Jaja & Terrence
The Crew
Tommy
Best Man
Terrence's other half. These two have shared every milestone. From the womb to track & field stars to recreational basketball to anime. Let's not forget their love for karaoke. When the two aren't spending time with their fiancees, you will find them spending time together jamming out on stage playing guitar or on their PS5 (likely busting a blood vessel playing Apex). The two have an inseparable bond and Terrence wouldn't have any one else by his side on the most important day of his life.
Jasmine
Maid of Honor
Jasmine or Jazzy is Jaja's ride or die and big sister. Growing up, Jazzy had to drag her little sisters everywhere but you could usually find them playing piano or on the tennis court. From helping her sisters study for tests/editing papers to prepping them for job interviews, Jazz has been the most generous and supportive sis a girl could ask for. Jaja likes to call her the enforcer because she will never let anyone slight the family. Jaja might even attribute her love for writing to Jazzy who taught her the magic of drafting complaints to companies who fail to adhere to their policies. To this day she asks if she could claim her sisters on her taxes because she believes she also raised them. Jasmine and Jaja love partying, traveling, Zumba, margaritas, and more than anything reality TV!
Freddy
Groomsman
Freddy is Terrence's cousin, though most would consider him Thomas and Terrence's triplet. Freddy and the boys were attached at the hip as kids. Their love for track & field kept them close but the real competition was at the bowling alley. Terrence says he beat Thomas and Freddy at the game, all the time. Although Freddy and Terrence no longer run track, the two now run after their dogs at the local dog park. Jaja and Terrence also love frequenting their favorite local brunch spots with Freddy and his wife, Helga.
Jalese
Matron of Honor
Jalese is Jaja's twin - kidding! She's Jenelle's twin but the three of them should have been triplets. Growing up, they were inseparable and the two never had a dull moment. One of Jaja's most memorable but terrifying moments with Jalese is when she left Jaja while a dog was chasing her, twice. Despite Jalese abandoning Ja in life or death moments, she has been Jaja's right hand since forever. In high school the two were so close that after Jalese graduated people often told Jaja they thought she graduated, too. From tennis competitions, to high school dance practice, to taking over NYC nightlife in their 20s where the turn up was too real; Jalese and Jaja have countless memories together. Jaja can't wait to let the good times continue to roll with this life of the party, on 11/4!
Tony
Groomsman
Tony is one of Terrence's best friends out of the 'Gate (Colgate University). The two were roommates during the summer at OUS before starting their first semester and also roomed together during their junior and senior years. When not in class, their time was spent watching the Godfather, teaching Terrence bachata, singing Sweeney Todd lines, playing flag football, or just joking about funny moments around campus. Tony solidified his place as one of the greats when he was able to "confiscate" a piece of the Roman Coliseum for Terrence during his study abroad trip senior year.
Clarissa
Maid of Honor
Clarissa is Jaja's numero uno! Although the two met during their sophomore year in high school English class, they didn't become friends immediately because Clarissa was so quiet Jaja thought she was a mute. One year after graduating high school, Clarissa and Jaja went to a college "party" with a mutual friend. The party was a total bust but the two became instant friends. Several happy hour margaritas, sleepovers, countless episodes of The Office, pending applications to the Bad Girls Club, trips to AC and Coachella, birthdays, and milestone life events later, the two built a bond that can never be broken.
Wil
Groomsman
Wil is one of Terrence's best friends and "ride or dies." They met at Colgate University and established an unbreakable bond. Wil and Terrence were workout buddies during their time on the Track and Field team, worked at Colgate for two summers, participated in Dancefest, co-acted in various Colgate plays, and were members of the Brothers Organization. When not working, studying, or participating in any of their extracurriculars, Wil was often Terrence's voice of reason to keep him focused. Although it's been over 10 years since Terrence had to carry Wil up 100 flights of stairs, he is looking forward to having him by his side this time as he walks down the aisle.
