Wedding Party

Yolonda Janel

Bride

“Anyone can catch your eye but it takes someone special to catch your heart.” ~Unknown

Ronald Wayne

Groom

“A man without a wife, is like a vase without flowers.” ~ African Proverb

Theresa Harris

Matron of Honor

​My friendship with Yolonda was not instantaneous. To be honest, my first overture of an introduction was rebuffed-ignored-shunned. Yes, I was given the cold shoulder by YJA. I cannot even remember when we moved from colleagues to being friends. My admiration for her dry wit and attention to detail grew every day that I was around her at work. THEN while on an educational conference to Florida, I got to know YJA on a different level. That week cemented her in my heart as a true friend. Not only for her talents as a comedienne, I discovered that she has a compassionate and nurturing spirit. I did not have an “Aha” moment in our transition from co-workers to friends, but I did have an awakening to the knowledge that I had gained someone in my life others never have…a real friend. ​

Amber M.J. Artis

Bridesmaid

I am YJA’s ONLY child. She calls me Ladybug when all is well or JANEL when I’ve gotten on her nerves. I’m thankful God blessed me with Yolonda Janel as my mother. She gave me life and then took the time to raise me, love me, teach me, and inspire me. My mother has always worked year around to make sure I have all I need and some of what I want. She set standards and then made sure I reached them. Not that I had a choice. If you’ve had the pleasure of knowing her, you know behind all of her “toughness” there is a soft heart who loves hard. My mother showed me how to be a confident, independent, and ambitious individual. Her love taught me to be beautiful in the most natural and morally upright way possible. I pray the Lord blesses she and my father with MANY HAPPY YEARS TOGETHER!

Karisa “MiMi” Allmon

Bridesmaid

Friendship with Yolonda didn’t form quickly. As a matter of fact, it took four years for us to become true friends. We first met while working at Hall. She exuded confidence which I think made some uneasy. I’d speak and she’d speak back; BOLDLY. I thought she was being shady but I realized that was just her personality. After she transitioned into administration, our working relationship turned into a true friendship. I’ve learned she is a giving and loving person. When she commits to something, she gives it her best. I love this quality about Yolonda. Although we no longer work together, our friendship hasn’t changed. We still talk often. Bouncing ideas and seeking advice from each other about both work and personal matters. I would not trade this friendship for anything. Love you, Mimi

Rayven Giles

Bridesmaid

Let’s just say my relationship with Yolonda (Mom) began like this: Mrs. Artis, “The bell does not dismiss my class.” (30 seconds later the bell rings) Mrs. Artis, “You may go.” I was only 16. While at times she can be stubborn and seem intolerable, I know she means well. She is truly a jelly bean; hard on the outside & just a little less harder on the inside! Mom and Mr. Artis (Pops) have instilled in me the importance of an education. Even today, both continue to help me grow into an a strong, independent young adult. Through the years, being a part of the Artis’ family has taught me what it means to be a part of a close family! Pops has reassured me that family isn't an option. I am not blood related to Mom, Pop, and Amber (Bug), but we are no less of a family. Love, High Yella

McKenzie L. Bingley

Flower Girl

Turner Choat

Ring Bearer

Anthony Taylor

Groomsman

Having known Ronald for the better part of twenty years, he’s about as even keeled as I’ve ever known a man to be. We don’t agree on everything (especially politics!). Yet, I’ve come to know that Ron will suddenly appear in person or by phone when you least expect him, but can absolutely use his counsel. To me that’s the real measure of a man’s worth. He always has a story to tell and a smile to go with it. And!, that quirky laugh. But he’s no fool. A wise man. Yolonda, Ron; I pray the Lord blesses this beautiful rapprochement.

Michael L. Anthony

Groomsman

One day Yolonda and I are strictly colleagues and 10 years we have cultivated a “multiplex” relationship. The first year as her AP, our encounters were guided by professionalism. Shortly after the start of the second year, it was obvious Yolonda was not only an outstanding educator; she was comical. When I became her admin mentor, I ask, “Yo why don’t you show your softer side more often?” Her sharp tongue responded back and our friendship was cemented. At work, we operated as professionals and then as siblings after hours. The genuineness of our friendship permeates to our significant others. I affectionately call Ronald “my brother-in-law.” I have much respect for him. His strength, wisdom, and sense of humor adds a unique compliment to the platonic friendship Yolonda and I share.

Don Holt

Groomsman

For those of you who don’t already know me, I’m Don and I have been friends with Ronald for almost two decades. Over the years, Ron has taught me that friendship is the most important thing to have next to family. Although it’s not a round of golf or helping with a home improvement project, asking me to share in this special occasion as one of your groomsmen is indeed an honor for me. Ron, my greatest wish for you and Yolonda is that through the many years to come, your love for each other will continue to flourish and grow. Learning what love truly means and having a successful marriage is more than finding the right person- it’s being the right person. Separately, Ron and Yolonda are two special and remarkable people. But together you two are complete.

Kip Artis

Best Man

To my LITTLE big brother whom I love very much. Even when we were children, you have always been there for me. I remember Mother telling me to make sure our younger brothers and sisters made it to the bus stop. I stood there letting you be the big brother and take care of it. I would like to think I’ve impacted your life in some way but really, you’ve impacted mine the most and never complained when I needed you. That’s love. Now, it’s time for me to be your BIG BROTHER and stand by your side as your best man. God has blessed you with Yolonda to continue this incredible journey together.