Wedding Party

Pastor James Elliott Sr.

Father of the Bride

From the Bride: My Daddy is an amazing man. He is so humble and loves his family. I am the middle child, but he makes me think I’m the baby! He loves coming out to the house to eat. Daddy will be 77 years old, but still comes out to my house and cuts my grass, shovels my driveway and checks on me every other day. He is such a great example of a man after God's own heart. The bond he shared with my mother for 47 years exemplifies what walking with God in love and faith will add to a marriage. Daddy, thank you for your walk, and your blessing of our union. I cannot wait for you to walk me down the aisle to my destiny! I love you❣❤

The Late Sandra Joan Elliott

Mother of the Bride

From the bride: What can I say about my Mommie? She was and still is my rock! Mommie was one who believed in telling the WHOLE TRUTH whether it hurt your feelings or not. She pushed anyone she talked to and encouraged them to live right. She would always quote the 23rd Psalms and lived out Mark 9:23! The journey since her ascension to heaven has been tedious, beacuse I was so used to talking with her daily, but the tools she gave me in life has guided me thus far. I know she is smiling down from heaven because Darren and I are making a vow before the Lord to take this journey together. I’m sure she will be right beside me when I walk down the aisle. I miss you daily Mommie, and I thank God for the years we shared together. Your favorite, Joy Bell❤

Pastor Wendell Yorkman

Father of the Groom

From the Groom....well being the perfect son that I am it is safe to say that my Dad did a pretty good job in raising me!🤷🏾‍♂️.... But I like to celebrate people while they are here to hear and appreciate it not when it's too late, so I must say I have a PHENOMENAL Dad!....The very coolest, the biggest heart, overly supportive, Wendell Yorkman is the man and the father that I strive to be. I can deal with Joy's bonus babies with minimal stress bc of the example I've seen my Dad display in patience and forgiveness. You need prayer...he's there. You need someone to walk with you thru perilous times, he'll meet you at the crossroads and then carry you....my Dad is an AMAZING man and I'm sooooo happy that he will be officiating our union....(for free!!🤣)

The Late Evangelist Shirley

Mother of the Groom

From the Groom..... My Mom was soooo funny!!! If she wasn't talking and joking with or about you, then she was talking and praying with God for you. My Mom is what they call a "prayer warrior"...when she says she gonna pray for you, trust me, there's gonna be some praying going on! In the entirety of my 44 years in life she has been introduced to a....very small number of girls/women in my life and she has her opinion of them all pretty much neatly wrapped up in a phrase, "Now who do she think she is?"..lol I think my Mom would rock with Joy though...and when I heard Joy pray, with the same ache for the Lord that I heard in my Mom's heart.... for the first time I know my Mom's spirit rolled right to the throne of God to give Him glory for His tremendous favor and guidance in our lives.

Mrs Loretta (Mom Duece)Yorkman

Step mother of the Groom

From the Groom....I didn't meet Mom Duece in the traditional way...I mean I wasn't consulted about my Dad remarrying and all, you know like my Dad's oldest child is entitled to be, BUT bc Ms Loretta is so cool and highly favored then I got over that! Lol...Mom Duece is old school old school....she'll pray about a situation way before addressing it and is always sacrificing her time and energy to be a blessing to someone every day. I'm glad that her and my Dad choose to take these same steps 14 years ago that we're about to take in March....thank you so much for loving my Dad Mom Duece.....love you!

Petina Jones

Maid of Compassion

From the Bride: How I met Ms. Jones...... Petina and I worked together at a Nursing Agency.. From the very beginning it was like looking into a mirror. We both laughed about the same things without saying one word. Petina was my boss, but by no means did she act as if she wasn’t approachable. I can call Petina anytime day or night and I know she’ll come through. The compassion that she has shown me even when one of our co-workers passed away has been above phenomenal. Petina has a heart bigger than her body could ever contain. Our birthday’s are 3 days apart so please know every October it goes DOWN! Thanks Petina for being an amazing friend, big sister and most of all compassionate. Love you Petina...❤️

Freda Withers

Maid of Courage

From the bride: How I met Free. Welp it was over 30 years ago her Dad was a member of our church. Free was quiet and very reserved. Free would come to church always sharp. Free was on every board at the church; Usher board, Youth Choir and probably the only little girl who knew her speech.... Free has really blossomed into an amazing young lady. She helps the community with back to school bashes and stays helping others. She is simply an amazing person inside and out. I can call her and scream and she just listen to me she never talk down to anyone or about anyone. Free is my little sister, my friend and a lady of Courage. Love you Free

Keemah Gordon

Maid of Faith

From the bride: How I met Keemah. We met at my church when we were 3 years old. Our parents went to school together and we hit it off right from the start. Keemah is definitely my faith walker. Keemah and I have had many ups and downs throughout life, but what I noticed about her is that she takes the lemons that are thrown and add sugar. My ace from the start. She is my encourager, my sister, my cousin and my friend! I love u Keemah Janea!

