Wedding Party

Felicia

Maid of Honor

Bride’s fun-loving sister!

Ms. Jackson

Mother of the Bride

Michelle

Bridesmaid

My name is Michelle. I met Freda as a Girl Scout when we very young. I later reconnected with her freshman year in high school. My marital advice is to follow the 3Cs. The first one is Communication: Be open and honest because communication is crucial for understanding each other's needs, fears, and desires. Compromise:Being willing to compromise in disagreements and find mutually agreeable solutions is essential for a healthy relationship. Lastly, Commitment. Make a conscious choice to love and support each other, especially during difficult times. This is vital for a strong bond.

Tariana

Bridesmaid

My name is Tariana and I have known Freda for as long as I can remember. She's my godmother and has always encouraged me, if it's through school or my journey as an artist. I'll always remember the summer she took me to sewing classes it's a one of my core memories with Freda.  

Tanika

Bridesmaid

My name is Tanika.  From the moment we met freshman year, I knew you were someone special—strong, loving, and full of joy. Now, watching you step into this new chapter fills my heart with  excitement. As one of your best friends, here’s a little love and wisdom to carry into your marriage: 1. Laugh together—often. Life won’t always be perfect, but if you can laugh together through it, you can face anything. 2. Speak love in each other’s languages. Whether it’s a hug, a word, a thoughtful gesture—those little things mean everything. & 3. Choose each other daily. In the small, quiet moments and the big, loud ones—keep saying "I do."

Yusef

Groomsman

My name is Yusef. I have known “Road Rage Roland” since 2017 where our paths would cross due to our occupation. Since then, Roland has been like a grumpy, but funny big bro to me. He took me under his wing to show me quite a bit in the audiovisual industry…Things I still apply to this day. Fun fact about Roland: He has a 2nd daddy nobody knows about. Just ask me when you see me, and I’ll tell you all about it. Freda, you have a great husband coming your way. Praying God’s blessing over the both of you and your union.

Ke’Yona

Bridesmaid

Freda and I have been close since 11th grade, when she transferred from Benjamin Banneker High School in D.C. to Archbishop Carroll. We met in the gospel choir and instantly clicked. I still remember being impressed by how involved and driven she was—especially in FBLA, where she had a special bond with our club monitor, Mrs. King. She was also in the golf club (yes, golf!), and I remember looking at her like, who plays golf? That was just Freda—always doing her own thing with style and confidence. She’s always been one of the hardest workers I know—from those long nights closing at AMC Hoffman until 2 a.m., to becoming the baddest Accountants in the DMV. Her work ethic is only matched by her heart—she genuinely loves and uplifts everyone she meets. One of my favorite memories of Freda is from our early 20s—when Nelly’s "Flap Your Wings" hit the speakers, Freda owned the dance floor and taught me how to have fun and let loose. And I’ll never forget introducing her to my close friend Roland. My heart was filled with so much joy when they made things official. I love you both so much I am praying for all the overflow of blessings from God in store for your marriage. Congratulations! Love always, Ke'Yona

Lewis Burrell

Groomsman

Hey there! I’m Lewis Burrell—born and raised in Southeast D.C. I met Roland not long after I started dating his sister… who’s now my amazing wife. We’ve known each other for about 13 years, and I’ve had a front-row seat watching him grow into the man he is today. (Not saying I take credit, but I was there.) Fun Facts About Me: I’m into hiking, mountain biking, and rocking out on my bass guitars when I’m feeling inspired. I used to draw too—these days it’s more doodles than masterpieces, but the creative spirit lives on! My Marriage Advice: Marriage isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being present and putting in the work. You’re going to hit some bumps, but if you face them together, the ride gets smoother. Keep outsiders out of your relationship, and seriously… keep your business off social media. It's a marriage, not a soap opera (unless you're getting a check—then hey, make it a good one).

Westly Hoover

Best Man

I met Roland my first year teaching. I had been in the same middle school band as he was participating in, with his sisters and others. So, he had to be good. He worked hard and he got into Duke Ellington School of the Arts then Bethune Cookman College at the time. We practiced a lot of tuba and he had no troubles. So, I've been cheering for Roland a long time. We never lost contact and have always hung out no matter where our lives took us. My advice. Always keep loving each other. Life is full of mountains and valleys, Highs and lows. I always remember there is so much to learn and explore in this world and I have two truly great people that are going to experience that together. Create memories. The most mundane thing people do is all new. Don't overlook the simple things and use all those building blocks to enjoy your time together. Your legacy continues from now until forever. Let the magic begin.

Ti’Aire Sovann

Matron of Honor

LI’ve known Freda since we were 4 years old. We met in 1986 during pre-kindergarten at Langdon Elementary School in Washington, D.C. So, that’s 39 years! Although Freda and I did not go to school together beyond elementary school, we manage to continue our friendship and keep in touch all these years. I have lived in 5 different countries, traveled to several in between, and yet somehow, our friendship is the only thing remaining constant. Some marital advice would be to say “thank you” and “I love you” often, because you don’t know when it will be the last time you get to say it, and it’s a simple gesture to show you appreciate your spouse. Also, don’t hog the bedsheets! Funny story… Hmmm, I remember one day on the playground in elementary school we spotted some honeysuckle flowers on a tree. We ate some, well we ate a bunch, and the Physical Education teacher came over and warned us to stop eating the flowers, because they were sprayed with pesticide. We kept eating them anyway, but then while we were eating them…