Maid of Honor
Introducing my Maid of Honor! Arvella is my sister. THE BEST PERSON I KNOW! There's no one that can do anything better than her. Beyond everything Arvella is a survivor. Cynthia has always been my primary female caretaker but Arvella is definitely next up. She did everything from dressing me to cooking, from homework to hair. We are COMPLETE opposites! A person wouldn’t know she’s in the room - and well, I’m the life of the room. Our relationship is similar to Venus and Serena. Clearly I’m Venus between because Arvella is better at everything. (No shade Venus) Arvella is a jack of all artistic trades and nothing short of an academic. I credit all my accomplishments to God, of course - He chose to use her. Without her I most certainly would not be the person I am. She EVERYTHING to me.
Best Man
When we were kids, our friends knew us separately. They didn’t know we were related, let alone brothers. We fought like dogs growing up. My respect for him has grown so much along with my age and maturity. He’s often the voice of reason. The one anyone can count on in dark times. My Consigliere. My best friend.
Matron of Honor
Introducing my Matron of Honor!!!!! Fanisha is my oldest sister! She’s the epitome of strength and grace, and just so different from anyone else I have ever known. Fanisha is luxurious in lifestyle yet humble in character. I would say we are opposite in delivery but the same in thinking. (I’m the meaner version of her, basically.) My style and tastes mirror what I witnessessed of her growing up. I couldn’t have a better example of a “bounce back” attitude (resilience & perseverance). Fanisha’s accomplishments are beyond measure - she’s an academic as well (her and Arvella can have that). She was the first to make me a proud antie!!!
Groomsman
The Oldhead, man with a 100 plans, since the sandbox days. He has always been a big brother to me and he’s appreciated more than he knows. He might be the only person I know that has a bigger ego than me. I’ve learned so much from him and his family that I couldn’t measure it if I wanted to.
Best Woman
Introducing the Bridesmaid of Honor!!! (You see what I did there….. HA) Rashida is everything a person can ask for in a friend. We’ve always called one another sister, because “friend” just didn’t capture the depth of our bond. Rashida doesn’t gas me, SHE IS THE GAS!!!! I have no idea how we made it through high school together…. She’s Molly, I’m Issa. She’s Pam, I’m Gina. She’s Kim, I’m Moesha. She’s Regina, I’m Lavita. I can honestly say our favorite thing to do is laugh - without a cause just cracking up. She is an inspirational person - CONSISTENTLY defying all barriers - becoming greater! Rashida makes moves most people are afraid to make. Adolescence and adulthood would not have been the same if I didn’t have Rashida. She's only my friend #JealousMuch!!! Yo this girl is THE TRUTH!!!
Groomsman
The silent assassin. He always makes things happen behind the scenes and on the frontline when things get tough. I think back to the summer after our first year of college. Our paths/future were in limbo, and we just kept each other active and going. He always looked out. He embraced my family and I embraced his without hesitation. I hope he was standing on the good side of the speaker.
Bridesmaid
Jennie and I’s closeness came out of no where. I just looked up one day and she was one of the closest people to me. Her kindness attracted me (opposites attract duh…). Her and her family welcomed me with open arms - here I am thinking no one other than my own can deal with me. She knows how embarrassing I can be and still chooses to go in public with me. Her willingness to overcome setbacks is beyond measure. Many may think she’s quiet (the ying to my yang) but SHE IS NOT!!! (Well in public she is, a lil). I am blessed to have a friend like Jen Bunny. She has a heart of gold!
Groomsman
Many don’t know that we met in high school. From the way we interact and embrace one another how could they know that. Our relationship is much like Martin and Will in Bad Boys. He’s a jack of all trades. The problem is he never just let me be. Sometimes I wanna eat like a pig or take a day off but I know that’s not an option when Darnell around. His leadership is appreciated and admired. A go getta that’s not afraid to take risks. He’s always given it to me straight and been up front about everything. A true friend & brother.