Shavonda Williams

Maid of Gentleness

From the bride: How I met Mrs. Vonda. Well it was at least 33 years ago her Granddaddy played the piano for our church. Vonda was so quiet she hardly said anything to anybody. But, when my crazy butt said something off the wall Vonda would get so tickled. Vonda is actually my butterfly. She went from the quiet little girl to a spokesperson encouraging women to be happy with themselves. Vonda has an annual fashion show called Curves for a Cause. Vonda speaks to the ladies who may have low self esteem or concerns about their outer appearance. Vonda has changed lives with her own story. She is unapologetically a phenomenal black woman! Vonda is gentle in every aspect of the word. My friend, my big sister and my motivation... love you VonVon!

Ronisha Vinson

Maid of Goodness

From the bride: How I met Ronisha. Roro as I call her has been a member of our church since her birth. Roro was very reserved and hardly says anything. She's not one to speak loud about anything, her face usually tells the story. She has been a great friend throughout the years. She listens to every and anything you say, not giving her opinion, but gives you things to think about. She loves children and has worked with kids the majority of her life. Roro has shown me what selflessness is all about. She is definitely my little sister, my friend and true praiser. Love u Roro

Nicole Garrett

Maid of Joy

From the bride: How I met Nikki. Welp it’s hard to explain because she thought I was mean! Nikki stalked my page a whole year before she even spoke to me. Once she spoke to me it was on..... Petty Betty meet Extra Petty! We have shared many life challenges together we have had late night talks without any sleep. When I had my surgery she took real good care of me. (She can’t cook, but she shol can go get carry out) Nikki will ride OUT. She will definitely roll with me knowing once u in my car there’s no telling when u will return! My sister and friend Nikki.... love u Blanche.

Canece Benford

Maid of Longsuffering

From the bride: How I met Canece. We went to church together and we sung in the choir. Nece would always say; “Joy I don’t know the words to that song.” I would always say just say watermelon suga nobody would even know! 😂 We have been through a whole lot together. We have laughed together, cried together and prayed together. She has shown me what it means to be a true friend. When I moved back to Louisville, but was working in Indiana she opened her home to me if I needed to sleep before hitting the road. Canece is my friend, my sister and prayer warrior. I love me some Nece.

Antoinette Nash

Maid of Love

From the bride: How I met Nette. Imma try to get through this without crying. Nette is my 2nd cousin on my Daddy’s side. Nette is definitely one who goes the extra mile for anyone. Nette doesn’t like being out front she prefers to handle things behind the scene. Nette is my peace of mind when I go to 10 she remains on 1. We have traveled to many places ( Cancun was my favorite) Nette is a true sweetheart. My cousin, my sister and friend I love u Nette.

Tameka Benford

Maid of Meekness

From the bride. How I met Tameka. Well I was in hair school minding my business and MekMek (as I call her) walks in and I had the opportunity to do her hair. She kept coming back getting her hair done and ultimately she visited my church and the rest is history. I’ve cried with her, we have laughed and even went through the process together when her older sister transitioned into heaven. MekMek is my girl, my sister and True Friend (keeps secrets too) 😘 I don’t know where I would be without those late night calls that accidentally comes through! 😂 Love you MekMek

Lisa Davis

Maid of Peace

From the bride: How I met Ms. Lisa. This young lady right here. The first day I met her I was registering for school she walks up to me and says, “Hi is that your real hair?” I was thrown off like did she really just asked me that..... I don’t remember what I replied, but I know it wasn’t good. Since then Lisa has been there for every milestone in my life. From helping me with my boys to giving bobby-pins so my ponytail don’t fall off. I can call Lisa anytime and I’m always exempt from the do not disturb list. 😂 We have been through so much together. She has been a friend like none other. She says whatever comes to mind and of course she claps back at me if I’m wrong. (Darren loves that) . My sister, my peace in a storm and my BFF. I love me some Lisa.....

