Michael & Diamond
Wedding Party
Kara Brown
Maid of Honor
"Lu" "A woman can consider herself lucky if she finds one good friend during her life". Kara and Diamond first met in junior high school, leading to them to become good friends in high school. They shared many weekends of creating dance routines (that was a thing back then). Together, they attended college at UL Lafayette. Their college days will always mean the most to Diamond because of how close they became. Diamond will never forget her reaction when Kara called her "best friend". Out of excitement, Diamond reacted like a kid in a candy store! From that point on, they have been inseparable through each other's accomplishments, failures, and now Diamond becoming Mrs. Baldwin! Diamond thanks Kara for always being understanding, her open mindedness, and compassionate heart.
Alexis Baldwin
Bridesmaid
"Sissy" Diamond views Alexis as more than a future sister-in-law. From the moment they met, Diamond felt Alexis welcomed her into the family with open arms and made her feel right at home! Diamond and Alexis have since shared plenty of late-night Sequence game nights and continuously tease one another over crab boils (with many more to come)! Alexis has an infectious laugh and can always crack Diamond up with her silly jokes.
Ebony Whitfield
Bridesmaid
"Ebby", "Eb", "Ebo" and "Nichole" Diamond cannot choose one particular name to call Ebony. Diamond doesn't see Ebony as just her cousin, but more like a sister. Prior to finding out they were cousins, and while leaving their 7th grade English class, Diamond asked Ebony if they could be friends. Ebony responded by telling Diamond that she had a "bestie" that Diamond later found it to be Kara. (LOL) It’s crazy how life makes a circle. Eb’s genuine personality and loving spirit is hard not to love. Diamond is so happy to share this chapter of her life with Ebony!
Kiki Gonsalves
Bridesmaid
"Kiki, do you love me?" Kiki, Diamond's favorite big cousin. (Ashlei will kill Diamond if she sees this!) Whether Kiki knows it or not, she is a huge inspiration to Diamond. Kiki has served our country for nearly a decade. The one thing Diamond loves the most about Kiki is her honesty!
Tierra Young
Bridesmaid
The Fashionista, "Ty". Diamond met Ty in high school. Diamond will never forget the first day she met Ty. Ty moved to Diamond's neighborhood. Diamond's bus driver made an additional stop where Ty boarded the bus. The "new kid on block" had long luscious reddish, brown hair and everyone instantly interrogated Ty about her hair. No one, including Diamond, could believe it was actually Ty's real hair (LOL). Ty and Diamond later attended UL Lafayette for college. With Diamond and Ty now both living in Dallas, TX, their children will now build a relationship!
Bria Howell
Bridesmaid
"Little Sister, Bria" Diamond and Bria have created countless memories in such little time. Bria’s kindheartedness never goes unnoticed. Diamond cherishes Bria's friendship because no matter what may be going on in any of their lives, Bria will find a way to put a smile on their faces. Bria LOVES to dance and most likely will be the first on the dance floor, so make sure y’all meet her there !
Desiree' Lyons
Bridesmaid
"DRae" Desiree' knows how to keep Diamond's circle of friends laughing! She is the lil' fire cracker of the group. Desiree' and Diamond have built a close relationship through their mutual friends; and Diamond is forever grateful for their relationship. Diamond is proud of Desiree's dedication to finish college, while owning her own business.
Johnathan Brown
Best Man
"JB" JB and Mike met in college at Southern University, while attending Jaguar Preview. While standing in the lobby of the dorm awaiting room assignments, Mike asked JB if he wanted to room with him for the weekend. JB replied, "yeah that's cool." The very next question asked was, "Do you hoop?", after that question, it was "all said and done". Mike and JB hooped and turned up the entire weekend of Jaguar Preview. After Jaguar Preview, they agreed on becoming roommates for the fall. During their Freshman year, Mike and JB realized they were alike in so many ways. They have passed out in tubs, carried each other up the stairs, argued with competitors on basketball courts, and made sure they made it to church on Sunday! "If we missed church, we never missed the cafe!!" (LOL).
Austin Gilmore
Groomsman
"Moe" The friendship started while playing neighborhood football and basketball games to Pee-Wee league football. Austin and Mike have been friends for over 20 years. During those years, they have grown from boys to men.