Bridesmaid
My homegirl Michelle is the most fun to be around. She’s such a free spirit and so very understanding. Michelle embodies unapologetic. Michelle is the safe guard type of friend everyone needs. She knows who I am and although she’s a terrible influence she’s a terrific friend. Michelle is a powerful lady! She is solid in everything - ten toes down all the time. She’s the perfect combination between a lover and a fighter (60% fighter though). We go to church together and I wouldn’t be surprised if she goes to hell and is the cause of me going (shaking my head). There’s no doubt she’s a rider. I’m so glad she riding for me. The cutest little thing ever!! (I can only say that because she’s my one friend I’m taller than).
Groomsman
Agent Zero. He was around when I was a hard-headed misfit. When others talked down on me he no doubt always added to it - but would always let me know that it’ll make me better. Lamar always held me to a higher standard. Assuring me that the bashing, criticism, and hate would push me to be the best me, and it has. His willingness to criticize and motivate means a lot to me.
Bridesmaid
Shantia and I became friends at a point in life I really needed a friend. Our friendship has stood the test of time (thank God). Shantia has a unique mentality that inspires me. We often talk about memories that involve me doing something sooooo off the wall and I question why she even decided to be my friend. She has shaped into an amazing woman! We come from similar backgrounds but we have had very different experiences. Her experiences and endurance brings a glow to her very dark skin (LOL). Shantia and I’s friendship is the perfect example of the cliche that says something like “a true friend is one you can go months without talking to and when you do talk it's like you didn't skip a beat.” She’s my true friend - there’s nothing to question about that.
Groomsman
Mannn..... He got me into so much trouble during high school. I was punished because he missed football practice so much and the coach knew he was my homie. We have regular arguments and disagreements that sometimes drive us to not communicate. Somehow we always figure it out so I know our friendship is pure. I’ll never forget that one summer we were riding every day like Shaq and Kobe. Bros for life Bigdonathan2004.
Bridesmaid
Yo! This girl Lauren has been my best friend for 15+ years. I’m so grateful to have a loving person in my life. She is supportive and willing to do whatever to be there for a friend. There is no doubt what daycare my children will attend. We been rocking this long with no fall out, period. Lauren is so empathetic and non-judgemental. She makes it easy to be friends with her. I love love love her. Lauren has an internal power that illuminates her personality. She is hilarious and has the ability to see the humor in every situation in life. We spent so manys days hanging out in the streets, I thank God we didn’t become real life hood rats (sometimes we fake hood rats though - we both too churchy to be the real thing).
Groomsman
TJ Henderson aka A2 in the flesh. He’s been the most fly man in the room since I’ve known him. His ambition and ideas are off the charts. Most of the time they are accidents waiting to happen. One time he got his dad’s suburban and drove about 9 ppl to a surprise party. Everybody was so lit, that he locked the doors with the keys in the ignition. It took some time, but a locksmith undid the error for $75. He has a heart of gold and the will of 10 men.
Bridesmaid
I don’t even know where to begin with Kiersten. (Let us pray). This friendship started sooooo rocky because we are LEGIT OPPOSITES!!!! I was once cold and a terrible communicator and Kiersten is beyond crazy and very special (as in special ed type of special). We couldn’t seem to get on the same page - ohh but once we did it was life changing. She is such an amazing person - with a radical (nice word for psychotic) way of doing things. I feel forever indebted to Kiersten as a friend. She is nuts (I don’t think I can say it enough) but in the best way possible. (We all need a friend like Kiersten - Jesus had Peter).
Groomsman
Coming straight from the Lou. He was the first new friend I made in high school. I know it’s hard to imagine but, he didn’t start speaking publicly until our junior year. That STL slang was and still is envied by many. Man, we had some crazy times running around Columbus park throughout those years. No matter the distance or the time that goes by we always keep in touch. Honestly who hotter than a nigga named Justin.
Bridesmaid
Megumi is the sweetest - most kind person I know. She has a heart to help all people. Megumi and I met at Stanford and I was immediately inspired by her investment in the underserved students she works with. Megumi is rock solid, period. She’s a beautiful example of an independent woman that’s making it happen!! Her spirit is welcoming and she has such a warm soul. I am Megumi’s friend because she brings out the best in me. She has a special insight and we share many interests - the number one being marine life. Dynamic is an amazing word to describe Megumi. She’s dynamic because she’s a force of energy characterized by positivity and change. Megumi and our friendship mean the world to me!!!
