friendships form slowly, but ours came together through long days, stressful moments, inside jokes, and the kind of work chaos that either breaks people or turns them into lifelong friends. Thankfully, we chose laughter, sarcasm, and survival mode. You made the tough days easier just by being there. You brought humor when things felt heavy, calm when things felt chaotic, and the kind of steady, cool, collected energy that our friend group absolutely thrives on. You have always had this way of making people feel grounded, included, and like everything is going to be okay, even when we were all collectively questioning our life choices. I’m so grateful that work brought us together, but even more grateful that our friendship became so much more than that. You are thoughtful, loyal, easy to be around, and someone I genuinely trust and appreciate. I’m so lucky to have you standing beside me today, not just as part of the iconic 368 crew, but as someone who has become such a special part of my life.
In Loving Memory
Gone But Never Forgotten
I am so lucky to have so many wonderful friends and family surrounding me on this special day, but I also want to take a moment to honor and remember the people who helped shape me and who I hope are here with us in spirit. Grandpa Coy: One of my heroes in life and still one of my greatest role models. He taught me what real strength looks like not loud or forceful, but steady, present, and always showing up without needing to be asked. He taught me to ride a horse, but more than that, he helped teach me how to be the person I am today. Grandpa Ted: The one who taught me about good music, fishing, and taking life one step at a time. I will always cherish the smiles we shared when I was a little girl and the memories that still bring comfort to my heart. Ryan: You may not have been my big brother by blood, but you will always be my big brother Ryan. Your place in my heart is permanent, and I will always carry that love with me. Aunt Jean: To this day, my favorite drink on a hot day is Sprite and orange juice, and every time I have it, I think of you. Thank you for giving me such a simple, sweet memory that has stayed with me all these years.