Taa
Bridesmaid
Taa is the leader of the wild pack of Grays sisters. If you asked her about how the couple met, she will quickly tell you that she helped introduce the pair up when she told Jaja to apply for the internship at the OIG. Aside from claiming credit for their relationship, Taa is an adventurous, supportive, generous, and caring sister. She is also the first to take one for the team and volunteer to join in on their father's antics! Jaja still owes Taa for all the parties she's thrown at her house over the years. Taa has attended every milestone event in her sisters' lives and always encouraged them to travel. Jaja aspires to catch up to her sister one day and travel to all the beautiful places her pockets can afford.
Mike
Groomsman
Mike is Jaja's brother. Not by birth but he might as well be. Jaja has known Mike since she was 18 years old; Jenelle dating and marrying Mike is probably the first thing she has done right her whole life! Jokes aside, Mike has always seamlessly blended with the family. During every holiday gathering he would bring a fun game for the family to play. We will never forget the year Mike brought a "pie face" roulette game at Christmas and all the cousins played. Jaja can still hear the laughs when the whipped cream landed on her face. Mike is probably the most fun yet laid back person Jaja and Terrence know. Those attributes aren't even his best qualities. The biggest thing Jaja admires about Mike is his dedication and loyalty to her family. Mike truly is a unicorn.
Jenelle
Bridesmaid
Jenelle is the second youngest of the group and Jaja's longest roommate. Jenelle is the mother of the group and pretty protective of her family. She will always make sure everyone around her is okay. Whether you have a headache, you're hungry, or have bad breath (not me), Jenelle has you covered. It's no wonder she became a nurse! When she's not playing mom, you can find her listening to her favorite podcasts or perfecting her voiceovers. One of Jaja and Jenelle's favorite things to do are sing duets from Celine Dion, Hamilton and their current favorite Encanto! Jenelle is also the photographer of the family (after their dad) and she absolutely killed the couple's recent engagement photoshoot! Jaja cannot wait to dance the night away and sing all the songs with her big sis, this fall!
Iliya
Groomsman
Iliya is a welcome addition to the family! From the beginning, he has always been down for a good time and usually brings the party to pretty much every event. Jaja knows she can count on Iliya to make the turn up real. Since marrying Jaja's sister Jalese, Iliya has never missed a family gathering; especially family vacations which are practically his olympics. From finding exotic beaches to discovering restaurants with the best eats to attempting to learn the moves to Cupid Shuffle in the pool - he does not disappoint! Iliya even convinced Jaja to live her best life and ride the ATVs during their trip to Costa Rica! When the fam isn't jetting off on vacation, they spend many weekends together at Jalese and Iliya's house usually relaxing (or partying) on their boat when the weather's nice!
Brittany
Bridesmaid
Brittany is Jaja's niece and really in the wedding to keep the older crowd up on the young trends and TikTok dances. Kidding! Brittany and Ja were the unstoppable duo when they were younger and have remained close through countless family vacations, their love for reality TV (90 Day Fiancee!), and funny viral videos. Brittany and Jaja know each other so well that they can communicate just by looking at each other; usually followed by loud laughs! Brittany, like Jaja, lives for the turn-up and will certainly bring the fun throughout this wedding journey.
Justin
Groomsman
Justin met Jaja via his fiancee, Akeia. Justin is the official hype-man of the group. You'll never be bored at a party when Justin is around; only solid good times. He is also ten steps ahead of the game, with his entrepreneurial mindset Jaja and Terrence are sure their friendship will literally payoff when Justin becomes the black Jeff Bezos. Not only is he a perfect match for Jaja's bff Akeia but he's also an awesome Dad. Justin is undoubtedly part of the family since joining the Grays gang on their annual summer vacation to Costa Rica and surviving.
Akeia
Bridesmaid
Akeia aka Kia is Jaja's best friend. Jaja doesn't even remember when she met Kia because she's always been in her life; living four houses down the block! Kia was practically another sister. If they weren't jumping rope, running from dogs, playing Uno, or freeze tag, Kia was usually out with the girls and their parents going everywhere. One of Jaja's earliest memories of Kia is when she solidified her spot as Kelly from Destiny's Child while they were practicing bootylicious dance moves in the mirror as kids (Jaja of course was always Beyonce). Kia and Jaja also worked together for four years and had the time of their lives. One of Kia's greatest accomplishments was birthing Jaja's beautiful Goddaughter, Akira! Jaja can't wait to build more unforgettable memories with her BFF, on 11/4.