Tiffany Webster-Elliott

Maid of Sacrifice

From the Bride: How I met Tiffany..... Tifftiff has been my sister in love for over 20 years. When we first met it was an instant connection. We attended the same church, we shared the same parents and ultimately her girls were my girls and my sons were her sons. We don’t have to talk everyday, but we never miss a beat! I love her and will always be there whenever she needs me and vice versa. I couldn’t imagine walking down the aisle without my sissy.... Love you Tifftiff 😍

Yvette Hudson

Maid of Sunshine

From the bride: How I met Yvette.... Vette as I call her is my birthday twin. We have done so much together. We have sung together, been in weddings together, as well as prayed each other through! When I am singing she is my hype woman! I don’t care what I sing if it’s the ABC’s, 123’s or the Jesus in Me! Vette is going to scream and holler like I’ve blessed her whole soul! 😂 After all that she has gone through she still continues to wear a smile. Vette is my Ray of Sunshine in the midst of a tornado. Thanks Vette for being my friend, my sister and my Sunshine! Love u girl ❤️

Rae Wells

Maid of Temperance

From the Bride: How I met Rae.... Rae is my 2nd cousin on my Daddy’s side & my second cousin on my Mommy’s side. Rae has been a role model for me throughout my life. I can’t think of a moment when we ever had a disagreement. We have loved each other from the start. I believe because of her wedding, Darren and I are here at this very moment. She has showed me what real love looks like and I wouldn’t trade my double cousin for all the gold in Fort Knox! Love you Rae!

Minnitta Taylor-Ancrum

Co-Coordinator

From the bride: How I met Minnitta. Nene as I call her is my bonus cousin on my Daddy’s side. Nene was also my babysitter. Nene would let me get away with murder. She was the first person I knew in real life to wear designer purses one time then give them away. She has shown me that being a giver is more important than being a receiver. Whenever I call her she is there no matter how big or how small. She has 3 daycares and hires me for small projects such as Santa Claus! 🎅 I enjoy going to her daycare every year to make the children smile. Nene is definitely a go getter. She is my big sister, my friend, my cousin and my balance..... love me some Nene

Johnathan Johnson

Coordinator

From the bride: How I met JonJon. We sung together for MGMC when we were younger. Jonjon could hold a note longer than life. Jonjon has done so much for the community. I trust him with my life. We only fall out over his selflessness. He works his fingers to the bone without asking for a dime. He has been instrumental in my life helping me cultivate my talents. Jonjon appeared on Sundays Best in the top 10. Wrote and produced Reality Check in which I still spin on the radio. He is my little brother, my friend and my male bestie. Love you Jonjon

Javon & December Taylor

Flower-girl & Ring barrier

JaRon R Burnett

Groom of Integrity

How I met THIS guy....Cheyney University has been the birthplace of many life long friendships....Ja, aka JB....is not only a friend of mine from my days at CU, but my Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity brother....he's come thru for me when no one else has been willing or available....very intelligent, JB does not hesitate to share his opinion in his straight shooter kind of way and love it or hate it you're gonna hear the truth from Ja....Teacher, businessman, producer, brother, friend....he wears all his hats with unquestioned integrity...and I welcome him as the last but in no way the least in my ever increasing list of groomsmen! Lol

Anthony Collins

Groom of Responsibility

From the Groom....I met Anthony when he was 4 years old and even back then he was acting as if he had been thru this life before. EVERYTHING he does he succeeds at and as the oldest of 7 other siblings he has raised them to know what a man is in this world. Strong, blessed, intelligent and always with the flyest kicks known to man, Anthony is just a phenomenal person but you'll never hear him talk about it. I respect his walk thru life and am so glad that he will walk with me thru this journey and beyond.

Esaias Elliott

Groom of Realness

From the Groom.....I met Esaias on the cruise where me and Joy decided that we really might have something here. The instant connection, that I must admit Joy anticipated, made me feel both comfortable and welcomed as if we'd known each other for years. Esaias is going to shoot it straight and his honesty is a trait that some folks might not like but it is both honorable and refreshing. Anybody that knows me knows that I'm not the most "relational" person but Esaias don't care nothing bout that and pushed through in such a way that I'm proud to call him brother!

James Elliott Jr.

Groom of Prosperity

From the Groom....I first met Jimmy on the same cruise that I met Esaias and to know Jimmy is to love Jimmy. I found myself laughing just because Jimmy was laughing...lol. Always the life of the party, Jimmy's humor encourages you to remember that YOLO....and to this day he don't let me forget that I shouldn't go on a cruise ever again and forget my luggage at home. Thank you Jimmy for choosing to be a part of this special time in our lives.

Bryce Kyle

Groom of Enterprise

When I moved from Philly to Lancaster PA in 1989, it was an adjustment to say the least...when Bryce moved from Chi-town to Lancaster i saw his struggle, pulled him under my wing and the bond was created. Everybody I knew...he knew...everybody I rocked with, he rolled with.....if it's money to be made Bryce is going to find the way to maximize that earning opportunity....this man's life of success, failures, obstacles and blessings is book worthy. I'm glad that he is still here and still walking with me in 2020..

