Wedding Party
Jarita
Bride
We met at our job, as we work(ed) for the same company, but in different states, Illinois and Ohio. He courted me through Teams, text and phone calls. When we finally met in person, 2 weeks after the first phone call, we met in person. I knew I was in deep, when he got ready to leave and I started crying. He would hold me and we would start rocking each other until I calmed down. I would be sad for the rest of the week until Friday, when I knew he was coming back!! And we would go back and forth to see each other until he relocated to Indiana to be with me EVERYDAY!!! I LOVE ME SOME HIM!!
Brandon
Groom
So, it all started a week before July 26th, 2022, when I messaged Jarita through our work system talking about a concert. Fast forward a week, I sent her message about my nieces birthday party and how I had pictures. I told her I would like to show her the pictures, but I do not have a way to send them to her. Once I said that she sent me her number and I sent the pictures, and we started talking. A couple of days later I said I could come out there to Indiana and we could meet in person. We decided I would come out on the weekend of August 12th. I came to visit for the first time, and we hit it off. Since that first weekend I came out here almost every weekend until I moved with her for good. After that first visit, I felt a deeper connection with Jarita than I have ever felt with anyone in my life up to that point. With that being said, here we are, getting married now after proposing to her on her 45th birthday in Jamaica.
Easha
Matron of Honor
I am so excited to celebrate my cousin by blood and my sister in LIFE! At the young age of 3, I remember being so excited about “the baby” coming home from the hospital! Of course, when Jarita came home, “I made her MY BABY”, vowing to care and cherish her forever. We literally grew up and moved around together as sisters, sharing first moments, hard moments, and joyful moments. From a very early age Jarita knew what she wanted and how to find her voice to get what she needed. A funny moment that sticks out and repeatedly told at every family function is when she cut one of my two braids to teach me a lesson. Being older, I was thrust into having to be the responsible one and the babysitter in charge when the adults weren’t present. I took a prime seat on the sofa where she was sitting when she got up briefly to do something. Upon her return Jarita demanded that I move and return her seat. I’m like whatever, you snooze you lose, AND, I’m older bigger and in charge so….We all know Jarita wasn’t letting NOBODY be the boss of her! She threatened to cut my hair as an ultimatum. Again, I posture, not moving. Jarita came back with the scissors and all I heard was the sound of “snip” and the gentle wind from the swiftness of her hand. While I have heard and told this story over and over again, there was a lesson where at 6 years of age Jarita already mastered how to find her voice. She teaches me how to do this every time we are together, lessons of love. Even with uneven hair :)
Eisha
Maid of Honor
Wow! I first met Jarita in 5th grade at Martin Luther King School. She sat in front, and I sat in the back. We didn’t talk much because we were far away from each other and she was super quiet- then I left. Fast forward to 8th grade. I’m a new student at the now closed Bloomfield Jr. High school and I walk into math class and this girl walks up to me and said, “I think I know you. Did you go to MLK?” Me, "Yes!” From that point, we were locked in! Inseparable! Growing up through our teenage and twenties-nothing but shenanigans! As years passed, I witnessed the evolution of my best friend grow into this wonderful, sensitive, loving and ambitious woman. And now, she’s found love… I'm proud to call her my best friend, and I'm excited to witness the next chapter of her life!
Kyle
Best Man
I first met Brandon when I emerged into this world. I can’t say for certain if he visited me in the hospital but when I finally came home, he enjoyed my company for a little while (or so I am told). Throughout my life he has been my best friend (reluctantly at times) and I have been a phone call away for him in the best and worst of times. I have scars from our earliest feats of competition and memories from our youth that will probably be the last to go. Brandon made my childhood a constant, fun adventure and I have very fond memories of neighborhood games, crab apple wars, and turning the parking lot behind our house into a multi-sport recreational facility. I am so happy to see Brandon find the love he has been missing in his life and the happiness he has found with Jarita!
Kevin
Best Man
I am Brandon's youngest brother and have known him my whole life, so 36 years to be exact. Brandon and I have always shared a special bond because of our love of baseball. We grew up playing the sport, collecting baseball cards when we were younger and going to the Indians games. We still try to catch a game once a year when we can.
Cherese
Bridesmaid
I am Cherese. I am Jarita’s sister. We haven't known each other all our lives, but in the last few years I am so lucky we found each other. Jarita has a lively personality that can brighten up a room. She keeps me cracking up and I know if I ever need anything she will be there for me (vice versa). Wishing you, sis and Brandon a lifetime filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.
April
Bridesmaid
I met Jarita at Pepe & Hazard when we were 20 & 21. It was our first corporate job. We partied hard together and became best friends. Back then she was my eyebrow person and my oldest daughter hair stylist…lol. She was also my girl’s other parent, Auntie Jai. She became family. (26 years strong!)