Augusta Robinson
Groomsman
"Gustoo" Augusta and Mike met when Augusta moved across the street from where they played basketball everyday from 11 am to until 2 am the next morning. Back then, they grew close from playing ball, but the true brotherhood began while attending Southern University. During their freshmen year, they turned up to the max, helped each other out of tough situations, lived together, and graduated.
John Parker
Groomsman
"Jigga" John and Mike met in Pinchback (the engineering building at Southern University) where most of their time was spent in college. They graduated the same year, and received the same degree and job. When Mike and John found out they were interviewing for the same job , a friendly competition began of who would get the job. When both of them were offered the job, they were blessed to grow as professional men in the business world. He and John helped and inspired each other in so many different ways. John will always be one of Mike’s closest bro's!
Juantarion Wheeler
Groomsman
"Trae" It all started at True Vine Baptist Church where both boys begged their Moms to spend the night over each other's houses every weekend. They plotted to convince their Moms so much, it became an art. Next on the list, the plot for the two of them to attend the same middle school. They have done and been through so many things together. Trae has always motivated Mike to do better, never quit, and pushed him to the limit! Mike will never forget the summer, "Trae came back from Texas on steroids and meanwhile he still looking like a string bean! (LOL)"
Danny Webb
Groomsman
"D. Webb" Danny has always been a realist when it came down to it! When Mike was ready to turn up in the streets of Baton Rouge, Danny would always make slick comments, such as "man 8 o'clock come fast". This was Danny’s way of reminding Mike about their 8am class. Danny is very good with words and always know the right thing to say, at the right time. Mike and Danny would pull Captain American thinking they were going to blow up as rappers and drop mixtapes. (LOL) When they are together you're always guaranteed a good laugh and wisdom. Danny, “ My dawg, one of the wisest men that I know in our age range!"
Daniel Reed
Groomsman
"D. Reed" Daniel was always the big brother of the group. Mike and Daniel would sit in the shed (in Mike's parents' backyard) and create elaborate plans. He was down to ride and do the stupid ideas (Missions) that Mike came up with. Mike and Daniel would walk the trail to Austin's house. Austin could never leave the house because his room was never clean! (LOL) Daniel told Mike that they have to leave Austin until he learned how to clean up. Until this day, he and Mike still leave Austin behind.
Linda Henderson
Mother of the Bride
"Mommy" Mom, you have raised two beautiful children on your own and did a fantastic job. You have instilled several characteristics in me such as, strength, discipline, and self-reliance which has made me who I am today. I hope that I have become everything that you dreamed of. Thank you for everything you have done. WE LOVE YOU!
Sally Baldwin
Mother of the Groom
Mom, you have always been in my corner no matter what. You have pushed me to become the man that I am today. From all the sarcastic jokes, to the subtle comments, and keeping me focused. You have always guided me through life and I am forever grateful for that. I just hope that WE can raise Trey in the manner that you raised Alexis and I. WE LOVE YOU!
Michael Baldwin
Father of the Groom
Dad, you have laid the foundation and the steps for me me to follow as a Father! You set the example of how to provide for your family, how to make things happen, what hard work is, and how to never accept anything less than greatness. WE LOVE YOU!
Michael Baldwin, III.
Ring Bearer
"Our First Born, Trey" Trey is more excited about the wedding than his parents. He keeps the biggest smile on his face and loves to be the center of attention. If he's not running around break dancing on the dance floor, then he'll probably be photo bombing everyone's picture!
Ailaya and Alivia
Flower Girl
"Laya, and Livi" Ailaya, Mike's first child before he had Trey. The two would ride around Monroe together! Mike remembers those days in high school where Ailaya helped Mike when attempting to get to Diamond to come see him after his basketball practices. (Diamond would only when Ailaya was with him).... "Thanks baby girl!!!" Alivia, the smartest, the cutest, yet sneakiest, of them all! Alivia will forever hold a soft spot their hearts!
Dia Renee
Flower Girl
"Miss Lil Dia Renee" Diamond's little cousin, the most beautiful little girl in the world! With her sassy attitude, but cuteness we would advise to approach at your own risk!