Kamilah & Stephane
Wedding Party
Taylor Nyamaah
Matron of Honor
My A1 Day 1. Taylor and I have known each other since the DAY I was born. She is 1 year and 5 days older than me (yes the 5 days is necessary). Our mom's were best friends and obviously we followed suite. Growing up we were inseparable. We tried to pass as twins when we were younger, which was a bad idea because we look nothing alike. We eventually settled on telling people we were cousins. We're always getting into trouble together, and I wouldn't have it any other way. If you want any embarrassing childhood stories of me, she's your girl. It's incredible that our friendship has lasted over 32 years. She was the first person in my life to teach me that you don't have to be blood to be family.
Tim Deye
Best Man
Tim is my brother from another mother and father. He is my earliest friend, and I truly consider him my brother. We have shared countless memories together including working at the same employer, twice, and living together multiple times (sorry Parc Bordeaux apartment complex). Tim has had my back every single time I needed him and he has been a constant supporter of my relationship with Kam. We have reached the level of friendship where we disagree on a lot of things, but it only makes me appreciate him more. If you need stories about me doing something courageous, stupid, or funny he is your guy just give him a moment to remember because we were likely were two shots of tequila deep at that point.
Madeline Aeschbury
Bridesmaid
My friendship with Madeline developed in such an amazing way. We went from barely knowing each other, to the best of friends in what feels like overnight. I can't imagine a day without her. I don't know what I did to deserve a friend like her. She is wild, passionate and loving, with such a kind soul. Somehow she almost always convinces me and Anthony to go along with her crazy and wild ideas. She's the most supportive person I've ever known. She *also* helped Stephane pull off the proposal of a lifetime! Madeline is the kind of friend that is there for the ups, the downs, and everything in between. She's also one of Micah's favorite people on the planet. She's my voice of reason, my trusted support, and favorite drinking buddy.
Jacob Bergman
Groomsman
Jacob and I officially became friends at a UC Basketball game in the stadium restroom. The rest is history. Jacob is famous for his dad jokes, which he can officially lean into as a new father. He is one of the reasons I think I am truly funny because he always laughs at my jokes, and if he doesn’t then I just tell it to him again, and then it’s funny. Our friendship developed through our love of movies, music, laughing, and moving furniture. Which reminds me Jacob can you help me move this couch up some stairs? I know our future holds grilling in the backyard, in white new balances talking about a home renovation we want to get to.
Anthony Borzi
Bridesman
Anthony was one of my first friends when I started working at Cincinnati Children's. We met awkwardly in an elevator, and fortunately neither of us judged on first impressions. Anthony has always been a supportive and loyal friend. He's the level head to my chaos. "Uncle Anthony" is another one of Micah's favorite people. He's my favorite extroverted introvert, and I spend most of my time (with Madeline's help, of course) convincing him to do things he doesn't want to do (hello, 6am workout class!). Anthony is ride or die, and he might ask a few questions along the way, but he'll always get in the car towards adventure (or maybe chaos).
Ashton Bryant
Groomsman
I didn’t realize it when I was scoring 5-10 goals a game against Clark Montessori, but I was playing against my future best friend Ashton. When I transferred to the University of Cincinnati, I didn't know anyone and I felt pretty lonely. Luckily I would meet Ashton in a Latin American History course my first semester. Ashton has a knack for never forgetting a face or a person he played soccer against, so he struck up a conversation with me in that class and introduced me to a majority of the Walnut Hills/Cincinnati crew. We lived together in Sophomore year and threw some of the most epic parties in UC’s history (yes Chris even better than your parties). But more importantly, he is the most loyal friend I have ever had, and I can trust him with anything.
Shani Johnson
Bridesmaid
Shani is one of my big sisters. Shani is the most faithful, loving, and true person I know. She always makes me laugh, no matter what. I can call her for anything and everything, and she is always there for me. Unlike Tsehaye (below), Shani is NOT ride or die. But that's only because she's afraid of jail. So usually she'll stand by and watch while Tsehaye and I bring our crazy ideas to life. She's typically the voice of reason between the three of us, so my parents typically feel better when she's involved.
