The Wedding Party
Anndraya "Draya" Ector
Matron of Honor
Growing up, my sister and I were complete opposites, constantly clashing and barely able to see eye to eye. We fought over everything—space, opinions, and who was right—never imagining a time when we’d truly understand each other. But somewhere along the way, those disagreements turned into growth, and the distance turned into an unbreakable bond. Today, she’s not just my sister, she’s my best friend—the person who knows me at my worst, celebrates me at my best, and stands by me no matter what. Our journey wasn’t easy, but it made our connection stronger, deeper, and filled with a love I wouldn’t trade for anything. 💛 The way Draya and I were night and day growing up. The way we fought daily — like, legit fought daily. I remember one time my mom and aunts had an ‘intervention’ with us, saying, ‘Sisters aren’t supposed to act like this,’ LOL. Who would have thought that today she would be my best friend? We laugh together, we have deep conversations about life, and we’re building and raising our families together. I am grateful to God she is my sister!
Keshia "Ke" Durham
Bridesmaid
I have so many hilarious memories from our years of living together. Here are a few of my favorites! Starting with us fighting for our actual LIVES in that centipede infested apartment…I still blame you because I lived there for weeks alone, stressed, scared, and ready to call the police on every bug I saw. 🐛😩 Learning how to cook together was an adventure all on its own - you're welcome, Dave and Ern! 🍽️ From chicken and rice to that lasagna that deserved its own standing ovation! 😋👏 Then there was me deciding I wanted to learn another language…after nearly failing Spanish in college…and you, with the straightest face ever, suggesting Rosetta Stone. 😑The AUDACITY. And let’s not forget the time we dropped the chicken on the floor but made it sound fancy by calling it “Touchdown Chicken.” 🏈🍗 Because if you name it, it’s basically gourmet. All the birthdays we spent together, with me taking shots for the BOTH of us since I was basically your designated drinker you’re welcome! 🥂😂 Thank goodness for green tea shots! 🤲 Through all the chaos, bugs, floor chicken, and some questionable decisions.. we’ve grown so much together, and I wouldn’t trade a single moment. ❤️✨ Who would have thought that a fluke trip to NC A&T’s homecoming would turn into 20 years of friendship? From becoming an exterminator at midnight because Ke was screaming over an ant, to hearing her sing‑ish ‘I Will Always Love You’ 4x per week. She is my reminder to laugh and not take life so seriously.
DJ Steele
Bridesmaid
To be 100% honest, I don’t remember how we met! All I know is that we both went to Eastmoor Academy, and somewhere in there, we clicked. And here we are now, some 20+ years in, and still going strong! From high school, Triedstone, through college, my wedding, us having children and starting families, to now Ash’s wedding, I feel blessed and elated to have had this journey with my best friend! We do life together! I, too, have no idea how we met or became close, but I’m grateful we did. If you don’t want the honest truth, don’t ask her. From high school to church to navigating the ‘ghetto‑ness’ of adulthood, we’ve done it together — long‑distance for most of it. Lately we’ve been asking, ‘Who made us the new adults?’ and I genuinely want to know the answer, LOL. She is my ride‑or‑die, zero questions asked
Alesia "Leesh" Barringer
Bridesmaid
How I met Ash?!?! Basketball, of course…Far East recreation center to be exact. And to think, we were only ten years old 🥹 It was game day and in comes this new girl that joined our team but didn’t come to ONE practice 😂. Yes, I’m talking about practice, *in my AI voice* lol. Anyway, the game is flowing and Ash comes out the gate…BOOM…3 pointer. A few possessions later … BOOM… another one. In my little brain, I was so excited because I knew then my assist stat line was going to go up for the season 😂. And she was a lefty too?!?! One word - buckets! Listen - how easily Ash & I clicked on the court without her coming to one practice should be studied LOL!! But all jokes aside, that Far East game solidified the start of a lifelong friendship 😊 And yes, of course, we won that game! Since 5th grade, we’ve been thick as thieves from the moment we met at Far East Rec Center. Basketball was — and still is — our safe haven. It took us around the U.S. and opened our eyes to a world outside of Columbus. And now, through officiating, basketball is still expanding our world and deepening our friendship. We push each other, support each other, and we’re killing it together. Check ESPN in about 15 years for our 30 for 30 episode — it’s coming, just watch.
DanAsia "DaDa" Britton
Bridesmaid
2006, Ash & I met as freshmen at XU. Our relationship grew when we became RAs—b/c who didn’t need a check and their housing paid for as broke college students. From there, our sisterhood naturally blossomed. We laughed, cried, partied, worked and studied together. Senior year, preparing for finals, our friend Kenny wanted Chipotle. Ash had a car, but really didn’t want to drive up the road to Chipotle. With hesitation she takes Kenny —I jump in the car for the ride. 2 mins into our drive, we see red lights behind us. The police was pulling us over for nothing—well, we know, 😒. The officer asks for Ash’s license. He comes back to the car, asks for me and Kenny’s ID. I didn’t have my ID, so I give my XU Student ID. He immediately says, “Y’all are XU students?” In unison, we reply, “Yes!” The officer immediately lets us go with no explanation. Pulling off, Ash & I immediately light into Kenny b/c this was all his fault b/c he was greedy. We get to Chipotle, Kenny gets his burrito that we risked our freedom for. Walking back, Ash & I reach the car first. We are in the car and Kenny is outside like, “UNLOCK THE DOOR!” Being petty, we’re inside the car 😂 b/c, our moms almost had to put money on our books over 🌯. We yell, “DANCE” 😂. He says, “NO!” We’re like, guess you don’t want to get back to campus, “NOW, DANCE! Harlem shake, something! ” 😭 All that to say, almost 15 years ago, we witnessed the best Harlem Shake known to man or maybe just to 2 petty girls with time.