Groomsman
Time has allowed for our relationship to blossom. When we were shorties we never saw eye to eye on anything. The adjustment at that point in time was just too much. Basically we were both just selfish and arrogant. Throughout the years we’ve both grown as men and people. Family has brought us close and I’ve truly enjoyed the gatherings and times we’ve had the last 10 years.
Bridesmaid
Terri is my dawg!!! Like that’s my dawggggg for real!!! (dawg meaning buddy, friend, pal, close comrade). I will not say why she’s my dawg, or what makes her my dawg - that’s our business. We are family - there is no question. This woman is tried and true! I have found that she is an amazing resource because she has sooo much valuable knowledge. Terri has been so loyal (hard to find loyal people on the church scene - IT’S THE TRUTH I DON’T CARE WHO’S OFFENDED). We are truthful with one another despite the hurt the truth sometimes bears. She looks out for me and I look out for her, with no hesitation.
Groomsman
Him and B used to be a tripping back when we were young. He always blamed everything on him when he knew he was imaginary. He was always our personal comedian growing up. The man he’s become is crazy to see. I think he's taller than all of your brothers at this point.
Bridesmaid
Gina is the epitome of a GO GETTA (she my lil hitta)! The very first night I met Gina I immediately knew she wasn't like anyone I had ever met before. Her intelligence is unmatched, real talk. Gina is a true chameleon - being aware of time and space she's always the person she needs to be in every moment (nice way of saying she can be professional, hood, spiritual, rowdy, quiet, and switch it up depending on the moment LOL). My Gin-Gin is down to ride, down to drive too - whole time. I don't have to talk to her everyday to know she's my friend and I'm hers. We share a passion for education and educating people. Shoutout to Gina for creating opportunities for everyone around her to eat. She trying to put everybody on to creating wealth. #HandsUpDontShoot
Groomsman
I never thought we would build the relationship that we currently have. At one point you were just Donny's cousin who was a cool dude. When he started inviting me to Bellwood to kick it with everybody it changed everything - I got to see a different side of him. I got to see how much we share in common from music artists, shoes, wrestling, and freestyling. The phone calls and texts sent back and forth over years are always exactly what I need at that moment. He and Lamar are the only ones who still call me Bri Bri til this day lol.
Bridesmaid
My cousin Darlene is a social role model for me. Sounds weird because we’re so close in age. She is thee social butterfly. Anyone who knows me knows I’m only social with people I know and I don’t go out and do things. (Well….. I mean…… You know……) This is why I aspire to be like her. She introduced me to the social lifestyle this summer and I loved it… Apocalyptic (life changing) moment. Darlene is the cousin I look forward to seeing at every family function. Darlene is a pioneer in her own right. We grew up with somewhat identical backgrounds (family and religion), and she has used that to create a lifestyle perfect for her (instead of the unrealistic church folk expectations *inserts eye roll*) She is beautiful outside and inside.
Groomsman
He was my friend first besides Vasser. I’m happy that he’s been able to find his footing in 2 or 3 different settings. He has always been the real Matt. Even when everybody tries to get him to finish the “MJ gone line “ from All of the Lights, he never folds. Backgrounds have never played a factor in friendships or decisions. Matty Ice, the glue for Austin, OP, Bellwood, and Maywood.
Bridesmaid
My cousin Yasmenn is the coolest!! Definitely my favorite cousin (on my daddy side). Yasmenn does not like to be tied down! She demonstrates authenticity in all things. I cherish all my memories of us riding the train to and from work in the summer (seems soooo long ago). We ran the streets of downtown Chicago together in our younger days. LOL Yasmenn loves a good time, real talk. We are genuinely excited to see each other every time we see each other! Her positive energy is a gift to everyone who interacts with her.
Groomsman
My lil homie. Columbus Park Commandos for life!!! I’ve known him for almost 20 years of my life. He has some of the best basement party dances ever; a true R&B connoisseur. I remember a pint-sized cup held him up in a corner for 3 hours. We were lucky enough to share the football field again for a year in high school. The times off the field hold more value than the games played. It's been a pleasure to see him pick himself up from the ashes and rebuild something bigger and better than what was lost.