Peter Harten
Groomsman
I was introduced to Peter by Ashton as a fellow soccer player, and at that time Peter was a rapper. Peter has stopped rapping thank God, but still drops truths in our meaningful conversations (insert laughter). Peter was also one of the first in my friend group to get married and ironically his wedding was the first wedding that I brought Kam to. These are his words when I asked for a plus 1 to his wedding “well is this just a fling or is this girl the real thing?” well Peter I think I can say she is the real thing! Nowadays Peter and I still play soccer together at a much slower pace and try to share meaningful conversations over a cup of joe on Sundays.
Tsehaye Marks
Bridesmaid
Tsehaye is one of my big sisters. Tsehaye is the most compassionate, kind, and loving ray of sunshine. (Bonus that her name LITERALLY means sunshine) I don't think that anybody gets on her nerves like I do, but at the end of the day she'd roll her eyes and still give me the shirt off her back if I needed it. She's selfless, loving, kind, and has always supported me no matter what. Literally. My idea could be illegal and she would still jump in the car and not ask questions. I think when we're together we're the definition of driving my parents crazy.
Chris Mathieu
Groomsman
Chris is my big brother from a different mother. This man has done a lot to support and guide me into adulthood. He welcomed me into his inner circle, bible study groups, Lake Norris houseboat trips, pizza nights, movie nights (mostly sci-fi), and kept me humble as long as he could. I have been able to rely on him during especially difficult times and he always included his little brother for all of our fun times together. He may make a lot of jokes at my expense, but I have never doubted his love for me, and his dedication to taking care of those around him.
Kathleen Mathieu
Bridesmaid
Kathleen is Stephane's twin sister and my bonus sister. Kathleen is the smartest, goofiest, kindest soul I know. Her laugh is contagious. I don't think I've ever had a conversation with Kathleen where laughing and smiling wasn't involved. Kathleen and I immediately connected from the moment that we met, and calling her a friend and sister has been such a natural, easy thing. Kathleen is another one of Micah's favorite people, so whenever she comes over, he intentionally hogs her! Kathleen has always supported and loved me for me, and I couldn't imagine celebrating without my new sister by my side!
Joey Wayne
Groomsman
Joey and I met in junior high and we bonded over our shared passion of bedroom basketball, pool basketball, and all things basketball. We traversed the awkwardness of high school together and made it through our young and wild college days. He has been a steady friend, and I have always felt like a welcome member of his family. Fortunately, Joey has made Cincinnati his home and recently married his wife, Eileen. Now Joey and I bond over our adopted fandom of Alabama Football since both of our ladies attended the U of A for college.
Jessica Neill
Bridesmaid
Jess and I have been inseparable ever since our University of Alabama days. #RollTide We met working at Starbucks (but she doesn't drink coffee...!). When I was far from home for the holidays, Jess always brought me to her mom's house, and they treated me like a bonus daughter from the start. We eventually became roommates, and when we stopped living together, we were too sad. So a year later we asked the apartment complex to give us next door units to make us neighbors (they rolled their eyes but they did it!). Jess is my chosen family, and we even have TWO matching tattoos. I'm so grateful that through the past ~14 years, through the ups and downs, the growing families, and the thousands of miles between us and more, that we've always stayed connected as sisters.
Taylor White
Groomsman
Taylor and I lived in adjacent neighborhoods growing up and our friendship was that of stereotypical boys. We shot each other paintballs, got into mild to moderate trouble, wrestled to determine our superior strength, emceed our high school talent show, played sports, and planned our futures. I have always been able to have real conversations about life with Taylor, and we always seem to provide each other the motivation to overcome any hurdles we face. As an adult, I look up to him for his ability to take risks and live life to the fullest. If you are reading this tell him to move back to Cincinnati.