Reese Porter
Best Man
It was summertime, I want to say either ’02 or ’03—young dudes riding around the city, pulling pranks way before social media was a thing. On this day, the prank was throwing eggs. I’ll never forget, we were riding up High Street on campus. I was in the passenger seat while Ern was driving. Most of the time, we were throwing eggs at people walking up and down the street. We were stopped at a red light when a car turned onto High Street, crossing in front of us. I reached my arm out of the passenger window and made a perfect throw across the windshield of Ern’s car. The egg went into the front driver side of the car, smacked the driver in the face, and broke. The driver was shocked and pissed—he had no clue where it came from. We pulled off, dying laughing. Man, what were we thinking, Reese—young and wild, making bad decisions. And today, on this day, making the greatest decision of my life, it’s an honor to have you standing next to me as my best man.
Walter Watts
Best Man
Our freshman year at Independence, after school, Mike, Ern, and I would watch Class Act or House Party 3. Then we would reenact the scenes and imitate Blade Brown, and whenever Ern would get fully into character, Mike and I had to literally carry this guy out of the apartment. We wouldn’t let him back in unless he broke character; soon enough, he would go right back into character. One day he put a booger on the peephole. This behavior went on for a week! Lmao. There are many more stories and moments like this. Man, Walt, that’s a good one. One of many silly things I did as a teenager—and a lifetime of funny memories I’ll never forget. We have been a constant in each other’s lives through the ups and downs, and we have remained close brothers. It is an honor to have you standing next to me as my best man. This is another great memory we’ll share for a lifetime.
James “JK” Johnson
Groomsman
Freshman year of high school was when I met “Ern‑man” (my mom’s nickname for him). I walked into study hall and noticed this kid who was taller than everyone else, making people laugh but still doing his work at the same time. It caught me off guard, because the class clown is usually the one who doesn’t do any work. I thought to myself, “I’ve got to talk to this dude.” I moved closer, he introduced himself, and we chopped it up. He said he had some best friends I needed to meet, which were Walt and Mike. The ironic thing was, Mike was already assigned to sit with me on the bus, so we had already talked a little. That day after school, my dad asked me if I had met my friend. I told him I thought so, and that’s when he told me the story about people only having three true friends throughout life. Here we are 20‑plus years later, and I can say not only did I gain a true best friend, but a whole new family. Jk, my brother, you introduced the crew to the South Side! I love you, brother, and I thank you for standing with Ash and me on our wedding day.
Tramondi Jackson
Groomsman
One of my fondest memories from childhood is the day my little brother was born. I knew right then he was going to be someone special. He’s always carried something unique — a light and a spirit you just don’t find in everyone. That special quality has shined through his entire life. I’m so proud and grateful that God chose to send him to our family. There’s so much more I could say, but for now, I’ll just say this — we love you both. Ashlee and Ernest, continue to be the light that shines even in the face of darkness. Monty, as my big brother, you’ve always shown me kindness and respect. Just as I’ve learned from Rio, I’ve also learned valuable life principles from you. I love you, and I can’t wait to share this special day with you.
DeMorio Jackson
Groomsman
I remember when my little brother was born — I was so excited to finally be a big brother. Someone I could pick on, share my least favorite foods with (like beets), and someone to protect. From day one, he had an enormous head, so he was definitely a heavy baby — just kidding! That part hasn’t changed though. Forever my little/big brother. Big Brother Rio, I didn’t have a huge head — I just had to grow into it, for sure! I’ve watched and learned a lot from you over the years. I’m so excited that you’re here to share this special day with Ashlee and me. Love you, bro!
Michael Hairston
Groomsman
Me and Ern would chill at Walt’s. Ern would take all of Walt’s clothes out of his closet and lay them on the floor at least twice a week. He would also put his feet on the coffee table and say, “Disrespect!” Mike and I gave Walt the blues daily. These stories bring back memories that I can sit back and remember almost word for word. Thank you for being my brother and for standing with me on Ash’s and my special day.
Terry Cornett
Groomsman
I’m trying to remember if it was freshman or sophomore year. I was bullsh@!?ing in the commons at the I when I heard this noise, like somebody was building something in the gym. I cracked the door open, and this lanky, dark‑skinned cat was destroying baseballs coming out of the pitching machine. It was Ern. TC, my brother, I appreciate you standing with Ash and me on our wedding day. I wouldn’t have it any other way.