Wedding PartyWedding Party

EnyahEnyah

Maid of Honor

We met on August 21, 2004 when God blessed me with the best mom a girl could ever ask for. From the very beginning, she’s been my protector, my biggest supporter, and my best friend. I truly wouldn’t be who I am today without her.

Mark IIIMark III

Best Man

Dad, I want you to know that I’m really grateful for you. Every time we spend time together, it means a lot to me, and I appreciate the times we connect. You’ve always been my dad, even when we’re in different states, and I carry that with me. I’m thankful for the moments we have, and I’m excited to build more of them. By Elayne and your side I will be…

ShaylaShayla

Matron of Honor

We met when we were just 12 years old, and somehow over the years, that friendship turned into something even deeper, we are family. Now at the age of 21 (lol), we’ve shared a lifetime of memories, milestones, and everything in between. We’ve been stuck like glue through every season of life, always showing up for each other no matter what. She’s not only my sister, cousin, and best friend, but also my go-to person for absolutely everything, and the bond we share is one I treasure every single day. Having her as my firstborn’s godmother only made that connection even more meaningful, a reflection of the trust, love, and unbreakable bond we’ve built over the years.

TrinityTrinity

Best Man

Where do I start.. Nearly 40 years of friendship is hard to sum up in a paragraph but I’ll try. Mark is more of brother than a friend in every sense of the word. We literally grew up together and became men together. The definition of a DAY 1.. So proud of the man, father and mentor that you have become. From walking to grammar school together to seeing you walk down the aisle. Family Forever

Ki KiKi Ki

Matron of Honor

Elayne and I met in high school, and we clicked almost immediately. When she joined me on the cheer team, our friendship grew even stronger, and before long, we were doing life side by side. Over the years, she became so much more than a friend to me, she became my best friend, my confidant, my son’s Godmother and truly my sister. She is one of the most thoughtful, loyal, and caring people I know, and I have been blessed to have her in my life since we were 15 years old. While our family is officially welcoming her into the Collins family, the truth is she has been family to me for a very long time. I am beyond honored to stand beside her as she becomes one with the love of her life, and while they continue to build a life together. Love you foreva eva, Girlfriend!

MikeMike

Best Man

Big Cuz, As first cousin—my dad’s brother’s son—both Jr.’s we’ve always carried our first and last name with honor. From as early as I can remember, Mark is someone I’ve always looked up to. Being the lil cousin, Mark always led the way, he taught me confidence, finesse, and really helped me develop the love for the game of basketball. As kids we were raised “winners” on and off the basketball court. Those memories we share growing up are something I’ll carry with me forever. The bond we’ve built over the years is something I truly treasure. We’re locked in forever cuz! Cheers to you and Elayne!

LaDonnaLaDonna

Bridesmaid

We met Late June 1994 becoming the last sibling out of four, The Baby Sister. Our Relationship is Pretty Much, I’m the Annoying Baby Sister who always ask my big sister for everything. She always been like my 2nd mom since ours passed away in 2018. I know I can count on her for anything.

CoreyCorey

Groomsman

I met Mark while dating his “Sister-Cousin” in the early 2000’s. We developed a friendship that evolved into a brotherhood. Which led him to be my son’s Godfather. Also a groomsman in my wedding. Our CONNECTION has always been solid since day one.

MarilynMarilyn

Bridesmaid

Elayne is my older sister. She has always been one of my role models growing up and still is till this day. I admire her motivation, warm heart, and ambition to want more in life. I am beyond happy that she has found love, peace, and happiness. I wish you nothing but the best my sister-girl. I love you to the moon and back.

VeloidVeloid

Groomsman

Mark, it’s hard to believe we’ve been rocking together since 3rd and 4th grade and now here we are as grown men stepping into this new chapter. I still think about all those days playing sports as kids, arguing about fouls, celebrating wins like we were pros, and just laughing until the streetlights came on. Those moments built more than memories, they built a brotherhood. Through every season of life, we’ve stayed solid, and your family has always treated me like one of their own. Seeing you with Elayne fills me with so much joy. I truly love her for you, and I love the way she loves you. You deserve this kind of happiness, and I couldn’t be more proud to see you smiling, fulfilled, and ready to spend the rest of your life with your soulmate. I’m always in your corner, my brother.

LiaLia

Bridesmaid

We met at Kentucky State University in Hunter Hall, where what started as a simple connection quickly grew into something much deeper. From the very beginning, you’ve been the kind of person everyone hopes to have in their life, a true friend. Pudd, as I call you, you are a listening ear, a source of sound advice, and someone who always shows up and shows out for the people you love, all while staying unapologetically yourself. Our relationship has weathered its share of challenges, but through it all, it has only grown stronger. I am endlessly grateful to God for allowing our paths to cross and for a friendship that has continued to evolve into something so meaningful. You deserve every blessing, all the love, joy, and happiness this life has to offer

ChrisChris

Groomsman

Mark and I met back in 1997, and from that moment on it’s been nothing but love. What started on the basketball court turned into a lifelong friendship. Anytime we were on the court, no matter who he picked up for his team, I made it my mission to bring my best and compete at the highest level. But what we built went way beyond basketball. Over the years, he’s been more than just a friend, he’s been a constant. He stood beside me at my wedding. He’s been a voice of calm when I needed it most, a steady head of reason, and just an all-around upright man. The kind of person you can always count on. We’re closing in on 30 years of solid friendship that’s grown into a true brotherhood. I’ve got nothing but love and respect for him.

