Joi & Je'Mere
Our Wedding Party
Sarita Chavious
Maid of Honor
Sarita + I met Freshman Year at Meredith College in 2010. Through all of the crazy times that we have been through, we always remained "thick as thieves". Sarita has always been by my side through every decision I have ever made, and I am honored to have her as my "Maid of Honor". I don't know what I would do, without her!
Bryan Turner
Best Man
Turner and I met while trying to pledge Kappa Alpha Psi at North Carolina A&T. He was introduced to me through my mother, and fun fact both of our mothers attended A&T at the same time. We grew very close through our Kappa process, and even more closer even while being on opposite ends of the country. Turner has become one of my closest friends.
Princess Cooke
Matron of Honor
Princess + I met her Freshman year at Meredith College. She is my favorite dance partner at any given moment. Princess, Sarita, and I used to have an annual Girls Trip to Las Vegas, NV (literally we went 5 years in a row!) Being so involved with Princess and her husband's journey, I really couldn't imagine having anyone else guide me through this thing called marriage.
Brandon Stroder
Groomsman
I met Brandon the first week of attending THE Illustrious North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University my freshman year. We bonded over being from “back home” or “the area”. We were placed in the same class, and ever since then that has been my road dog. Through many years of traveling back and forth between Maryland and North Carolina we have developed a strong friendship. Fun Fact: Brandon was my first roommate when I moved off-campus housing at A&T
Paris Sharpe
Bridesmaid
Paris + I met after college! We grew an extremely quick friendship and began traveling the world together. We have traveled to Cuba, Mexico, Dubai, and so much more! You don't see many trips that I take, that is not with Paris. Paris and her husband Dionte, have really showed Jay and I the ins and outs of marriage. They are a true embodiment of black love! I have shared so many major moments with Paris, and it wouldn't even feel right without having her by my side. Fun Fact: Paris actually knew Je'Mere before I did!
Stephaun Keemer
Groomsman
I met Stephaun while attending THE Illustrious North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University. Stephaun was my first suitemate freshman year in the Aggie Village, a dorm hall at A&T. Also from the DMV, Stephaun and I grew a friendship through listening to GoGo music, and our annual visit to CIAA in Charlotte every year. Fun Fact: Stephaun has an older brother that showed us the ropes in Greensboro freshman year. With no car freshman year, Stephaun & I relied on his brother to look out for us.
Andrea Hamilton
Bridesmaid
Andrea (Ani), is my only God-Sister! We have an extremely special relationship. Ani used to watch my brothers and I until we were practically teenagers. Ani + I grew into every phase of life together. From marriages, to babies, to us both moving to different states, our sisterhood has never died. I remember when she got married, I wrote her a note that said "I will never speak to you again, if you don't have me in your wedding"...so dramatic. But now I can return the favor, and have her part of my special day.
Bobby Henry III
Groomsman
Bobby and I met Freshman year at THE Illustrious North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University. It was through our pursuit to join Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated that we formed and cultivated a true friendship. Bobby was introduced to me through my mother. She told me to go and meet up with him and Bryan because we were all trying to cross over. That one meeting led to us becoming line brothers in Kappa and roommates in my junior and senior year of college.
Jodi Poteat
Bridesmaid
Jodi + I also met Freshman Year at Meredith College! Jodi and Princess were college roommates, and I loved crashing their dorm for late night laughs, gospel singing, binge watching our favorite shows. In our adult phases, Jodi has really helped me navigate life without being so close to my family (she moved to Dallas, Texas right after college). She has always been my prayer warrior in any season of my life, and I'm excited to have her in my wedding party!
Stanley Henry
Groomsman
Stanley and I met once he transferred down from Morgan State to North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University. Once Stanley came down, Bryan (Turner), Bobby, and I all lived in a house together. Also, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, we have a long list of moves made around Greensboro and the DMV together. Fun Fact: Even though we go all the way back to college, Stan and my friendship really grew when I moved back from Texas to the DMV. His house was right across the street from my condo. He is really a true friend that I can call on to help with anything.
Kaelyn Mooney
Bridesmaid
Kaelyn is officially my new sister! When I first was introduced to Jay's family, I was so nervous because he had a sister. Kaelyn was so welcoming, and always included me in everything to make me feel like part of the family. When I moved to Maryland, I feel like Kae really took on the role to make sure I was as comfortable as possible...and she achieved just that. We can't wait to have OUR sister in our wedding! Fun Fact: Kaelyn's code name for me when it is party time is "Tiffany". I have no clue how she came up with this. But just know, when she says it...it is party time!
Jerrod Johnson
Groomsman
Jerrod and I met at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University while we were trying to cross into Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated. Jerrod is one of the reasons for this wedding. Jerrod is my line brother in Kappa Alpha Psi and also Joi’s cousin. He introduced us during an A&T Homecoming. Fun Fact: Jerrod actually the reason Joi and I met.
Aris Dunston
Bridesmaid
Aris is my honorary sister! She is Drew's mom, and has been part of our family for a very long time. Aris + I have a very special bond. I was VERY involved in her pregnancy with Drew, and her family has really opened their doors to Jay and I whenever we need anything. Aris was my first outlook into really being a "sister" to someone. We can't wait to have her and Drew with us during our special day.
