Vanessa & Anthony
Wedding Party
Jasmin Rutledge
Matron of Honor
Jasmin and Vanessa met just shy of 20 years ago at Arena Players Youtheatre. They feel more like sisters than friends, always having the ability to know what the other is thinking whenever they're in the same room. And though they've lived in different states for most of their friendship, they can always pick right back up where they left off.
Rachel Parker
Maid of Honor
Rachel and Vanessa met when Rachel transferred to Our Lady of Victory in the 5th grade! From there, they attended the same high school and college, and probably wouldn't have survived the latter without each other. Oh, and they also share an extremely deep love of (other people's) dogs.
Lauren Bell
Maid of Honor
Lauren and Vanessa's friendship turned 23 this year! They go aaaalll the way back to kindergarten, when they were both youngins' in Sister Barbara's K-B classroom at Our Lady of Victory. Their fondest memories include watching MTV's TRL over the phone together after high school when they should have been doing their homework (sorry, mom(s)!).
LaVon Maxwell
Bridesmaid
LaVon is Vanessa's little sister, who isn't really so little anymore! Vanessa's watched LaVon grow into a strong young woman she admires and is thrilled that she and LaVon both get to celebrate milestone years together, with Vanessa getting married and LaVon earning her Bachelor's Degree from Seton Hall University in May 2018.
Chassi Slappy
Bridesmaid
Chassi and Vanessa actually met on the day they auditioned for Towson University's theatre program (Do you even remember that, Chassi?), but *officially* met freshmen year. Vanessa and Chassi would like to take this moment to publicly proclaim that they still firmly believe that they invented Bud Light Lime before it was ever a thing. They'll be happy to share the story with you at the reception.
Michelle Scott
Bridesmaid
Michelle was Vanessa's first—and only for a reeeallly long time—friend in Chicago. Michelle took Vanessa under her wing and instantly made her feel like a long-time friend. Michelle and Vanessa have a shared love of brunch, wine, and porch dates (all on the same day, whenever possible).
Carina Lane
Bridesmaid
Carina and Vanessa met through Michelle — fittingly over brunch. The three quickly became a trio, and the rest is history. Vanessa would like to thank Carina, who planned her own wedding just a few years ago, for answering her many past and future wedding planning questions with grace and patience.
Montana Aydlett
Bridesmaid
Another 20+ year friendship! Montana is Vanessa's fellow type-A friend (we wear these badges proudly). They've gone to school together from kindergarten all the way through high school. They've also danced together as 5 year olds, lived together as 20-somethings in NYC, and moved out of said city in the same year. They both enjoy a good glass of pinot and even better conversation!
Chaz Jackson
Best Man
Anthony and Chaz met in 6th grade and became close friends in high school because Anthony didn't drive and often bummed rides home. Chaz didn't mind the mooching (or was never vocal about it) and they've been tight ever since.
Julian Eggleston
Best Man
Julian transferred to St. John's in 7th grade and has remained one of his closest friends since. They share a fondness for fashion, though it could be argued that Anthony's taste is far superior.
Maurice Craney
Groomsman
Maurice an Anthony's friendship goes back to the crusty sandbox at National Christian Academy. They've been friends for more than 25 years. The two met when they were three and have been friends since.
Marcus Green
Groomsman
Anthony doesn't remember a time when he didn't know Marcus, who is his god brother. They've mutual love of video games has been a constant in their relationship since they were kids.
Terence Johnson
Groomsman
Terence is Anthony's cousin, whom he's known since before he was born. They remain very close due to a fondness for sneakers that stretches between the DMV and Chicago.
Gabriel A. Clark
Junior Groomsman
Gabe is Anthony's 10-year-old nephew. Anthony has been buying Gabriel sneakers regularly since he was born, so Anthony is putting him to work in this wedding as an attempt at payment, because each year his foot keeps growing and the prices keep rising.