Wedding Party
Shekinah Thigpen
Maid of Honor
Shekinah and Monica have been best friends since birth. Their friendship really took off in middle school and they have been inseparable ever since. Maid of Honor was a role Shekinah always knew she'd have in Monica's wedding, they just weren't sure who the groom would be.
Tristan Backer
Best Man
Tristan is Chris' younger brother (by a whole 8 minutes, but who's counting). Side by side since day one, they’ve shared just about everything, so it only made sense for Tristan to be right there as Best Man.
Da'Marcus Watkins
Man of Honor
Da'Marcus is Monica's older brother, although they have been mistaken as twins their whole lives. Sharing extremely similar features is about the only thing they truly have in common, but Monica still loves him. You will most likely find Da'Marcus on the dance floor for the entirety of the reception or eating, whichever fits his vibe at the time.
Sam Dewitt
Groomsman
Sam and Chris have been best friends since middle school, where they ran track together and became part of the same close-knit friend group. They grew up in the same town and have stayed close ever since. Sam is now married with two sweet little girls, who we’re lucky to have as our flower girls as well!
Norryana Walker
Bridesmaid
Noryanna is Monica's cousin who, in her words, "lives way too far away". Between family trips, & plenty of phone calls and texts in between, they've remained close through it all. She’s the cousin Monica says she can always count on for support and a good time.
Brendon Smith
Groomsman
Brendon and Chris met in college and ran track together, forming a friendship that’s grown through everything from double dates to spontaneous trips and everyday life in their twenties. After Chris stood in Brendon’s wedding, it means a lot to have Brendon by his side now.
Amanda Ackerman
Bridesmaid
Amanda and Monica met in college, where they graduated with the same major and later lived together both during senior year and in their early twenties. As fellow photographers, they’ve spent plenty of time shooting together and sharing ideas. With Amanda getting married just a month before Monica, it’s been extra special getting to go through this season of life together.
Cameron Pfister
Groomsman
Cameron and Chris have been friends since elementary school. Growing up, they spent countless hours at each other's houses playing video games, shooting hoops, and hosting the occasional Nerf war. Through every stage of life, they've remained great friends.
Daeja Cotton
Bridesmaid
Daeja and Monica have been friends since their teenage years, meeting through Daeja’s now husband. Over the years, their friendship has been filled with long car rides blasting R&B, wine nights, and plenty of sleepovers. If there’s laughing and a little chaos on the wedding day, it’s probably them.
Joe Hoffman
Groomsman
Joe and Chris have known each other since they were babies, thanks to a lifelong friendship between their moms. They grew up watching movies, riding bikes, and playing games together. After Chris stood in Joe's wedding a few years ago, they're excited to celebrate this milestone together once again.
Ifechi Umeh
Bridesmaid
Ifechi and Monica met later in college through a mutual friend, and their friendship really grew after graduation. Between margarita nights, amazing homemade dinners by Ifechi, and navigating their twenties, they’ve shared a lot of life together. The bride describes Ifechi as a quiet soul and one of the kindest people you’ll ever meet.
Steven Burkhardt
Groomsman
Steven and Chris were friends from a distance growing up, but college gave them the chance to really get to know each other. Running track together gave them plenty of time to build a strong friendship that's continued well beyond graduation.
Tatyanna Howard
Bridesmaid
Tatyanna and Monica first met freshman year of college when Tatyanna called out Monica and her friends for being too loud in the dorms. But a few months later, they ended up becoming friends anyway. After Tatyanna graduated and moved away, distance didn’t change much. From being each other’s plus-ones at weddings to the occasional random night out, they’ve kept things just as fun.
Lewi Hulsman
Groomsman
Lewi and Chris became friends in elementary school and reconnected in high school after losing touch for a few years. Once they started hanging out again, they realized they had a lot in common. Whether it's game nights, anime, or just catching up, they always seem to pick up right where they left off.
Tessa Lagle
Bridesmaid
Tessa is Monica's younger cousin, but she’s always felt more like a little sister. Whether it’s sleepovers, coffee runs for a good latte, or talking through life and dating, they spend a lot of time together (and on the phone). At any family event, chances are you’ll find them side by side.
Seth Mendel
Groomsman
Seth and Chris have known each other since they were kids, spending countless hours at each other's houses and playing baseball throughout elementary and middle school. They later became college roommates for three years, giving them plenty of stories and memories from both childhood and college.