Nina Stricklen

Maid of Honor

I can’t imagine anyone else by my side for such a special moment in my life. I am truly honored to have you as my Maid of Honor – my best friend and confidante of over 30 years. Thinking back to when we first met in 1995 at Treasure Bay Casino in Biloxi, MS, it feels like fate brought us together. Starting in customer service at the Player's Club was a new adventure for me, and you made it an unforgettable experience. Not only did you teach me the ropes, but you also became the sister I never knew I needed. Moving to Hattiesburg was a big change, but you were right there with me as my roommate and dear friend, sharing laughter and late nights. From those early days to now, you've supported me through thick and thin, never wavering. I feel so grateful to create this new memory with you, knowing we’ll cherish it forever. Thank you for being by my side, then and now.

Kristin Guillory

Bridesmaid

I'm so grateful to have you as part of my bridal party and even more grateful for the friendship we've built since meeting in Baton Rouge in 2020. Who would’ve thought that deployment during COVID would bring us together? As a supervisor, I saw right away how exceptional you were – so much so that we couldn’t imagine finishing the mission without you on the team. Sitting across from each other over lunches and dinners, talking about finances and food, we found common ground in things that mean so much to me. Even after deployment, moving to Dallas hasn’t kept us from staying connected. I’ve come to appreciate how genuine, supportive, and fun you are, always there to lend an ear, even for my daughter, and there’s never a dull moment when we’re together. I'm so excited to create even more memories together – thank you for being such an amazing friend.

Courtney Williams

Bridesmaid

Courtney is my cousin whom I've known all her life. People used to think she was my daughter. She lives in Hollywood, California where she does stand-up comedy, models and acts. She's a lot of fun and I'm so excited for her to be part of the wedding party.

Barbara Winn-Wolridge

Bridesmaid

As I step into this new chapter of my life, I feel so incredibly lucky to not only be marrying Tex but also to gain you as a sister. From the moment I met you, I knew that you were someone special—kind, warm, and full of love. I want you to know how much I’ve come to admire and appreciate you. The bond you share with Tex is so beautiful, and it’s easy to see how much you’ve shaped the incredible person I fell in love with. Your love and loyalty as a sister are unmatched, and I feel honored to now be part of your family. Thank you for welcoming me with open arms and an open heart. It means the world to me to know I have your support and friendship. You’ve made me feel at home from the very beginning, and I am so excited for all the memories we’ll create together in the years to come. I’m not just gaining a sister-in-law; I’m gaining a lifelong friend. I can’t wait for the moments we’ll share, from family celebrations to quiet conversations, knowing we’ll always have each other’s backs. Thank you for being such a wonderful person and for the love you bring to Tex and now to me. I feel so grateful to call you my sister.

Yvette Huddleston

Bridesmaid

When I think about all the incredible memories we’ve shared, I feel so lucky that life brought us together back in 2013. From the very first conversation we had as neighbors, it was clear how much we had in common. Little did I know that meeting you would become one of the most pivotal moments in my life. You were already paving the way as a recent USM MSW graduate, and I was just beginning that journey. I truly don’t know how I would have made it through the program without your support. From your advice and encouragement to helping take care of my daughter so I could focus on my studies—you gave me the strength I needed to succeed, and I’ll never forget that. We’ve walked alongside each other through some of life’s biggest challenges and changes. In every moment, your kindness, wisdom, and unwavering friendship have meant the world to me. You’re not just my friend—you’re family. Having you as one of my bridesmaids is so special because you’ve been there for me in ways that words could never fully capture. On this new chapter of my life, it brings me so much joy to have you standing by my side, just as you’ve always been. Thank you for being you—an incredible friend, confidant, and soul sister. I can’t wait to celebrate this milestone with you and create more memories that we’ll cherish forever.

Jayda Smith

Junior Maid of Honor

Jayda is my beautiful daughter. She’s talented, amazing, neat, organized, intelligent, and truly the best person to ever exist. I met her 16 years ago, when she was in the womb and we instantly connected like we were mother and daughter. She’s lived with me ever since, rent free, I might add. (I didn’t write this SHE DID!!!)

Andrea Allen

Mother of the Bride

Vera Williams

Advisor

Vera is my cousin whom I've known all my life. I'm so blessed and honored to have her as my advisor. She's very stylish, well-traveled, funny and a lot of fun. Looking forward to seeing you.

Makayla

Beauty Advisor

Meet Makayla, our talented beauty advisor who will be working her magic to ensure the wedding party looks stunning on the big day! With a keen eye for fashion and a natural flair for creating beautiful cohesive looks, she’s the go-to expert when it comes to makeup. Always on trend, she’s has an effortless ability to put together the perfect style for every person. Fun, outgoing, and full of energy, Makayla brings both expertise and excitement to the day, making sure everyone feels confident and fabulous!

C’Mari Winn

Flower Child

Kamari is also the daughter of Brittany and Chris Winn. She always greets us with a hug. She is very smart and loves to draw. We look forward to her being in our wedding.

