Wedding Party
Erika Lynn McDaniel
Bride
I will be the newest member of #TeamCartledge when Roger and I get married! I work at an investment and wealth management firm by day. By night, I'm an entrepreneur, avid reader, and reality TV junky. 24/7/365 I'm a fashion-obsessed jetsetter who is always daydreaming about my next big adventure!
Willie Roger Cartledge Jr.
Groom
I'm a born and raised DMV guy full of jokes with a big heart. I went to the Real HU where I became an Alpha Chapter Que. I am the proud father of two awesome children, am constantly told what to wear by my fiancé, hate being disturbed during Game of Thrones, and love classic muscle cars.
Londyn Cartledge
Daughter of the Groom
Our girl Londyn is equal parts sweet and sassy. Shakespeare likely wrote "though she be but little, she is fierce" about Ms. Londyn. Don't let her age (7) fool you - Londyn is the one running the show most of the time. Whether she is cracking us up with her quick wit or bossing us around (it happens, lol), Londyn lights up every room she steps into and brings a whole lot of joy to everyone she meets!
Roger Cartledge
Son of the Groom
Our guy Roger is one giant ball of energy and fun - catch him if you can! Our resident 3rd grader, Little Roger plays basketball and loves animals. If there is a fun animal fact, this kid is bound to know it! When he slows down, Little Roger is a great reading buddy and gives the best hugs! He is so full of love and his laugh is infectious - it's hard to be in a bad mood with this kid around!
Imani McDaniel
Junior Bridesmaid
Princess Imani, as we lovingly call her, is my sassy and spirited niece. She is a doting big sister to her brother Julian and partner-in-crime to her brother Trey. Imani is incredibly kind, always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who asks, and loves playing with her dolls, Disney Princesses, and telling her brothers what to do.
Cora Atkinson
Bridesmaid
16 (yikes!) years ago Cora and I met when we moved into the same room in Crandall Hall at Howard University. Roommates at first, we are now the closest of friends. Many of my favorite memories - carefree summers in NYC, launching my fashion and event planning business, random adventures - include Cora. There was no way I'd have one of the most memorable days of my life without my fellow March-baby by my side!
Darby Baham
Bridesmaid
Darby is more than my middle namesake and Big Brother in Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity, Inc. (#freealphatau) - she is the plug to my sparks, the yin to my yang, and the Josephine to my Johnny (you'd have to be from N.O. to get that). Darby is my ever-ready travel buddy who is down to catch a flight halfway around the world or stay up all night talking about everything and nothing. Plus, she helped Roger plan the proposal - this girl is a keeper!
Anika Jones
Bridesmaid
Anika (aka 'Nika Baby) and I become friends in Honors Composition our freshman year at Howard. She asked me if I wanted to walk to class together and we've been inseparable ever since! Many call us the Bobbsey twins; Anika always the much (much!) more responsible and mature twin. To this day, she takes the best care of me in a way only an older, but actually younger, twin could. I can count on Anika for lots of laughs, lots of good food, and boat loads of love!
Latoya Martin
Bridesmaid
Toya is the definition of a sister-friend, there through life's ups, downs and everything in between - including break-ups (ours), make-ups (ours), weddings (hers), babies (hers), and engagements (ours)! If I need advice, tough love, or the kind of prayer that will get Jesus straight on the mainline, Toya is always one of my first calls. I couldn't imagine my wedding day without my entrepreneurial and always encouraging sister-friend by my side.
Candice McCuller
Bridesmaid
You know when a friend of a friend becomes your friend? Well, that's how Candice and I became buddies (thanks Darby!!) at first. I always knew Candice was something special; but, when she offered to hop on a flight to fight an ex-boyfriend of mine that basically sealed the deal! Over the years, Candice has become a sister, confidant, encourager, travel buddy, tattoo twin, and one of my closest (and most stylish) friends. Candice always brings the fun and more than anything, I love that we laugh until we cry together!
Xayna Sanders
Bridesmaid
This gal is responsible for this here wedding! If it weren't for Xayna and her 30th birthday, Roger and I might never have connected. Although we both went to HU, Xay and I didn't become close until after we graduated and she came to Philly for the first, of many, visits. It was "love at first outlet shopping spree" and we've been airtight ever since! Xayna keeps the laughs coming and I know I can always come to her when I want the real deal. She has the biggest heart and I love counting her among by #bestgoodfriends.
Andre "Trey" McDaniel, III
Junior Groomsman
Trey-man is my oldest nephew and is as sweet and curious as they come. You can almost always catch this kid watching Wild Kratts to learn new animal facts or using his imagination to play games and tell stories. He is an awesome big brother to Imani and Julian and has a deep appreciation for all things Ninja Turtles - Leo is his favorite!
Julian McDaniel
Junior Groomsman
Julian a.k.a. "Boss Baby" is just that. The Boss. He may be three-years-old but he knows exactly who he is and what he wants. Even though he's the youngest, he keeps right in step with his older siblings - Trey and Imani. Julian is a big fan of Mickey Mouse, Paw Patrol, and ruling the roost! Full of energy, giggles, and a LOT of spark - JuJu is one tough kid to keep up with.
Sheldon Alston
Groomsman
Work made me and Sheldon a team and we've been chillin' ever since. We've gone from working in Maryland together to living in Florida. Though we're now separated by a few hundred miles, we still remain tight. Sheldon gives me great advice and always has my back when things get tough. Plus, he always takes my side when Erika picks on me.
Tony Abrams
Groomsman
Tony is more than a cousin to me, he's also my fraternity brother. Our family connection and brotherhood through Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. gives us a blood bond that can't be broken. Tony has all the jokes and is always down to go out and have a good time.
Christopher Cartledge
Groomsman
Chris and I have been down since 1985, the year that he was born. My brother has been stuck with me his whole life. We make a great team, picking on our sister Alyssa and playing pranks on our parents. No matter what, Chris has always had my back.
Robert Hill
Groomsman
Rob went to HU with me and Erika. He's my Omega Psi Phi Line Brother and a real friend that always (always, always) keeps me honest. Rob pulls no punches and serves up tough love at times. I never ever doubt that he always has my best interest in mind.
Darrien Moore
Groomsman
Smokey and I met at HU when we both stayed in Drew Hall. Since then, he's been my best friend and seen me through all life has thrown my way. When we get together Erika rolls her eyes because she knows its non-stop shenanigans, laughter, and crazy stories for days.
Jahmal White
Groomsman
Jahmal and I met through a mutual friend and just clicked. We have been laughing - with and at each other - ever since! Even though Jahmal lives across the country, I can always count on him whether I need a friend's support or to laugh until it hurts.
Robert Bergsted
Usher
Rob is the Kurt to my (Erika's) Mercedes (#gleek). We've been friends ever since we met 8 years ago on a volunteer trip to Bay St. Louis, MS to help rebuild after Hurricane Katrina. Rob is the kind of friend who will help you with anything - from shooting looks for your blog to painting your office - and is down for anything - like a random road trip, creating new Christmas traditions, and taking (you can't sit with) #usies anywhere. He's awesome and we're excited he's going to be a part of our special day.
Horecee St. Cyr
Usher
Horecee may be an actress but there is nothing fake about her. She is my HU friend turned family. Reece has been down for adventure since day one. The only thing worse than getting me and Smokey together is adding Reece to the mix!