Bridesmaid
LaShawn is my rider friend from college who low-key is a close friend. We aren’t “talk everyday” type close but we “I have so much to tell you close.” LaShawn is real life funny without trying to be funny. She is a real woman! She is very sure of who she is and where she is in life - I admire that! She doesn’t criticize or complain. I love that her and I have grown individually without growing apart. LaShawn is trustworthy!!!!!!! Hanging out with her is always a good time because she gets it - she understands me. I have really random memories with LaShawn - most of which I am not willing to share. LOLBVVS
Groomsman
The little fire starter (which is ironic considering that he’s putting out fires now). He has always been a hot head, and that reminds me so much of myself at a young age. The chip on your shoulder is large and you embrace it. Even in high school, when you had some big shoes to feel playing center fielder for the baseball team (The Groom is the greatest CF in Clark history and wore jersey number 23), you filled those shoes well and even wore 23 as a tribute. He’s friends with his older brother’s friends - he earned his stripes.
Bridesmaid
My twinnnnnnn is my bridesmaid because she’s my twinnnnnn!!!!! I don’t have the time or the space to truly write about the strength of this woman. Neicy been grown since she was 3 years old. LOL Ten toes down is an understatement when describing this chick. She beyond solid, beyond down. She is not a rider - shorty is legit the driver. We was cool freshmen year because she was with me on the bench a lot (she was a red shirt - don’t think I was shading her). We slick became solid friends sophomore year when she moved out and I moved in her room. When she gave birth to my God-son we were stuck for life. (Whole time Sierra and Practice-Jen was twins and I saw a picture of me and Neicy and started calling her twin…. HA)
Groomsman
Little Rico what they call him. The only person I know that makes taco restaurants put sliced pieces of Kraft cheese on his tacos. He’s by far one of the most entertaining people I know. From losing the Russ/CP3 bet, to getting lit up by Joc for 40, to losing that relay race, to losing 15 pounds in one night on Ms. Brandon porch, to doing Oklahomas with Eli in Chick a fila lobby. The commonality in all those isn’t just losing, it’s the will he had to continue as if nothing mattered.
Bridesmaid
Si-erra (Jazzy Pha voice) I can say Sierra a real one and leave it at that. We been friends since our very first English class at Roosevelt. Sierra is a soft thug - she’s not a hard core one. She’s honest with everyone - even herself. That’s what makes her so rare. She doesn’t wait for things to happen, SHE MAKES THEM HAPPEN!! I have been watching her hustle to make it happen! There’s a grind in her that most people don’t have these days - she’s literally killing the game by working hard. Real life easy-going and relaxed about everything. LOL She has very distinct targets for herself, making ambition one of her most astonishing characteristics.
Groomsman
The most acrobatic, graceful, competitive individual ever. A breath of fresh air in a world I created was unexpected but the challenge was welcome. Walther Lutheran was the new Columbas park. We created a bond through our competitive nature. Limits were pushed but a friendship was forged. As time went on our relationship has grown past the court or field. Now when we cross paths it’s about family, life, love, and then everything else. I remember we used to speak on these moments of marriage and starting a family. I got a jumpstart, but I’ll be waiting.
Bridesmaid
Crystal “Coo Coo” Jones. Ever since I could remember she has lived up to her nickname. She’s literally crazy and hilariously funny at all times. She’s my only sister and I’ve tried to toughen her up for the real world since we were kids. We have many memories - from her hitting me with a broom to us laughing about kids falling down the stairs. Through it all, she always puts her best foot forward especially when I want some noodles. But seriously, she’s growing into a great woman and a great mom. I hope she keeps tackling life one day at a time. -Marco
Groomsman
I see a lot of similarities between the two of us. People just naturally flock to him - he has a kind spirit. The trials and tribulations he’s gone through have helped to prepare him for his future endeavors. Sometimes a change of the battery is all that is needed. Trust me I know. From the shenanigans at Columbus park, camp Lutherdale, and Kidz Express you’ve always paid close attention. He’s always given feedback that has been so important to building our brotherhood.