Officiant/Father of the Groom
My Father, my Mentor, and my words of wisdom. There are so many words to describe someone that is so important and means so much to someone. Too many to write down, but they are all so fitting for you. Growing up there was one thing that I always wanted to do and that was to be like my father. You showed us all the definition of what a Father, a Provider, a Husband, a Christian, and a Role Model looks like. Many times the advice and wisdom that you imparted to us, I did not necessary like to hear, but deep down I knew it was right. You have always been there for not only me, but all of us. On a day as special as this, there is no better person in the world that is more fitting to officiate my wedding than my Father. As you told me, You may be grown up, but you are still my boy"
Opening Officiant
Jake when I first met you You were so passionate about what you believed, it was hard to believe someone could be like that genuinely . The more I hung around the more I saw you were genuine, what you said was backed up by actions. I looked at how you treated your wife & kids and it affected me greatly. One of the biggest things you taught me not by words but by example is what I want in a husband. Initially my criteria for a husband was that he was to be a christian, you evolved my mindset. I did not just want a Christian husband, I wanted a husband that would treat me as good as you treat your wife, a father that would care for our kids the way you do. 8 years later, you are now my brother and the biggest role model to my son, thank you for treating my family as an extension of yours
Matron of Honor
Bey, the mother of my children. Where do I start. For years we had this disagreement about soul mates. You didn't believe in them I did. About a year ago I finally looked up the meaning of a soul mate, a person ideally suited to another as a close friend, conversations flow seamlessly, someone that will hold your hand and walk with you in darkness, what he/she does or says is enlightening. A soul mate completes you. All along my soul mate was in front of me. You have supported , loved, respected and taught me things for years. You have never given up on me, even when I wanted to give up on my self. You are my shoulder when I cry, you are one of my biggest supporters. I wouldn't do life with out you! Oh and lets be real the only reason I am having desserts at my wedding is because of you!
Best Man
As my younger brother, we have always been close for the most part. Growing up getting in trouble together, playing basketball together, working together to finally moving to Charlotte together. For years we did not spend as much time with each other. We lived in different cities, you had college and I kept a busy schedule. To look back and see how overtime our relationship has grown, stronger than it has ever been. Like most brothers we do not always agree or get along, but you have always been there for me. No one else deserves the title as Best Man more than you.
Maid of Honor
Bobbie, you know how people have security blankets? You are my security blanket. The one friend I never want to get rid of no matter how long I've had her, I can literally always count on you. You are quietly hilarious and you and I always have a good laugh. You are steady, reassuring, and the realest! I love how my kids love you, you're one of the best grandmas to them! I will forever laugh at the time when we were roommates and you thought I was upstairs crying loudly ( I was laughing) and instead of coming to check on me and make sure I was okay you thought "this girl needs to get it together" That sums us up! I am the emotional roller coaster and you are the logic. You tell me how it is and how it should be and I NEED that (but you already knew that :) I love you forever.
Groomsman
My big brother and Coach, we have not always seen eye to eye, or agreed on everything. But like you said, you will always back me. That's what family does. If it wasn't for you, I would have never picked up Running out of all things as a hobby. Even though there are times I mess with you just to get you going, its cause I love you. You lead by example and always hold me accountable, I couldn't have asked for a better oldest brother to look up to.
Bridesmaid
Mona, sister. Oh the disagreements we have had, the arguments, the not seeing eye to eye. I credit it to us being so close in age. When we were younger we fought but one thing that I was confident in was you had my back 100% I was the loud mouthed trash talker and you were the quiet fighter. I still laugh at the time when I was running my mouth and than the girl actually wanted to fight, I couldn't find you fast enough! And sure enough you had me. Its funny because as opposite as we are somehow we ended up with each others children. you always joke that they switched our boys at birth, so true! Thank you for not wearing a Dashiki at my wedding! And although I refused countless times to wear one at yours, in writing I say, I will wear a Dashiki at your wedding. I love you sis
Groomsman
We are so different, but so much alike. Growing up we were always at one another and even as we got older, I could still do or say little things to get under your skin. As we have gotten older, even thou we have lived a ways apart, I believe we continue to grow closer. You've always had my back, and I couldn't think of a more special occasion than this to have you stand with me.
Bridesmaid
Dearest Naisha, I remember looking at you and thinking what an example you were to me! You have always been steady and consistent. Your level of contentment always had me in awe. I knew that when you said I am good you truly meant you were good. You are truly the definition of big sister. Looking back there are many times you could've just thrown in the towel with me! I remember bragging about you and how popular you were in high school. I also remember stealing your Red and White Adidas Shell toes so I would be popular too, you and I were the first ones at school with those colors ( I wonder if anyone ever guessed that they weren't mine especially considering they were too big for me lol) I also remember that slap to the face in our back yard, I will admit MAYBE I deserved it! I love you
Groomsman
Even though we are cousins, I can say you were as close to a brother as a cousin could get growing up. The old days of playing football in your front yard, or us playing Basketball when you and Demarcus came to Illinois. You mean a lot to me, and it is an honor to have you be a part of my big day.