Walter Lofland

Groom of Loyalty

From the Groom....I don't remember how I met my FAVORITE cousin and confidant....cuzzo you've been there through thick and very thin. I can call on you for pretty much any situation and you come through. I'm surprised that I'm getting married before you but I know that yours is not far behind and I sincerely appreciate you for sharing this special time with me...You're the epitome of loyalty.

Ali Mayo Sr.

Groom of Strength

From the groom...how I met Ali doesn't tell half the story of our journey. It's strength that he's both exemplified and provided for me throughout some of the darkest years of my life that make him one of my closest friends. You don't want the truth? Well don't ask Ali bc he is going to give it to you however it comes out, lol. A true King in every sense of the word, and the most versatile Barber and business man in my circle. My wedding wouldn't be complete if he wasn't a part of it.

Saliyl Muhammad

Groom of Wisdom

From the Groom....I met Saliyl thru his Mom Ms Aaisha, who we affectionately call Ummi...she raised a clan of lions, warriors and right dab in the middle is the wise one Saliyl. I trust Saliyl implicitly, and if I have to make a difficult decision in life he is one of the few men whose input I value. Don't let the charming smile and fly gear fool you this young cannon is always observing, always thinking forward and his God given wisdom allows him to see trouble coming even before it presents itself. My brother, my friend and at times my protection, I'm glad you will be a part of this chapter in my life as well.

Antoine Reid

Groom of Forgiveness

From the Groom.....my sounding board, my confidant, my Big Homie, (despite your wayward allegiance to the Patriots 🤦🏾‍♂️). We met on a bus going to CDL school and when we got there found out that we were roommates and the rest is history. We bonded so fast that I started to question if he was the law bc I found myself opening up to this guy about my entire life. Don't be put off by his immense size, this guy is a big teddy bear who is only so big bc God had to house such a huge heart inside his 6'5" frame. I know my bipolar behavior is taxing sometimes and Antoine has both forgiven and walked with me thru some challenging transitions in my life...thanks Big Homie for your support and brotherly love....Vegas, here we come (again) lol

Darryl Jay Scott

Groom of Humility

From the Groom....I met Brother DarrylJay on one of our former jobs. I can say that without a doubt, that if it wasn't for him I would not know how to appreciate Joy for all that she is. DarrylJay gave me the key to marital bliss as he exemplified and explained the importance of being best friends with your wife. We've prayed each other through many a situation and I know that I can rely on DarrylJay for encouragement and support in any instance. A shining example of a Godly husband, father and friend, DarrylJay's heart is bigger than his lil body! Lol 🤷🏾‍♂️....(had to slide that one in there) 🤣

Alonzo Williams

Groom of Friendship

I can't remember when I met Junie...I have memories that go back to when I lived in West Philly with him. Thru high school into adulthood Junie has been there. Anyone that has known me for some time will not be at all surprised to see this dude walk down the aisle in support of our wedding. From standing on the field for football games and practices to standing with me on my wedding day.....this friend has been thru it all and I appreciate him.

Archie Williams

Groom of Perseverance

From the Groom....I kinda met Archie (Joey), before we were born. Our Moms were best friends growing up so we had an instant connection. Our friendship latest thru high school, while we were both at Cheyney University, and thru or adult years. God has highly favored Joey thru life and he has persevered thru some difficult and trying situations. A true friend and brother, when Black rocks, I roll...thanks for being a part of ANOTHER chapter in my life.

Aaron Wright

Groom of Courage

From the Groom...If not for THIS GUY, me and Joy would have never connected...well I'm sure God would have provided another opportunity, but THIS guy been hiding his cousin from me for years LOL...i got in my first "street altercation" with this guy when I was like 10 years old! I know that no matter how big or small you are, Jackson (Action Jackson as we call him in Lancaster) is gonna be there ready to rumble when it goes down. I'm so extremely proud of the man that Aaron has grown to be. So respected in his community that as he grows in relationship with the Lord he brings his friends from his younger years with him. I love you Aaron and always admired (and at times questioned) your immense courage. You've been through A LOT and I'm honored that you said yes to be a part of our wedding!

Dawnsheika Yates

Wedding Planner

From the Bride: How I Met Dawn.... ON THE RUNWAY 🏃🏽‍♀️ Dawn has been my right hand from the beginning. She completes my sentences. She makes me smile. She is a rider. When I gave up fighting she still has her boxing gloves. 😂 She keeps me honest at all times with deadlines! She gets on my last nerves, but will be there to wipe every tear away! I love my big sis BIG! 😘 None will ever take her place. My ride or die Dawnsheika Yates aka Free Ya Thighs! ❤️😍😘

Brittany Chapman

MakeUp Artist

Doris Sterdivant

MakeUp Artist

Riah Lashae

MakeUp Artist