Jedidah & Jharen
Wedding Party
Wendy Butterick
Mother of the Bride
My mom is colorful, and has given me an appreciation of life with color. I'm not just referring to her purple lipstick or the ribbons she'll braid through her hair. I'm referring to her spirit of adventure. I don't gamble, but I'd bet I was the only kid who came home to food trucks, miniature horses, goats, tilapia aquaponics systems, or whatever the next idea was. It is because of my mom I can look at a piece of string and think "I can make a chandelier with this." She is the reason I became a world traveler at a young age. My mom has taught me to do things that make me "feel" and that no goal is too big; even if it takes a few cracks to get there. Thank you mom for teaching me creativity and resilience will bring me to places others can't see.
Ali Ridges
Father of the Bride
To my dad, I want to thank him for always being steady. Whether its going to him for advice or asking him for one of his famous burritos, I know I'm going to get a reliable result. His advice is always rooted in reason and consistent in foundation and those burritos are always well seasoned! I know that he will not only hold me accountable but also support me through the goals which I set; sometimes through a little gas money or sometimes just filling our home with refreshing music. He is the reason my family extends beyond just a word; he fills our house with prayer, trips to the park, late night desserts, and a little love of healthy competition!
Lashon Gore
Mother of the Groom
A 29-time "Mother of the Year" recipient, I appreciate my mother for always being there for the big things that seemed little, whether it was shuttling me to teacher conferences or sports games. My mother has taught me lessons like how to manage a household, showing me what to look out for on the road while learning how to drive, and has attributed in the details of the person that I am today. She has taught me many things in life, and what I take away the most, is to always strive to live life in a way I see fit. If it wasn't for my mother, I can honestly say, that I wouldn't be where I am today. I admire her strong will, her ability to think outside the box, her ability to prove others wrong, and her unconditional love for her family.
Steven Poole
Father of the Groom
Steven Poole is a 29-time "Father of the Year" recipient. He has been the support of the Poole family and has been the person I can talk to about The Walking Dead, Power, and Snowfall. As you can tell me and my father share similar taste in shows, or maybe I just watch too much TV. My father has been the reason I was able to excel in sports whether it was waking up every Saturday morning to shoot a basketball with me or waking up for 6:00 am practices/training. My father has been my support in asking for advice and the person that has helped guide me in life and its challenges. I admire his thought process, foundations, and his wisdom.
Danielle Williams
Maid of Honor
I, Jedidah, have known Danielle since our Junior year of high school -- that makes roughly 7 years. By chance we ended up at the same University as well. She took it upon herself to hold me accountable when I could not hold myself accountable, she gave me a place to rest during sleepless nights. It didn't matter if I was arriving to campus early at 8:00 AM or didn't want to leave campus late at 2:00 AM, I knew if I called Danielle there would be an answer. We have shared every tear and giggle during our journey to adulthood, I couldn't imagine walking into this next journey without her hand nearby.
Jhavante Poole
Best Man
Jhavante is the brother that I've learned from the most, I can always count on him for advice and he has always looked out for me. Jhavante is regarded as the goofy one in the family, not for being clumsy or anything like that, but as the one who can always lighten up situations and bring smiles to people's faces. I admire the love that he has for his family, the joy that he brings to people, and how cementing he has been in keeping our family together.
Amanda Ellsworth
Matron of Honor
We were children that grew together. Teenagers who figured it out together. Young women that explored together. And now we will be wives who create together. Amanda and me rode bikes all around town racing the streetlights, we have pierced each others' ear (probably unsanitary), we have bleached each others' hair (with Clorox). Truly, any experience I've had growing into who I am, you can be sure she was involved behind the scenes. Even after her moving to Texas and now Jordan, she has remained a large part of my heart. From her I've set all standards to those I call my friend. It's only natural she's by my side once again.
Jhayden Poole
Groomsman
It seems like it was just yesterday when we used to play wiffleball in the backyard then he got bigger and stronger, and getting hit by those wiffleballs was starting to leave bruises all over my body. Jhayden has set himself up in a position where most people in their mid to late twenties wish they were in. And as the proud brother that I am, I am looking forward to what the future holds for him. With having two examples of brothers, he has been able to learn from our mistakes and has exceedingly made the better choices from it. Jhayden, I can't wait to see what step you take next, and I'm glad you'll be there to take this step with me.
Asya Jihad
Flower Fairy
Asya, Asyabeeeee. Asya was and always will be my first friend. Writing this makes me think of the hours and hours we would sit and play My Little Pony, we had combined collection of nearly 50 ponies all with their own personalities. Now some might be thinking what is a flower fairy? Well Asya has always been very theatrical. As children she'd speak in different accents, create characters, and personify inanimate objects; you were never not entertained. Even into adulthood, she's continued to beat to her own drum, creating a music in the way she walks. As she continues to shape into a young women, I know my little sister will fly. What better way to have her in my wedding than have her "flying" down the aisle true to her theatrical nature.
Mike Stone & Luisa Ross (Fifa)
Host and Hostess
When I asked to have my wedding held at their home, I was told without a second of hesitation “We’ll doing everything in our power to make sure it’s perfect." Though I am filled with gratitude, I can’t say I’m surprised. My grandmother and Mike have always extended their generosity at a given opportunity. They are the classic grandparents that filled our bellies with second helpings and sweet treats. My grandmother has always gone the extra mile to fill my heart with encouragement and support through every step of my life. In all truth, since moving back to Puerto Rico, Fifa has been dying to through a good party. So, y’all better not disappoint!