Wedding Party

Angelique Cassell

Maid of Honor

I met Angel at Howard. I don't think she was even a student at that time. She was there causing trouble, and at that time, trouble was my middle name. We quickly became close friends. Soon, we became like sisters, and anybody who knows us will tell you we were inseparable. If we went somewhere without the other, sure enough someone would ask "Where's Carmen?" or "Where's Angel?" We shared clothes, we shared food, and we made it through some very rough times together- a couple of brushes with death, too. LOL Angel is one of the sweetest and most genuine people I've had the pleasure of knowing. Thanks to her, I know what fufu and soup is, and I am a proud honorary Liberian. I am so glad to call her my Maid of Honor.

Mary Shaw

Bridesmaid

Mary is the friend everyone needs. She is laid back, smart, and loves to enjoy a glass of wine. She talks to me about things we both relate on, feminism, social injustice, cocktails. Mary and I grew up together, and attended the same high school. When I moved to DC to go to Howard, she was there too, but at American University. Strangely enough, we were soon neighbors. We had so many good times, ripping and running the DC streets. I always made sure I was there to eat her AMAZING food, and drink the delicious libations she'd prepare. A genuine friend, and an extraordinary person, I always tell people, "I don't have not one bad thing to say about Mary." Honored to have her there with me on my special day.

Shayla Varnado

Bridesmaid

Shayla and I met in a Creative Writing class at Appomattox Regional Governor's School. We immediately connected with each other. I'm typically drawn to people who stand out, and Shayla definitely does just that. During this time, she'd refer to herself as a "Princess" and wore the color pink almost every day. I thought that was incredibly intriguing, and I was fairly certain we could be drama queens together for the rest of our lives. She's the friend who knows no limitations, and will encourage you to reach for the stars. No jewelry is ever too big, or lashes too long, and that's just how I like it! Thankful to have her with me on my special day.

Lacresia Lee

Bridesmaid

Lacresia and I weren't exactly headed for friendship when we first met. At the time, she didn't want no new friends like Drake. But I laid on the charming personality, and soon after, we became inseparable! Cresia, myself, and Marquail became the Three Musketeers in High School. We were hell on wheels. From the football games, to the dances, to skipping school to go to the American Deli for lunch, we had so many good times. Lacresia remains a dependable friend, who strives to be a source of encouragement and inspiration to everyone around her. So thankful to have her as a friend, and as a member of our wedding party.

Marquail Barnes Woodson

Bridesmaid

Marquail has a special place in my heart for many reasons. It seems like we shared so many monumental life experiences at such an early age. She was so protective of me (and still is), and I get choked up just talking about her. We've experienced so many "firsts" together, losses, break ups, the birth of her beautiful daughter Alaysia. I called her mother, "mom" and vice versa. We were and still are thick as thieves. I truly can't imagine life had I not known her, and I am so very thankful that God saw fit to bless me with a friend like her. It's an honor to have her by my side, 17 years later, on this day.

Nanette Gregory

Bridesmaid

Nanette and I have known each other since our Freshman year at Howard. Legend has it, that I walked into her room one day and asked her if she had any hair grease. Apparently that's how our friendship started, but I still can't confirm or deny that. Since then, we have both experienced incredible growth. It's been fun to see how we are both navigating the world now in adulthood. Nanette is the friend you can always count on to support you, and tell you what you need to hear. She is loyal, compassionate, and a team player. So honored to have her in my circle, and in my wedding party.

Ola Amokomowo

Bridesmaid

Ola has been a phenomenal friend to me over the years. There are so many stories I could tell, but there are two that come to mind. When we were both still living in DC after graduation, neither of us had a job. We spent the Summer lounging, clubbing, and going to pool parties. I still don't know how we made it work, but we did. When I went home with her to visit Jersey, my purse was stolen in the club, and without giving it a second thought, she gave me the amount of money that I'd lost, and the money I needed to cover the trip back. Ola is so incredibly supportive, and just a joy to be around. Things I know about Ola-I'll never see her in flats, she will ALWAYS have her hair done, and she is ALWAYS going to behave like a LADY. Excited to share this day with her by my side.

Denesha Thompson

Bridesmaid

Denesha and I met at Howard, but we became pretty close after graduation. At the time, both of us were living in Northern Virginia just trying to make ends meet, and we weren't coping well with being real adults. I am so glad I had Denesha there to keep me sane, to party with, and to just hang with when I didn't want to be alone. Years later, we are still trying to navigate this adult life, but we're doing it with a bit more style. Denesha shines light wherever she goes, and I am glad to have her glowing all up in my life. Honored to have her as a bridesmaid.

Brittney Jumper

Bridesmaid

I met Brittney two years ago (through Donald of course), and our relationship has grown since then. What I love most about Brittney is her outgoing personality, and her fun nature. She's ALWAYS down for a good time. While she is Donald's sister, I am excited that she will officially be my sister in May. Looking forward to a lifetime of family trips, laughs and tequila shots! I am thrilled to have her as a bridesmaid.

Maurice Jenkins

Best Man

Harold Tuders

Groomsman

Kidd Starr

Groomsman

Tino Bussey

Groomsman

Byron Smith

Groomsman

Antoine Mitchell

Groomsman

Brent McCants

Groomsman

Cedrick Sykes

Groomsman

Darius Lee

Groomsman

Andre Brown

Groomsman

Commodus Morgan

Groomsman