Shevonne
Bridesmaid
Jarita is my second cousin, but she’s more like an aunt to me since my mom and her grew up like sisters! She’s known me my entire life and has always been incredibly dear to me. Jarita is one of the most influential women in our family. I am so proud of her. Her bold personality, combined with her impeccable sense of fashion and makeup, has always been a source of admiration and inspiration for me. Her confidence and beauty are matched by her amazing laugh and the vibrant aura she carries with her. We share a special bond as “Pisces twins,” being born in the same month. As emotional and lovable women, we connect deeply and see the world through a similar lens. Jarita’s influence is a big part of why I can walk confidently in my own skin and for that, I’m forever grateful.
TaShoy
Bridesmaid
I’ve known Jarita since I was about 5 years old through her friendship with my mother. She quickly became my Auntie Jai. I’m thirty now which makes 25 years, she has been in my life. I spent most of my preteen and teenage years glued to her hip lol. She helped raise me. We spent a lot of time watching movies, snacking and having Glam Sessions. She was my hairstylist, nail tech, eyebrow person and dad! Lmfao. Lucky me! <3 lol. I’ve always admired her style and sass; and I’m sure her sparkle has rubbed off on me in more ways than one. I love my Auntie Jai.
Tiara
Bridesmaid
Jarita is my auntie who gave me my name. I drove her crazy for as long as I can remember, she gave me her coloring book to get me to calm down and till this day when I need a little calming, I’ll take out my coloring book it always makes me think of her.
Jaelynn
Junior Bridesmaid
Jarita and I met in 2022, she’s always been such a light in everyone’s lives. She’s caring, upfront, and full of energy. Jarita’s presence brings a sense of comfort and ease, making even the simplest moments feel special. Whether we're sharing a laugh or just sitting in silence, her company always adds a smile to everyone around. It's her unique blend of kindness, humor, and understanding that makes every interaction feel meaningful and fulfilling. I think Jarita and Brandon are good for each-other and both show each other their love and affection in many ways. I know Brandon cares a lot about her. I pray the best for you both and I’m thankful you’re both in my life. I love you guys!
Rhianna
Junior Bridesmaid
Jarita can always lighten up a room with her laugh and you can hear her from 10 miles away! She always has the best stories to share and I feel like I learn more and more about my mom from her than my mom herself. I always have fun when I'm around Jarita and I'm glad I get to call her my cousin.
Mike
Groomsman
I've known Brandon since he moved to Olmsted Falls in 5th Grade. He moved into a house in my neighborhood right across from my other childhood friend Richie Grega. Shortly after we proceeded to become friends for the next 30 years! I know many members of his family and have known his brothers and mother on a personal level for many years. There are way too many stories to get into about all the things we've been through. We spent so much time at Brandon's house during our primary developmental years it's ridiculous. We have had a lot of good times and laughs together. I just met Jarita a couple years ago and I couldn't be more grateful for her. She really brought a spark out in Brandon and motivated him in ways that I don't think many other people could have.
Cameron
Groomsman
Brandon and I have been close friends for a quarter century. We started out as baseball teammates hanging out every day after school before practice. In the summer we’d cross paths playing for different teams at tournaments. B knows baseball—an extremely talented ball player. As close friends, we both loved baseball; but also, we both loved music. All kinds of music: hip hop, classical, jazz, you name it — everything we did involved celebrating good music. Heck, we’d even tolerate the stuff his brother Kyle was into. Brandon’s house was the hangout spot in those days. Now that he and Jarita are making it happen—and may God bless them! I’m looking forward to more hangouts in the future. B and I have stayed close friends for decades, and I always knew he would find someone super special, cooler than cool—ice cold!—to share his gifts and charm with. I couldn’t be happier for the bride and groom.
Jamall
Groomsman
I've known Brandon for about 25 years. We are brothers. The family took me in as one of the brothers when I moved to our hometown. There are way too many memories to try and pick but some of the greatest were watching B bust a freestyle.
Jeron
Groomsman
Jarita is my sister and I love her!
Rich
Groomsman
I met Brandon in 4th grade when he moved in across the street from me. We played on the same sports teams, we’re friends all through school, and have remained friends ever since. Brandon stood up with me on my wedding day, and I’m honored to do the same for him
Jadan
Wedding Emcee (MC)
Hey everyone! I’m Jadan—your one and only MC for the big day. I’m here to bring the energy, set the vibe, and make sure every single guest has an unforgettable time as we celebrate the love between my amazing cousin Jarita and her soon-to-be husband Brandon. Jarita holds a special place in my heart—her humor, warmth, and love for her family are truly unmatched. I’m honored to be part of this special day and can’t wait to keep the celebration flowing with laughter, love, and good vibes all night long. Let’s make it a night to remember!