Bridesmaid
Kinj, in true me fashion this is well delayed.I am sitting across the room from you, thinking about us, thinking about our friendship and it hits me, you are who I want to apart of the biggest days of my life.You are one of my dearest friends! Our friendship is definitely one for the books! Remembering the incident with the nametags makes me laugh and makes me grateful,for me I felt that it was the moment that built us. I love everything about you. Your strong spirit, your kindness, your creativity, your humor!I remember the time that there was a possibility that you would have to leave Charleston, I knew I could not let that happen. I needed you and I am so glad that you stayed. I love watching you grow from a strong single woman to a strong beautiful mom and wife. I love you forever!
Groomsman
Josh! My big "little" brother . I sure hope your arms fit in your suit, you may have to stop working out for my wedding haha. One of my favorite stories to tell about you is when we were kids roaming the woods, you found a lady bug and cooked it and had me eat it. I got sick. LOL I also remember you trying to help me and tell me don't lean on any trees because of the bees and no sooner had you said that I lean on a tree and got attacked by wasp. You probably can still laugh at the memory of me screaming, running out of the woods with a swarm of wasp following me. Thank you for giving me your first child ( against your will) I still think she loves me more than you and looks like me more than you too haha. I love you big bro - Drea
Bridesmaid
Ci, I know the exact moment that we became besties, contrary to your belief it was all me! I am the reason we are us. Had it not been for my consistency with reaching out we would still be giving awkward hugs. It feels good to finally be able to say that without you disagreeing haha! When I met you the first thing I noticed was your confidence. That was a trait of yours that I wanted to emulate. You are strong and beautiful. One memory I will always cherish, is the morning I was struggling with my moms health I called you at 5 crying and you comforted and listened to me, I got off the phone laughing and feeling much better than when I initially called. I needed you and you were there. Can you believe that I soon will get to call you my sister?! I love you Sunshine
Groomsman
From that Friday night I arrived in Charlotte, you have been like a brother. A person I can relate to as well as joke with and get my sense of humor. We have not always seen eye to eye, but we have been able resolve our issues and put it behind us. You have a big heart and are one of the most generous people I have ever met. It's nice to have you stand with me on my special day.
Bridesmaid
Boonkie, when we first met in 2005 I had no idea you would make such an impact on my life. We are literally sisters. From the days of me doing your cornrows and beads to us both having kids named Kar we thought we were unbreakable. There is a saying that goes "We'll be friends forever, you know too much" so true haha you and I would tell each other everything even when it was sometimes TMI . So many memories we share and so many more to come. I still laugh at when you were a teenager I would call you and EVERY TIME you would give me the excuse "i gotta get in the shower" and than eventually it would be you calling me which started our every morning coffee talks. I love you little sister.
Groomsman
Cody, for years now I have looked up to you! I don't think I ever met a teenager who tried to teach another teenager how to drive properly but you did that, remember you told me not to try and drive cool with one hand on the wheel leaning but to sit up and put both hands on the wheel lol even back than you were in teaching mode and to this day that hasn't changed, you always have words of wisdom even when you think I am not listening (although if you're talking about history, politics, or current world news, just know I truly am not listening) I admire your intelligence and kindness, but the real reason I put you in my wedding is so I can see you in a suit! Love you big bro - Drea
Junior Bridesmaid
Kar Kar, my little firecracker. When you were born I said I wanted you to have your aunties personality. Strong and bold, and today I wonder if somehow they did not accidently give me my sisters child. You are full of wonderful, from your silly jokes to your intensity when you find a good book to read. You have been independent since you turned one. I remember the day I was arguing with you about what I wanted you to wear until I realized I was arguing with a three year old haha. I tried to make you a princess but you were not having it ! One thing I can count on with you is your willingness to always give your very last. I love you child. oh and stay dramatic my beautiful girl, never change!
Junior Groomsman
King Bean, so much to say about you! I credit you and your sister entirely for helping me to grow. In 2009 when they handed you to me I never imagined how much my world would change. You make me laugh endlessly and you are hands down one of the sweetest boys I know. One of the quirks I love about you is you're so rough and tough during the day but as soon as sun sets you are attached to my side, that is how I know you're ready for bed. I know I always joke about wanting space from you when you want to cuddle but in truth I love how much you love me. You are truly a mommas boy (unless Grandma is around).
Ring Bearer's
Brycen, from the first time you helped me vacuum to imitating me in class when it came to picking my ring bearer there was no better choice than my best friend. Kar, my handsome nephew, I have known you since you were born. You are still the cutest of all, and best dressed! Auntie loves you .
Flowergirl's
Sweet LEICE, my beautiful niece. From the day I watched you enter into this world till now you have always been my girl. Your quiet sass and sweetness are just some of the things I love about you. One thing I'll never forget is you teasing your mom about not having melanin! ZEMZ, I still say you were meant to be my child, from your always perfect manicure to your big bows you are a girl after my heart. I love that you are as excited for me to get married as I am! WREN- My best bud! You have me wrapped around your little finger. I love the little girl you are, So full of personality! I'll remind Cameron not to be "bossy boots" and I agree, he is a cutiee. NOVA, you were right "this girl is on fire" I could listen to your stories all day long! the facial expressions and details -unmatched!