Maid of Honor
Giselle is my big sister, best friend, and the one I run to for sound advice (when I'm ready to hear it). Giselle was also the person who taught me the joy of travel--working hard, but also investing in unforgettable life experiences. From Giselle, I've learned that hard work pays off, natural hair is beautiful, and that you can be smart, educated, and still love Jesus. Giselle is a problem solver and has coached me through important life moments and picked me up from the ground more times than I can articulate. I like to say that if Giselle wasn't my sister, I'd wish we were close friends. Giselle, love this new phase of life we're both in--we're grown, our priorities have changed, but I love that we can walk through life by each others' side.
Best Man
Parfait is my immediate younger brother, and the guy you’ll find willing to travel around the globe by himself. Having climbed Mt. Fuji by himself and trekked Asia for a month with friends, this is the guy you want with you for an adventure. From snowboarding trips to hiking treks to African safaris, there’s not much we, an adrenaline-loving duo, hasn't done together. We have talked about joining the Amazing Race to win the million dollar prize. Despite all his amazing traits though, Parfait has unfortunately been shackled with two left feet – and so with moves like his (or lack thereof), I have no doubt he’ll be the one not dancing at the wedding!
Bridesmaid
Diana and I grew up together. With Diana, hours fly by, laughs hurt the stomach, phone calls are lengthy, holidays are greatest, and goodbyes are tough. Diana is the friend I would call to get over a guy in 1-3 business days--she always has the ability to pump me up with the best energy. Diana is loyal, she does exactly what she says she will do, she'll keep all your secrets, and she's always, always on time. Diana has deeply lived life's experiences and loves hard and deeply. I owe my favorite friendship memories to Diana, and I couldn't be happier that she and I got engaged in the same year--I am thankful that God aligned this chapter of our lives, and I couldn't be happier for both of us.
Best Man
Nick has been my one of my best friends for nearly two decades. After first meeting in high school at Enterprise Academy, we didn't reconnect until we were both back in Wichita, KS, after 4 years of college. We almost even went into business together when I had my brief stint as a realtor. Having recently climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in 5 days while most people do it in 8 -14 days, Nick is the friend who is always pushing the boundaries of human fortitude and testing his own limit. Nick's motto is "forward in life no matter the challenges ahead." While only 3 months older than me, Nick seems to have the knowledge and wisdom of someone 10 years older. Nick always has a kind word or joke to alleviate the mood but can also talk about the sensitive stuff when necessary.
Bridesmaid
I met Margo at a family potluck (she's a cousin's cousin) in Grand Rapids, but we became close a few years later in college. When I moved to Kalamazoo for College, Margo showed me around and introduced me to her social network. We studied, churched, and laughed a lot. Margo is the kind of friend every girl needs: She's smart, beautiful, accomplished, independent, introspective, fun, loyal, and a great listener. Margo is introverted, but she's a force and was my hardest goodbye out of college. Today, I am thankful for our grown-women status and line of work because we're working on several projects together. Additionally, I'm thankful for internet memes because God knows we have the same sense of humor and stay laughing every day.
Groomsman
Will is my best friend from California. We work together in the Bay Area. Will is a constant ray of sunshine and carries himself with such a vibrant attitude that its easy to seek out his presence. He never leaves anyone without a smile, if he can help it. He specifically has a way of charming little older sick ladies who frequent our floor. They always leave the unit clamoring for him. Will and Kelly (his wife) have also taken me in as one of their own several times, which has made holidays away from my family bearable. I've spent many a Thanksgivings and Christmases enjoying their company and the food!
Bridesmaid
Ally is Pascal's sister, my only future sister-in-law, and the first member from his family that I met when him and I started dating. Ally has made it so easy for me to join the Harelimana family and has also beautifully fit right into mine. Ally and I have formed a beautiful friendship over the years. I've enjoyed our long talks on the phone and have come to appreciate the beautiful, intelligent, hardworking, and independent woman she is. Ally's laugh fills the room, she sounds like an angel when she sings, and her body carries the kind of rhythm that can only come from having good genetics. I am looking forward to a future with this new queen of a sister and can't wait to create many more memories with her.
Groomsman
Peacemaker is my second brother with the effervescent personality. He is my brother with the brightest smile and personality. This guy always has a corny joke loaded and waiting to make sure you smile, or at least give him an eye roll. While having an awesome personality would be sufficient enough of a character trait, Peace is also wickedly smart and driven. He has an aptitude for self teaching. Since high-school, he's taught himself the guitar, the German language, and some mandarin from some Pimsleur tapes. His German is so good he went on a solo practice trip to Germany a year ago, where he says he almost passed for full blooded homegrown talent. Someday soon, we hope to be calling him Dr. Peacemaker Ineza.
Bridesmaid
Lola and I met at church when I moved to California, but it's like we've known each other for years. We don't do small talk and no topic is off limits, so Lola is my kind of girl. Lola and I are both Leos, and if horoscopes are a thing, then I get why we get each other. Lola and her fiancé Michael are the reason why Pascal and I are getting through this pandemic without completely going insane. As if this weren't enough, Lola and Michael are the couple Pascal and I can share absolutely everything with because they will always pray with and for us.
Groomsman
Praise is my third brother. At times, he may come off as brooding, but once you get to know the man, he is a charming, intellectual guy with an almost savant way of processing complex information. He is into photography and has a keen eye for color and contrast, sunlight and angles. He took Bee and I's initial engagement pictures (day after we got engaged). He is your guy if you want to have a stirring conversation about faith, religion, and existential questions. He has a deep desire to know his Lord and Savior and to help as many people as he can get into the Kingdom of Heaven.
Bridesmaid
Pascal and I met Sydney and her husband Storm at church here in California and we've created unforgettable memories with them! I am incredibly drawn to the woman that Sydney is; she is smart, incredibly supportive, and makes marriage look incredibly fun. I admire Sydney's calm nature and spirit. Sydney has been my go-to as I navigate wedding planning and shopping during the pandemic. I am also lucky to have a young, Adventist, happily married black woman and professional in my life. I believe friendships like these are proof that God has a hand on who He places in our lives.
Groomsman
Providence is my youngest brother. You would think that with an 18 year age gap between us, we wouldn't have a lot in common, but we do. Providence and I have a deep affinity for all things tech; he always keeps me young at heart when he points out all the new things available. Providence is also one of most kindhearted and generous people I know. He is wise beyond his youthful years and seeking to learn from others' mistakes and not his own. This kid has a heart so full of love, he'll give you the shirt off his back.