Ja'el & Ceaser
Wedding Party
Elvis Herrera
Best Man
When I crossed paths with Elvis it must have been more than sheer luck. It was my freshmen year during first day at of class at RIT. I sat down in the front row and looked over to my left and there was Elvis, we exchanged looks which followed by the proverbial head nod. We joke about it often but as soon as we looked at each other we knew two things. 1. This guy is definitely Dominican 2. He is most definitely from New York. We didn't say much to each other after that because I didn't see him again till a Party in the SAU. Reason I didn't see him again was because Elvis was in the wrong classroom that day. Fast forward to thru five years of overcoming hardships as first gen students, Elvis looking out for me at every step with advice and love. He was the big brother I didn't know I needed.
Nayo Carter-Gray
Matron of Honor
Nayo has literally known me for my entire life. As my big sister and Matron of Honor, there is nothing she wouldn't do for me. As a loyal sister, she stands by me in all things, even if she doesn't agree. But that doesn't mean she won't say when I'm wrong! She likes to tell stories of having to take care of me when I was younger and how much she hated Richmond. BUT she loved every moment she got to spend with me. When she moved to Baltimore, I would always plot how I was going to get to her house when we would visit. I would literally prepare my BEST speech and tear ducts so I could be dropped off at her house. I looked up to Nayo in so many ways. As a friend and sister--she never leaves anything unsaid or undone.
Keenan Lambert
Groomsman
I met Keenan in my freshmen year in High School where we both tried out for the Varsity baseball team. We didn't know it yet but it was the beginning of a lifelong friendship. Over the four years in high school Keenan became my confidant, therapist, and one of my closest friends. He took care of me as only a brother would; whether it was a listening ear or buying me a rice and soy sauce from the Chinese place on the corner of Myrtle and Clinton. We celebrated our victories in conquests (both on and off the field), and as corny as it may seem we invented our own language that would appear harmless to any person nearby. Through my highs and lows during that period Keenan was there.
Stephanie Amartefio
Bridesmaid
Stephanie and I first met in middle school in Richmond, VA. With so many awkward tween encounters, our first introduction was one for the books. Of course, I walked up to her said something mean, then told her we were going to be friends. She responded with a classy clapback and we've been stuck at the hip ever since. I wanted to be President, so Stephanie did whatever it took to maintain my image or lack thereof LOL. In high school, we experienced SO MANY life lessons and broken hearts, and I could not imagine going through that without Stephanie. THE SECRETS between best friends are those you never mention, utter or give life to unless you're recapping at a sleepover. As my true confidant, Stephanie is my example of what a best friend should always be.
Jordan Rawls
Groomsman
Jordan (The selfie king) and I are fraternity brothers, but had history before that. I don't know what it was about Jordan, but his charisma was just absolutely magnetic. I met him at a U-House meeting when he was a freshmen about to take over as President of U-House, Where he turned it into one of the most successful special interest houses on campus. From there we shared quite a few experiences a good portion of them while we were in an "elevated state of mind". Through the pledging process we further connected as brothers sharing personal stories and establishing a bond that will stand the test of time. By far one of the most hardest working individual I know and inspires me to be better everyday.
Brittany Fox
Bridesmaid
Fox and I lived on the same floor during our first year of college at Randolph College in Lynchburg, VA. As first year students, we created together some of the most memorable moments of our lives. Our bond was so special because Fox truly embraced that I didn't have a bubble. I would walk into her room, ask a million questions, leave with clothes and never return them. To be fair, she did the same. Even after Fox betrayed the WildCats and became a Sweet Briar Vixen, we reconnected just as before. Circa 2015, we found ourselves in the same city--Washington D.C. Sleepovers, more books, online dating, city living, fucking law school; Though life pulled us in different directions, we always managed to find a way back to one another.
David Concepcion
Groomsman
800 characters are not enough to describe my oldest friend who has at times literally carried me through some of the most difficult times of my life. I have know David since 7th grade at IS 302, We didn't get really close till eight grade. I don't remember how, but I can only imagine it was like most friendships, we met, hung out once and then we hung out all the time. Throughout middle school and high school David was like family. We were at my house for thanksgiving, then at at his house for thanksgiving, My mom loved him (maybe a bit too much at times). One thing I can definitely say, is that whatever he had, I always had a piece. Whether it was spending his last two dollars on ramen noodles so we could both eat or letting me use his computer to get my work done. David was there.
Meghan Luksic
Bridesmaid
Meghan and I also first met in college at an awkward moment when I was getting schooled by our Sociology professor (Meghan was laughing!) Meghan was clearly annoyed and we actually didn't become close friends until our sophomore year. To be fair, I was quite ridiculous and sometimes overwhelming. Meghan and I would have so many heart to hearts about the challenges of school, "extra-curricular activities", Our friendship provided strength, happiness, and meaning in ways that social media or popularity did not. Being a good friend wasn't always easy, but taking the time to nurture our lasting friendship was worth every effort. From gym gains, to ring gains, we have lived up to our school's motto and live life more abundantly, together.
Darrin Drayton
Groomsman
I've only known Darrin for just over a year, we met at a gathering of friends at a house we rented for a few days over New Years in 2017. In that time span we have gotten close as friends and truly view him as my brother. He is one of the most genuine people I have ever met, unapologetically himself, and can tell a good joke or two after a few shots of rum. Understand at every function we shared a few shots of rum. Every function. As I have gotten to know Darrin I have become extremely grateful with his presence in my life. Though our friendship is new I know it will be everlasting. Already sharing many milestone, I could not think of a more supportive person to accompany me down the isle.
Teka Johnson
Bridesmaid
Navigating adult female friendships doesn't have to be hard. Teka and I are proof, as we first met while visiting Stephanie at Christopher Newport University. The most beautiful thing to me was knowing that Teka was the person who was going to take care of Stephanie when I couldnt. For all those times when a phone call or a Facetime wasnt enough, Teka was there. And because of the transitive property of relationships, Teka and I were willing to put in the effort required to establish a bond like no other. From traveling down 95 South to the Carolinas, to back up North we made up the words to most songs, practiced harmonies liked the Georgia Mass Choir and confided in one another in what we were searching for:love, friendships, relationships, where to buy jeans that fit tall curvy women!