Wedding Party
Ambur Smith
Maid of Honor
Burbaby... Ms. Amburoo is my little cousin and fellow virgo. Ambur is sassy, opinionated, and very demanding but she is most definitely very intelligent, thoughtful, and determined. Ambur has been by my side since day one, through the ups and downs, highs and lows.. She is my ride or die. Her passion and determination shine bright as she is a Georgetown Law graduate and currently practicing law at the age of 26. Ambur and I are complete opposites, but we just work! We have traveled, partied, laughed, cried, and had our fair share of differences. When all is said and done I couldn't say "I DO" with out her.
Monica Henderson
Janae’s Bridesmaid
Monica and I met while I was playing basketball at University of Alabama Birmingham. Her Husband Tristan, played football during the same time and we became good friends. Tristan introduced me to Monica and just knew we would hit it off... he was most definitely right about that. Monica is sweet & sassy and always down for a good time. Monica & Tristan would always have a big group of us over for dinner & drinks.. we would play spades, talk shit, and just chill. Monica and her son Aiden would come support my UAB Basketball games and even traveled to see me play. Monica quickly became a very close friend and our relationship has only blossomed over the years.
Lindsey Mathis
Janae’s Bridesmaid
My G Lindsey... Ivory to my Ebony... I met Lindsey at College of Charleston through a few mens basketball players. Our initial encounter was a bit shaky, she claims she said hello to me and I was rude or didn't acknowledge her. Shortly after we ran into each other at and athlete party, and we ended ganging up on some girl during a drinking game. The rest is history.... Lindsey immediately emerged as my Bestie. Through the distance we have managed to maintain our friendship, travel to see each other, be there for all the major milestones, and support each other through the ups and downs of life. We have had some amazing times and have created memories to last a lifetime.
Kenyatta Shelton
Janae’s Bridesmaid
Yatti... My mentor... I met Yatti through a mutual friend. She would come visit us down at school, we would hoop together, party, and just have a great time. Yatti always looked out for me, and actually ended connecting me with my future wife. She is big part of why this day is possible. Through the years our friendship has continued to grow. Yatti always shown up, she is always there when you need her, nights out, get togethers, showers, birthdays... you name it! Yatti is gonna be there for you. She has proven her consistent friendship overtime and I am so grateful for how our relationship has grown over the years.
Ali Wright
Janae’s Bridesmaid
Ali and I go all the way back to high school. We met each other through Marching Band and both played the Clarinet. Those were the days we would ditch school just to go to bakers square... Something you need to know about Ali is she loves her some pie. Ali has always been a great influence, as a freshman she took me under her wing and showed me what a real house party should look like :). We went our separate ways for college, but still managed to visit and keep in touch. When Ali moved back to Chicago, she didn't skip a beat. The parties continued only moved to her condo downtown. We have had some amazing nights together.. Ali is the definition of a party. Needless to say we have continued our shenanigans into adulthood and I don't expect it to end anytime soon.
Alexis ‘pino’ Jenkins
Janae’s Bridesmaid
Pino... I met Pino while playing AAU Basketball. We actually ended up playing some college basketball together as well. II call Pino the silent assassin. We are so different, but we find a way to laugh together and connect on so many levels. Outside of dominating on the court for a few years together as redbirds, our friendship has continued to develop over the years. Pino just looks out, she's always there when I need her. It is an honor to have her by my side.
Mariah King
Janae’s Bridesmaid
Mariah... Mariah and I crossed paths through AAU and high school basketball. We used to always go hoop together at Whitney Young during the summers. Mariah and I went our separate ways to play college ball. She went to Eastern Illinois... I remember going to visit her in Charleston, we always ended up having an amazing time. We both continued to play Overseas after college. We have done some world traveling together. Recently she played in Prague and I would travel to visit her while I was in Germany. Mariah and I always find a way to link in the offseason. Our friendship has continued to blossom over the years and for that I am forever thankful.
Monique Reid
Janae’s Bridesmaid
Mo... Mo and I were teammates when I played in Germany. We quickly turned teammates into friends. Mo just gets me, she always has. My time spent with her in Germany was probably one of my most enjoyable years playing overseas. Since then we have continued to stay in touch, visit each other during the summers, and if we get some time during our seasons we always try to plan a trip. This past season I went and spent some time with her in Israel. She is an extremely selfless and loyal friend that I know I can always count on.
Javonna Smith
Mother of the Bride
My Role Model... The woman I have always looked up to. My mom has had my back since day one and has done her best to give me and my brothers the world. Her love and support mean the world to me. I can always count on her to be there with love, patience, and resilience. We have traveled the world together, and experienced some pretty amazing things. I am so grateful for our relationship and feel so blessed to have her by my side.