Skyler Winn

Flower Girl

Skyler is the daughter of Chris and Brittany. Every time we go to their home, Skyler greets us with a smile and her IPad. She is such a joy ! It is our pleasure to have her as our beautiful flower girl.

James "Junior" Burns

Best Man

Junior is my brother and someone that I highly respect. He was my idle as a young man and someone I highly respect today. He is one of the hardest working men on this green earth! He was one of the strongest and fastest athletes' I've ever known which is why he was highly recruited to play college football. He is fun and loves being around family. His only downfall is that he has no rhythm...AT ALL...LOL! But he's my big brother and I will ride or die for him...and most importantly...I love him!

Jason “X” Horne

Groomsman

I met this brother 20 years ago while deployed to Germany. He walked up to me, introduced himself and acted as if he'd known me his whole life. Then he did the craziest thing ever! He asked me if I knew how to play dominoes??? I said, yeah...I know my way around the table! Well he commenced to tell me how he was the one who put the dot's on 'em...so he knew the game VERY well...LOL. Out of respect for his wife, I won't begin to tell you about the whooping he received that night...LOL. BUT, it get's better. A few days later, I invited him to go play dominoes with me at a friends house (Groomsman L.Z.) and I won't discuss the treatment he received that night either...LOL! I went back to England and never thought I'd see him again until some months later I received a call and it was "X" and said "I told you I would check on you!" Matter of fact...he continuously checked on me and L.Z. and the three of us have been brothers every since. L.Z. actually attended his wedding a few years later. I highly respect this brother for keeping a bond amongst men together; for stepping out on faith; building a martial arts foundation that's known throughout the United States; being an icon, mentor and leader recognized by ALL in and around the City of New Orleans. He's welcomed me into his home with his loving wife and son's whom are now making the marks in college as standout athletes. This is a brother of mine and I love him as a brother and I expect everyone to treat him as such!

Bryan Barnett

Groomsman

I met Bryan in the Air Force at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma City around 1989. I was so happy to see him walk through those doors because up until that moment, I was the only black man in our job. We connected immediately and he lived in the same dorm and on the same floor. We were each other's motivation...with Top Secret duties...managing million-dollar operations...and couldn't nobody tell us SH***T...LOL! But we leaned on each other, we shared with each other...we became "My Brothers Keeper" at work and away from work. In our job, "people" tried to sabotage our image EVERY day because we were literally the BEST in the Air Force and have the plaques to prove it! I have leaned on this brother when I was in a bad place and he has NEVER let me down, turned his back or said "NO!..and we all know that friendship, brotherhood and love like this is hard to come by...which is why once again...he is here standing by my side!

John “LZ” Lizana

Groomsman

I met this brother around 1994 in Okinawa, Japan. We had just combined our football teams and were standing in the parking lot talking smack after winning a game. I knew then that I liked this brother because we were both very competitive and talked noise for days...LOL! Our team was UNBEATABLE! The only Air Force football team on the island and NONE of the Marine, Army or Navy teams could beat us...LOL! I know for a fact it was due to the camaraderie we shared. I met so many good brothers while there; BUT, this is the ONLY brother that I keep in contact with and there's a reason for that. We both played football...we both loved to cook...and drink...LOL! More importantly, if you wanted to talk to someone levelheaded...someone genuine...someone that was going to keep it real with you when you needed it the most...this was my man! This brother tripped me out when I first met him...reminded me of Malcolm X...he was always dropping knowledge...LOL. He was one of the smartest people I had ever met...could talk to him about ANYTHING...and I needed that in my life at that time. I realized immediately that he was going to be in my life a long time. What I didn't realize was that he saw the same in me. We've had many "man to man" conversations about work, our kids, man-stuff, business and most importantly... marriage. We've shared our best moments and our worst moments and I need him to know that I'm going to need him around for many years to come...love you bro!

John Huddleston

Groomsman

Another hard-working brother that ONLY wants the best from everyone he meets. When I say "Good People"...I sincerely mean good people! Just like me...a good ol' country man. I first met this brother when my fiance' invited me to his wedding a few years ago. He invited me inside, we shook hands and sat at the kitchen table...and the next words out of his mouth..."would you like a drink!" Good ol' southern hospitality. Now he's about to get married in an hour or so; but we sat in his kitchen and drank, talked about gardening, fishing and hunting. What really tripped me out was that I'm sitting across the table looking at him and thinking..."Man, we kinda look alike...he might be family!" So, we go to this beautiful wedding and had a wonderful time. As everyone started to leave, I told my baby that we had a long drive and should probably get on the road; but then I noticed, he was left alone to clean up the whole event...and there was no way I could consciously leave him in that state. So, I put some music on and we went to work. Two-hours later we were in his kitchen doing shots and he truly thanked me. He said you're a real brother and I look forward to seeing you again. Since that day, he's visited my home, we've hung out in Florida, Mississippi, Houston and vacationed together in Hawaii. I'd say we've connected quite well and we'll continue to be around for each other. We all need people like John in our lives and I'm glad he's in mine...love you bro!

L&D Events (Aerian Foret)

Wedding Planner