Bride
* Nickname is Jody! * Loves being an Auntie! * "When given a task, great or small, do it well or not at all!" * Favorite color is green and loves dancing! Born to the parents of Lee and Betty and raised in the city of Gary, Jokima learned to love her family, church, and the hospitality industry. Her love of preparing for visitors came from her mother while her work ethic came from her dad. As the middle child, it took an older brother and younger sister to keep her busy. Single for most of her life, Jokima put her time, energy, money, and talent into being an Aunt to her 3 nephews, niece, goddaughter, and a host of other children in her life affectionately named "Auntie Jody's Kids". Her passion for the hospitality industry and hotels precedes her as she has earned both a terminal degree and awards in her field. She is an avid educator, workshop presenter, speaker, and disability advocate. Jokima is a right leg, above-the-knee amputee and has a sassy prosthesis by the name of Sabrina Latrice-Louise Hiller! She is proud to be working in her hometown as an assistant professor. Her dream to one day own her own hotel is still alive and is why she practices hospitality by hosting tea parties in her home today! Her love of music is one reason Anthony loves her so! Her favorite artist is the group Cameo.
Groom
* Loves cliches! Favorite color is green! * "What is life without adventure!" * "All strategy begins with an assessment of our tactical situation!" * "Everything in the Army is about technique!" Born to the parents of Walter and Barbara, Anthony grew up on the south side of Chicago in the historic Pullman District. He learned to love math, science, strategy games, and computer programming. Being the oldest of four, Anthony was always looked up to by his siblings. His name on the streets was "Professor" because of his articulate and proper manner of speech! It's clear his political activism is what he inherited from his mother. His authentic and eccentric flare for the dramatic is inherited from his father. The formative influence of his stepfather taught him to respect authority and appreciate logic. Married twice, Anthony has three daughters from his first marriage and three grandsons. He enjoyed making "daddy sandwiches" for his daughters when they were growing up. He has a longstanding passion for the military and local politics. He is a precinct committee person for Porter County. He is an avid tinkerer, YouTube watcher, and Rick & Morty fan. He is proud to have been a prior service Marine and National Army Guard Reservist for a total of 22 years! He is proud of his collection of motivational patches and bumper stickers. He is dedicated to his church and faith in God. His love of music is one reason Jokima loves him so! His favorite artist is Dua Lipa.
Officiant
Rev. W.N. Reed is the pastor of New Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Gary, IN where Jokima currently attends.
Wedding Ceremony
Rev. Lane is the pastor of Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Michigan City, IN where Anthony currently attends.
Father of the Bride
Parents of the Groom
Mother of the Bride
Father of the Groom
Maid of Honor
Sister of the Bride
Best Man
Brother of the Groom
Matron of Honor
Cousin of the Bride
Groomsman
Honorary, Close friend of the Groom
Bridesmaid
Honorary, Close frind of the Bride
Bridesmaid
Youngest daughter of the Groom
Groomsman
Close friend of the Groom
Bridesman
Brother of the Bride
Groomsman
Close friend of the Groom
Bridesmaid
Best friend of the Bride
Bridesmaid
Close friend of the Bride
Bridesmaid
Close friend of the Bride
Flower Girl
Niece of the Bride
Ring Bearer
Grandson of the Groom
Wedding Ceremony
Joshua Hiller Imani Royal * Caleb Hiller Ryan Melendez * Al Royal, III
FAMILY & FRIENDS
On Friday, August 9th, 2024 at approximately 6:30pm, in front of family and close friends, Anthony got on one knee to ask Jokima to marry him. She said YES! PHOTO: Blue is the color of infantry and Jokima is a fighter which is one of the reasons Anthony loves her!
FAMILY
Auntie Evelyn, Sister Jocelyn, and Cousin Sharione are the "Wedding Dress Coalition"! They assisted Jokima and Sabrina in trying on dresses until they found the ONE! PHOTO: Auntie Evelyn
Our Wedding Experience Vendors
We are grateful the following vendors are working with us to create a beautiful wedding experience for all involved: * Renee Brasier - Owner of Peace of Mine Hair Salon providing hair care services for the Bride. * Yolanda Carmin - General Manager of the Country Inn & Suites Portage, Indiana * Sharon Haney - Wedding Reception Table Centerpieces * Kat Harper - Snapshots by K Photography Studio providing Photography Services * Michelle Harper - Owner of Harper Video Productions providing Videography Services * Alicia Hiller - Wedding Reception Programs, Printouts, and Favors; Bridesmaids Make-up * Cakes by Karen providing the Wedding Cake * Caleb Hiller - Manager at Potbelly Sandwich Shop providing Catering for the Bachelor/Bachelorette Karaoke Party * Ric Hopkins - Wedding Ceremony Musician * Chelsey Lewis-Akingbohunbe - Sabrina's Styling * Rodney "DarkNite" Lewis - Wedding Reception Disc Jockey (DC) and Master of Ceremonies (MC) * Sharione Owens - Bride's Hair and Styling * Alfreda Turner - Wedding Ceremony Programs, Bride's Make-up, Bride's Bouquet * Mr. & Mrs. Upshaw - The Blessed 1 Transportation Service * Michael Wendahl - Jokima's Physical Therapist that is helping her and Sabrina to walk.