Dorrell Henderson
Groomsman
Dorrell was the first friend that I met when I moved to San Antonio, Texas. I graduated from A&T and a week after that I got sent down there, no family or friends anywhere near. It’s crazy because we met at a barbershop randomly in the city. He saw my Kappa keychain, we talked about Kappa & him being from VA ever since that day we been cool. Dorrell introduced me to his family and friends while I was down and they all became my extended family. Rell was one of the people that looked out for me and made SA feel like home. For this I am grateful.
Tam Brathwaite
Bridesmaid
Tam is SO special to me! We met through Paris's sister-in-law, and instantly became great friends. Tam took a job being a traveling nurse, and one of her assignments was close to Raleigh, North Carolina. At that time Jay and I were still living long distance, so I asked Tam if she wanted to stay with me during her travel assignment. It was an adult slumber party every single day. Tam is such an honest and loving friend, and I couldn't imagine not having her with us during our special day.
Nicco Wright
Groomsman
Nicco and I met during freshman year of high school at Grace. He was the quiet kid in class that liked to hoop just like me. Nicco ended up moving to another county in Maryland after 9th grade, but we still kept in touch. Every weekend, Nicco and I would head up to the community center to try and get some “run” in. After the games ended we would drive back and listen to everything musical coming out of west coast because he had a love for everything coming out of California. Dreams of an old school whip with a cd player and the big catalogue book of cd’s in the backseat to flip through was something we always talked about having when we got older. Too bad cd’s are extinct now.
Hakim Lewter
Groomsman
Hakim and I met in 7th grade at Grace in 2001. We were both on the track team. Another thing we bonded over was that he also had grandparents that lived in New York so a lot of our talks centered around the New York music scene. We were in school going around the school listening to all the early 2000’s east coast rap music. Luda was around for some of the most formative years of my life, and I couldn’t go through this groomsman process without my guy.
Jonathan Stanfield
Groomsman
JONNO!!! Jon is another person I met down in San Antonio. Jon is another friend and a trusted advisor. As one of my few friends that are married I look to him for guidance as a young married man. Jon also adopted me as family once I moved from Maryland to Texas. He showed me around the city of San Antonio and Dallas. Introduced me to many of his friends and family and made sure that I always felt at home.
Brian Pendergraft
Groomsman
I also met Brian in the 7th grade at Grace. He is one of my oldest friends and one of the smartest people that I know. Brian’s, also known to us a Pete, mom used to all watch us when we were coming up at Grace. Just like Hakim, he was around for some of the most formative years of my life. Video games and music made us closer.
Joshua Marlowe
Groomsman
As you all may know, Joi has two brothers: Josh and Jonathan (and if you ask her, Drew too!). As Joi and I progressed in our relationship, so did my relationship with Josh. I treat him like a little brother (especially since I've never had any). During the pandemic, Josh and I would spend almost every day together, and it allowed us to form a great brotherhood.
Jonathan Marlowe
Groomsman
Jonathan and I also met because I am marrying his sister. Just like me, and many of the other people involved in this wedding Jonathan is a North Carolina A&T product. Whether it is discussing A&T, music, or something we probably shouldn’t be talking about, it is through these long talks that we really bonded. Jonathan is exactly how I would image a little brother to be if I had a blood brother. Luckily, I don’t have to worry about that cause I now have two.
Bishop Daniels
Usher
Bishop and Joi practically "grew up" together from Bishop mentoring Jonathan and Josh at Word of God, to now Bishop being an essential part of the Marlowe crew! It is very rare that there is a function, and Bishop is not there. By Bishop being an only child, and Joi not having any older brothers- their families practically adopted each other as siblings. We are so excited to have Bishop part of our big day some how, some way. It wouldn't be the same without him.
Davonte Green
Usher
Davonte joined the crew around 5-6 years ago, by dating Sarita! All four of us have really gained a deeper bond, and have been an essential part of each others major life changes. Outside of Sarita and Joi's relationship, Davonte and Jay have a special friendship. Davonte has gone to family reunions, and almost every family vacation we have ever had. We are excited to have BOTH of them in our wedding!
Alexis Dunston
Hostess
Alexis is Aris's sister and Drew Bears aunt! She is THE sweetest person I've met, but don't get it twisted...she's gonna keep it real. Being aunties together is a tough job, but Alexis makes it fun and fashionable. She has made such an impact in my life, and I can't wait to have her on our wedding day.
Blake Williams
Hostess
Blake & I met my freshman year at Meredith College. Blake is the definition of "hostess with the mostess"! When we lived together after college, she always had our apartment festive, and the prime location for all activities. As we have grown our friendship in our adulthood, she has truly been an amazing asset in my life. Not only can we spend hours on the phone, but she shows up and out for everything that I have going on in my life. Blake is a great friend, and person- and I can't wait to have her at our wedding.
Naomi
Flower Girl
aka Nomi.
Drew Marlowe
Ring Bearer
aka Drew Bear.