Aprille & Fred
Wedding Party
Chabela McFashion
Maid of Honor
Bela for short has been a close friend of mine for over 25 yrs. We met in our HS senior year in AP Government class and have been besties ever since. She's my Lavern to our Shirley show. Bela is one who I can always call even at 2am and the first thing she says is, "Apricot do I need to catch a flight", even if I just can't sleep. She is outspoken, loud, and loves to party. Bela is a huge karaoke fan and even has her own gold microphone (oh my)! When she is not working the corporate America circuit (Master's degree in Accounting), she is busy branding her own beadsbybela business or helping her family with Bridge to Africa Connection. Bela is enrolled at FIU in a doctoral program pursuing yet another degree. You can find her at a local bar rooting for her Raiders & ready for a good debate.
Ketti McBride
Matron of Honor
I met this sweet gem years ago at a fashion event. Ketti has such a kind heart that you instantly gravitate to her. She celebrates all things life, love, faith, friendships, and family. When Ket is not helping her boys with homework or driving them to and from various practices, you can find her serving at church or preparing for bible study. Most recently Ketti & her husband returned from a mission trip that made an impact in their lives. Ket is one I lean on and confide in for a realistic perspective when it comes to life or when I need a reality check in the most loving way. They say it takes an army to raise a kid, but couples need an army too! I will forever be grateful to Ketti. She took time off from work to be with my mom and I the week my mom passed, when I/we needed her most.
Champagne Cook
Bridesmaid
Champagne and I met in 2014 when she was dating my former roommate. When they split our friendship remained. The no. 1 thing I can truly say about Champagne is she's 100% authentic with no surprises. She is extremely dedicated to anything she sets her heart out to do and can think of the wildest adventures along the way. Oh and her word is bond! If Champagne says she will be there to support you, trust she will even if she worked an 18 hr day. Champagne is selfless, a workaholic, very independent, has no problem speaking for the majority, and will move mountains for her friends & family never expecting anything in return. When Champagne is not momming to her 3 boys, you can find her at the salon securing the bag or on vacay. She catches flights and is hoping for feelings along the way.
Lonni Hawkins Rivera
Bridesmaid
Champagne introduced Lonni and I back in 2015. We were both unsure of if we wanted to stay in our homes so we became roomies and formed an instant sistership! Lonni is a breath of fresh air. She can find a bright light in any situation even if it started out crappy. Lonni is one who reinvents herself and always seems to create a better version each time. She's kind, loves to laugh, smart, and has a BA in Mass Communications with a Concentration on Broadcast Journalism. In Lonni's spare time, you can catch her practicing & leading yoga instruction virtually and in studio. Don't be surprised if you see her on tv commercials, billboards, in magazines and on TMZ. She's got tons of talent! All in all Lonni's future goal is to one day open her own yoga studio and help ground our center, Namaste!
Tori "Ano" Holt
Best Man
Tori is my nephew, but our relationship is one more like brothers. After graduating high school, Tori moved to Little Rock and became roommates with my best friend Greg (our wedding officiant) and I. Tori now splits his time living between Memphis, TN and Syracuse, NY. One of his favorite things to do is go skiing out west with friends and family. Funny enough Tori actually convinced me to step out of my comfort zone and hit the slopes with him in 2018. We were on an all guys trip during Super Bowl weekend. That was one of the coolest things I've ever experienced, I'm glad he would't let me back out even with the many excuses I tried to come up with.
Dr. Jerrick White
Groomsman
Jerrick and I have known each other since middle school. We danced in our 6th and 7th grade talent shows pop locking and breaking. Its been 30 years since graduation and Jerrick is one of the few friends from high school that I talk to on a regular basis. I can always count on him to show up and make time for me whenever i'm in his city, Memphis or back home in Sugar Town. Jerrick is a Dr. of Pharmacy, a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc, and now an avid fitness buff. He trains and participates in body building competitions here, there, and everywhere.
Otis "Mo Money" Hill
Groomsman
Otis and I have been friends since 5th grade. As teenagers we were part of group known as The Fresh Frat. We were always together as we hit up the clubs and skating rinks in Stuttgart, AK and in Pine Bluff on the weekends. We had a signature dance called the Fresh Frat Slide that was a hit at every party. Right after high school, Otis and I enlisted in the US Army together under the buddy system. We were stationed in Ft. McClelland Alabama where we studied and trained to be Chemical Operations Specialists. It was nice to have by right hand man, Otis with me as we took that step into adulthood. Our friendship hasn't wavered one bit over the years. Otis is one of my closest friends to this day. When it comes to a game of spades, there's nobody who wants to play against us. IJS
Greg "G-Whiz" Hughes
Groomsman
Greg has been my best friend since day 1. We grew up 4 houses apart from each other on the same street. Greg and I have never missed a beat over the past 40+ years. We never go a week without checking in to see how the other is doing. If I'm ever in need of anything I know that Greg would be there to meet whatever that need is. Greg and I were roommates when he received his calling to start preaching. He is now the lead Pastor at Pleasant Hills Baptist Church in Little Rock, AR.