Natalie Campbell
Matron of Honor
My Big Sister & Best Friend. The person that is always there no matter what. Natalie, has been my role model since I was a kid. We have fought, laughed, partied, loved, supported each other through every stage of our lives. She is the beautiful mother of 5 and an amazing example of what kicking ass as a mom should look like.. She has been by my side my entire life... leading, guiding, supporting. Why would this be any different? I wouldn't be able to say "I DO" with out her.
Sam Smith
Ashleen’s Bridesmaid
My Ride or Die. One of the only people that could keep me in line and did NOT take my shit. Boy have we been through a lot. Sam is a resilient friend that never gives up and always forgives. Sam and I met in 5th grade and have been friends ever since. Sam is dependable and always finds a way to be there for me. We have laughed, cried, and physical fought (Actually I got my ass beat a few times). Through it all she has always been my bestie. We have memories that could last a life time that I will always hold dear to my heart.
Julie Schaffer
Ashleen’s Bridesmaid
Big Booty Judy. Boy oh Boy. This girl has aided and abetted in every single bad decision I made from 5th grade through high school. I became friends with Julie in 5th grade and she quickly became a part of my family. She tagged along on vacations, family parties and blended right in with the Bracey's. We did everything together including CCD, Sports, Class - LIFE. Julie attended Illinois State University with me and kept me connected and in line. She supported me throughout my basketball career and would always bring rowdy fans to come cheer me on. Julie has stuck by my side through everything I have ever been through. She has kept me grounded to my roots and I am forever grateful for that.
Nikeva Stapelton
Ashleen’s Bridesmaid
My first memory with Nikki was in kindergarden. We were going on a class field trip and of course both of our moms were room moms. Our teacher, asked Nikki to ride with our parents to the zoo due to lack of space. I always thought it was because we were the biggest :). We grew up 1 block from each other. Both Mixed, both taller kids. I just felt like we always understood each other even though we are so different in so many ways. Nikki has always been a constant in my life. Through every stage, no matter how long or how far we live from each other we always find a way to bring it back to Humphrey Ave and Taylor St. Ive always admired her perfectionist personality and watching her grow in life and in her career.
Brea Banks
Ashleen’s Bridesmaid
Brandy "B" Banks.... One of the most selfless friends I have ever known. One of the best teammates I have ever played with or coached. This girl was my mom for 4 years in college. Yes, 4 and not 3 because she did a 5th year. Roomies, besties, I even hooked her up with her hubby :). Polar opposite people, but somehow we just work. I will never forget how she was able to put our friendship above competing on a basketball court. Brea has been there for me since the start of my college career, well.... maybe since a few weeks into it, it took her a while to get used to my attitude and shenanigans. Once she did, she was all in and has looked out for me ever since.
Julie Bracey
Ashleen’s Bridesmaid
Julie Christine... I've known Julie since I was 11 years old. My big brother, Chris Brought her home to meet the family and she immediately fit right in. Julie is my stalker and on of my biggest fans. This girl will call me 10 times before she gets a call back and the first thing she will say to me is... glad to hear from you Michelle Obama. Julie quickly became like a 2nd big sister to me. We have hilarious moments together and you are truly one of the funniest most entertaining people I know. Always... Or usually down for a good time, this girl has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember.
Amanda Delle Donne
Ashleen’s Bridesmaid
PG for life. Amanda "Manny" "Man" Clifton. From videos,. to dance parties, the long bus rides home, and several championships... Amanda and I have been through so much. She was a year younger than me, so I always tried to show her the ropes and look out for her. We have been through our different stages of life, College, Indiana Days, Chitown, and her being the first to pave the way in marrying a beautiful woman. She has always seen me for who I am, and always loved and accepted me for it. I have had a blast living life with her and I am so honored to have her by my side!
Tiffany Hudson
Ashleen’s Bridesmaid
MY MENTOR!!! One of the greatest leaders I have ever known. Tiff is 2 years older than me by grade, so I had the honor of playing with her for 2 years. She never took my shit, always pushed me to my best, and held me to the highest standard. Tiff stands for what is right, and she will tell you what she thinks is right. She's been an amazing example for me as a strong black woman. As we have moved on from our playing careers and into life, Tiff and I have grown even closer and developed a friendship that I will hold dear to my heart forever.
Margaret Bracey
Mother of the Bride
MY HEART!!! The greatest woman I have ever known. My lifetime #1 Fan. The example that has paved the way for her children and allowed and supported them to be who they are and live their truth. Her sacrifice and love has meant everything to me. She has a heart of gold, and will always put me first. She has shown me GOD'S love, through her love for me.