TamaraTamara

Bridesmaid

Elayne is my little cousin. When my aunt Monique was pregnant with Elayne, I sent her into labor being a defiant adolescent. From that day forward, our permanent bond began as well as my babysitting obligations.

JamereJamere

Groomsman

I call you old all the time jokingly but serious in some ways. I call you old because honestly you’re my wisest friend, you seem like you’ve been on this earth for 10 lifetimes. Every day I talk to you I learn something new and grow as a man, a father, a brother, and a son. I may not have known you as long as some of the other groomsmen but the last 4/5 years it seems like I’ve known you my entire life. You’ve had my back on good days, bad days and the days in between. You are the true definition of a big brother and I love you for life. I will always appreciate your support, encouragement, faith in me and the way you push me to be better every day. I didn’t know the day that I hired you as an assistant coach that I was hiring a lifelong friend and brother. I love you Unc and I appreciate God bringing you into my life..

ChristinaChristina

Bridesmaid

I met this Beautiful Bride at RCHS freshman year! We participated in Basketball & Track on the same team. We also explored college together as roommates at Kentucky State University. We’ve spent many hours bonding and loving each other from childhood until this very day.

DerrickDerrick

Groomsman

I officially met Mark the “human calculator” at Finish Line, though I really knew of him long before that through high school sports. Back then, he was just the guy from Rich South with the high tube socks, but I had no idea God was placing someone in my life who would become family. What started as a manager–employee relationship quickly grew into a true brotherhood. From deep, complex conversations to uncontrollable laughter, to moments spent in book studies and reflection, Mark has been a constant in my life. He is one of the most dependable and selfless men I’ve ever known, someone who shows up not just when it’s easy, but when it matters most. I’m truly blessed to call him my brother and my friend, and I’m grateful that life — and faith — brought us together.

NatalieNatalie

Bridesmaid

Elayne and I met in junior high and she has been my fav since then. The rest has been history, there are too many memories to share lol.

MarlonMarlon

Groomsman

From Small Fry to now, it’s crazy to think how far we’ve come. We’ve played basketball like we were headed to the league, taken small flights like we were big-time, and lived enough stories that could probably never be told in full. Through it all, you’ve been my brother, my day-one, and someone I could always count on—no matter what. Seeing you get married is one of those moments that hits different. I’m proud of the man you are and even prouder of the husband you’re about to be. I know you’ll bring the same love, loyalty, and jokes that drove me crazy into your marriage. I love you, my brother—here’s to a lifetime of happiness, growth, and a love that keeps winning, even when life throws a full-court press. Long Story short, that’s why you were my best man! I appreciate you my dude! 🖤💯

MelissaMelissa

Bridesmaid

I met Elayne freshman year in science class at Rich Central—so yes, technically our friendship is a long-term experiment that has clearly worked 🤣. That’s my Layney, my FRIEND and my SISTER. We’ve done real life together—raising kids, clubbing, traveling (domestically and internationally), and making the kind of memories I still go back and laugh at in my camera roll. I moved away, but nothing about our friendship has changed except the distance—I miss pulling up to her house and doing absolutely nothing for hours. Sitting here writing this, I didn’t expect to get emotional, A LIE, Lol. I’m an emotional person, but I’m just truly grateful for our friendship. We’re Thelma & Louise till the wheels fall off. I’m so happy for Elayne and Mark—cheering for a lifetime of love, laughter, and everything they deserve 💜.

AntoinneAntoinne

Groomsman

Mark and I met years ago, back in 2001, when he was dating my sister. From the very beginning, he treated her well. Over time, that same respect and loyalty extended to me, too. Over the past 10 years, we’ve grown into a real family, more like brothers than anything. He’s truly an all-around good guy.

India CollinsIndia Collins

Mother of the Groom

My first born. How do you love a person before you even meet them. When you finally meet them you can’t explain the overwhelming love that overcomes your whole body. Mark Anthony Collins, Jr. is that love I got when he finally came. l want nothing, no I want everything that’s good for you. I want happiness (Elayne), I want joy (Elayne), I want someone who loves you close to where I love you (Elayne). I’m very excited for this union. May God bless this marriage for eternity. You both deserve each other. Love MAMA

Mark Collins SrMark Collins Sr

Father of the Groom

As I sit here and think, I can and only wonder how hard but easy it is to summarize what YOUR journey in life has been to me as a SON. It’s hard because it has been so many good memories that I don’t know where to start. I was asked to write a paragraph, but I could really write a book.You taught me what love has meant to be as a parent, it’s unconditional ,you have always been a smart and handsome person, and that’s not being biased , Easy, because you have always and still do make me proud that you are MY SON , ain’t nothing changed, I will still die for YOU, DAD

Bryant StewartBryant Stewart

Officiant