Ivan
Groomsman
Ivan met the couple at the IG's office. Jaja trained Ivan when he was hired. He was a quick study but really only spoke when he had to; which may have been a tactic to avoid conversing with coworkers. However, his mute behavior did not last long; especially around the "shorties." When Ivan started opening up, Jaja and Terrence learned how hilarious Ivan was - except when it came to playing Uno which is always a very serious game. Even though the three no longer work together their friendship (and competitiveness) is just as solid. When the trio gets together you can find them talking trash on the lanes at a bowling alley or a pool table! Ivan does not only share a special bond with the couple but also with his Godson, Bandit! The couple can't wait for more shenanigans with Ivan on 11/4!
Melanie
Bridesmaid
Melanie is Jaja's cousin! Growing up, the cousins saw each other practically every weekend. They had such a blast hanging out that usually someone would pretend to lose a hat or glove just to play together a little longer! Melanie might be the sole reason Ja's Mom goes hard cooking on Thanksgiving and Easter as to not prepare anything less than perfect for her favorite niece. Ja's favorite memories with Melanie include trips to the vineyard and their recent family trip to Greece and Bulgaria. Melanie and her cousins chat daily about current events and funny viral videos. However, Ja's favorite thing to discuss with Melanie are those entertaining housewives! Mel and Ja have seen each other through countless momentous occasions and Jaja is thrilled to have Mel by her side on her special day!
Danny
Groomsman
Danny met Jaja and Terrence at work. Jaja and Danny worked together in the same unit for years and between office pranks, movie Fridays, and gossip they somehow managed to get work done. He is also the reason the OIG crew spent most of their paychecks at happy hour. Danny is a jack of all trades; he is a lawyer, accountant, mechanic, IT support, bartender, DJ, and even offered to MC our wedding. You name it, he can DO IT! All jokes aside, he is a very caring person who will do anything to make sure everyone has an unforgettable, great time.
Jessica
Bridesmaid
Jessica met Jaja in high school freshman biology class; the two were lab partners. Then she discovered they also shared gym and music class together. Jaja could literally not escape her. After sharing all the same classes the two realized they had so much in common. Jessica's free spirit, love of lotion, silly sense of humor, and their shared love for harmonizing kept them close. Jessica know's Jaja so well she can almost read her mind just with a look (usually involving something inappropriate). When the two aren't trying to dodge other humans' germs at happy hour, or breaking out in song, you can find them in heavy discourse about black pride. Jessica has been by Jaja's side through the happy and sad times and Jaja can't wait to celebrate this momentous occasion with her forever friend!
Renee
Bridesmaid
Renee and Jaja met in high school. Although the two never actually had a class together, they quickly became close friends (likely because of their high school's significantly small percentage of black people). The two solidified their bond when they traveled to Hawaii for their senior trip, which was pretty iconic! However, their high school experience could not prepare them for their outrageous college days. Even though the two did not attended the same college, Jaja always seemed to find her way to Renee and Shadiyah's college parties! When Jaja reflects on life during her 20's Renee is certainly one of the first people to come to mind. Renee was the first of Jaja's friends to get hitched and honestly her life has always been together. Jaja is just trying to be on her level!
Shadiyah
Bridesmaid
Shadiyah and Jaja also met in high school! To know Shadiyah is to love her because it's pretty hard not to laugh within the first minute of meeting her. This made it difficult to maintain a serious demeanor in school. Jaja still laughs about the time the two presented their restaurant menu idea during Spanish class - they could not keep a straight face. Shadiyah also attended the senior trip to Hawaii with Jaja and Renee! The three were roommates and somehow they forgot to give the only black students a chaperone, which worked out for the them because they did whatever they wanted, unsupervised! Shadiyah (and Renee) also showed up every day to volunteer to work on Jaja's father's campaign; gathering petitions and running from dogs. Jaja is forever grateful for her friendship with Shadiyah.
Bandit
Dog of Honor
Hi, I am Bandit. My paw parents had me out of woof-lock but they're finally getting hitched and I'm sooooo excited. While they're off getting married, I'll be tearing up the house :)