Melanie & Toland
Wedding Party
Heather Hillman
Maid of Honor
From diapers to adulthood and still thick as thieves. 41 years later my cousin Heather still likes to remind me she’s 8 months older than me🤣 But you’d think we’re twins as much as we’ve come out the house with matching clothes.
Carissa Abdul Malik
Matron of Honor
I first met Clo battling someone on the dance floor the first week at CAU in 1998! I knew back then she was someone I had to hang with. Since then we became instant friends, best friends, sisters.
Alanda Smith
Bridesmaid
Living in Atlanta for some time makes you a bit homesick. I moved to Atlanta back in 1996 from Springfield Mass. However, Sassy who was from my hometown always brought me back to that vibe. She is the most authentic, cool, creative and fun person to be around. When I need unbiased real transparent advice, I go to Sass.
April Deck
Bridesmaid
My sister, April, the mother of my first set of kids Elyse AJ and Quent. I think we either speak or text each other every day, about every little thing and it never gets tired. She is my very first best friend and I love her so much.
Brianne Johnson
Bridesmaid
Brianne and I also met the first week of college at CAU in 1998 where we became instant friends.We’ve grown from going to the clubs in Atlanta and NyC in our 20s to making boss moves up top in our 30s and 40s.
Elyse Lee
Bridesmaid
Elyse is my sunshine, my niece, April’s daughter. She has become such an exceptionally young lady and I am so proud to be her auntie.
Harry Samba
Groomsman
Brother of groom. Harry, an engineer in Congo Africa is traveling from Toland’s hometown with his wife and daughter to celebrate with us.
Turpin Stell Tsathy
Best Man
Toland and Turpin grew up together from young boys to men. Turpin now lives in France with his beautiful family.
Erick Deck
Groomsman
Brother of the bride and Godfather of baby TJ. Erick will be traveling from Atlanta as he prepares for a wedding of his own!
Borel Samba
Groomsman
Baby brother of the Samba crew. Out of all of the brothers Toland and Borel check on each other the most, while of course talking crap and teasing each other. Borel is the father of a beautiful baby girl a few months older than TJ. He resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Sebastian Prentice
Groomsman
Sebastian is the nephew of the groom. Sebastian is now currently studying for his master degree in South Africa.
Aly Zot Samaga
Groomsman
Toland and Aly worked together some time ago at Thomas Pink in NYC. Since then they’ve remained good friends.
Olani
Flower Girl
Baby Olani is Toland’s Goddaughter. Olani and TJ were born exactly one month apart. TJ and Olani been hanging tight having play dates since Olani was one month old!
Toland (TJ)
Ring Bearer
TJ is the 1 year old son of Toland and Melanie. TJ runs the Samba household, bosses around both parents and even the dog.