Best Man
My little brother Massai has been with me since day one. He saw me at my lowest and now gets to see me at my best—marrying the love of my life. He’s younger, but don’t let that fool you; he’s been like my hype man and my reminder that family is everything. Couldn’t imagine this day without him.
Groomsman
Antonio has been rocking with me through the good, the bad, and the ugly. He’s the cousin who will clown you one minute but defend you the next. Having him stand beside me on this wedding day just proves family always holds you down, no matter what.
Groomsman
Keith Jr. may not have hit a Hatcher family cookout yet, but trust me, he’s survived the bigger test—marrying into this family. He’s been solid since day one, watching my journey and standing tall with me through it. I’m honored to now call him both a brother and a groomsman.
Groomsman
And then there’s Steve—my lawyer turned friend for life. This man literally fought to get me here today. He worked tirelessly to help me walk free, and now he’s walking with me again, but this time down the aisle. If that’s not full circle, I don’t know what is.
Honorary Groomsman
Maurice is the cousin who’s been cracking jokes on me since forever, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. He’s seen me go through it all and is here to see me win. He’s the guy that makes sure laughter never leaves the room, even on a day as big as this.
Honorary Groomsman
Uncle Lawrence is the wild one of the family, the guy with stories that could fill up a whole wedding reception on their own. He was there for me through my hardest days, and now he’s here while I celebrate one of my best. He’s proof that no matter how crazy life gets, family always finds their way back together.
Matron of Honor
My Matron of Honor, Siroda Davillier, isn’t my “adopted sister” or “best friend” — she’s my sister, period. We met as kids when she moved across the street, and from then on it was like God signed the sister papers Himself. Though we physically look like complete opposites, people constantly swear we’re twins because of our mannerisms, inside jokes, and that spooky telepathic bond we’ve had since grade school. We’ve gotten in trouble together, backed each other up (yes, she's been known to threatened folks with a rat tail comb for me), and loved each other through every joy and heartbreak. Growing up with this incredible woman is something that has shaped me to be incredible too. I truly don't know who I'd be without her. Now, she’s made me a proud auntie to her two gorgeous kids and a sister-in-law to her amazing husband, Antoine. Having her as my Matron of Honor wasn’t even a decision — it was destiny.
Bridesmaid
My bridesmaid, Amber, is truly my sister in Spirit. We met through organizing, fighting side by side for liberation and justice — and quickly discovered our connection was bigger than just the work. She’s my kindred spirit in both Jesus and Justice, and she’s made what could be a hard road — being a Black woman, minister, transplant in Minnesota — not just bearable, but beautiful. She’s a confidant who understands the political, emotional, and spiritual dynamics of my life without me even needing to explain. Amber is equal parts brilliance and authenticity. She’s the kind of friend who can break down the biggest rap beef one minute, pray you out of depression the next, and then pour you a glass of wine to top it off - maybe non-alcoholic, maybe not (mind ya business lol). She's restored my faith in making life-long friends at "full grown woman" age. All this and more make her an easy yes as one of my bridesmaids.
Bridesmaid
My bridesmaid, Ashli Miller, has been my girl for 21 years. We first met in the dorm hallway at Wilberforce University, where I rolled my eyes at this “spoiled princess” whining about missing her dad during freshman introductions. Little did I know that the girl I almost dismissed would become one of the best friends I’d ever be blessed with. Over the years, Ashli has proven to be my ultimate ride-or-die — and I mean that literally, since we may or may not have once caught a case together (don’t worry, we good now!). Ashli is loyal almost to a fault — but once you’ve got her, you’ve got her for life. She is stylish, caring, hilarious, and hands down the greatest hype woman of all time. She can take you from tears to belly-aching laughter in two minutes flat with her sharp wit and slightly inappropriate jokes. She has also shown me how to love with grace and pray without ceasing. Ashli is truly the total package kind of friend, and I could never imagine this day without her by my side.
Bridesmaid
My bridesmaid, Louise “Weezy” Wright, has been my sister-friend for over two decades. We met at Wilberforce University, where our friendship started as a slow burn in a larger crew, but by the end of those four years, I knew she was a forever best friend — the kind I’d grow grey with (though let’s be clear, we’re still decades away from “old”!). She’s my kicking-it and travel buddy, my truth-telling-with-love advisor, and my partner in some of the best adventures (from ziplining in Puerto Rico - which almost didn't happen until I reminded her chickening out would not get her a refund lol - to clubbing ‘til sunrise… or sometimes getting dressed to go clubbing but laughing at YouTube videos til sunrise instead). Her hugs are healing and her smile is infectious. She’s taught me how to pray, how to walk in grace and confidence, and how to love deeply in all circumstances. Having her stand beside me is a blessing, an honor, and honestly… just common sense.
Honorary Bridesmaid
My bonus daughter, Chyanne, is one of the sweetest blessings God has ever given me. Nothing about our relationship has been conventional, but she has met me with so much love, grace, and mercy that I am forever grateful she allowed me to love her. Over the years we’ve built our bond through shopping trips, binge-watching “Love Is Blind,” eating good food in MN and OH, laughing until our sides hurt, and even riding every rollercoaster together when no one else was brave enough to ride shotgun with me. She’s funny, lovable, and growing into a strong young woman who knows how to stand up for herself. Chyanne has a running joke about me being “old,” but now that she’s hit her 20s (the very age she once swore was “old lady” status), the joke’s officially on her. Through it all, she makes me laugh, she lets me care for her, and she makes me proud every day to be her bonus mom. Having her agree to be a bridesmaid, especially as I marry her dad, was nothing short of an answered prayer. *Due to big life changes that affect her December's attendance, she will be an honorary bridesmaid.
Honorary Bridesmaid
I’ve known Laura for almost a decade, and from the very first phone call we shared as I prepared to move to Minnesota, I knew she was something special. She welcomed me with warmth, insight, and humor — and when we finally met in person, she fit my mental picture to a tee, which we still laugh about to this day. Laura is incredibly caring, protective, funny, and wise — a true confidant whose brilliance in psychology, social theory, and emotional grounding often leaves me feeling like I’ve had the best therapy session of my life. Her wit is unmatched, her love is steady, and her care for others is inspiring. While she isn’t able to stand physically beside me on this wedding day, she is no less a bridesmaid in my heart. Laura’s presence, laughter, and love are deeply woven into this celebration, and I am grateful beyond words for her friendship and love. *Due to big life changes that affect her December's attendance, she will be an honorary bridesmaid.