Katina & Lusala
Wedding Party
Alyse McCoy
Maid of Honor
#Preschool I met my third sister in Ramstein, Germany at 3 years old. Alyse and I have been through every phase of life together. We played with barbies together, became teenagers together and evolved into women together. Alyse truly knows me. If you find someone who understands you—really understands you--The way you think, the way you move. …then never let them go. It is truly a rare find. Of all the people God could have connected me too, I feel blessed he decided to give me (yes she’s mine)—someone so beautiful, fun-loving, and kind. We love hard, fight hard, and just like my real sisters, we’ll be together for life. #MeantToBe #MyOtherSoulMate #IfYouSwingISwing
Simba Tsasa
Best Man
My little brother. Always been there, through good and bad he was constant. We had a lot fun times together. No matter the situation, whether I needed a breather or just someone to talk to, he was always there.
Kamilah Richardson
Bridesmaid
#FirstSis My very first sister is one of the most giving, selfless people I know. She always has such a beautiful energy about her that brings light to everything and everyone she touches. She makes everyone around her better, without even realizing it. I feel so blessed to be related to such a beautiful soul. She is definitely one of my biggest cheerleaders and ALWAYS has my back, front, and sides. Her words have made me stronger, her life has made me proud, and she is the reason we ended up at Mood Lounge the night I met Sala; and for that alone, I owe her everything.
Charles Tsasa
Groomsman
My introvert little brother. Charles is the baby brother. Like most brothers, we fought a lot, maybe because I wanted to toughen him up. I want to think that his entrepreneurship ability and incredible hustle comes from living with me. It is always an inspiration to see him grow, follow his dreams, and become an awesome individual. Us living together, gave me a lot of insight to myself. He inspired me to be a better person, and I always with be thankful for my little bro.
Jessica Richardson
Bridesmaid
#BabySis. Truly my mini-me. Jessy is a force to be reckoned with. She is beautiful, smart, strong-willed, strong-minded, and will accomplish what she sets out to do by any means necessary. I love the way her brain works—even as my baby sis, she has a wisdom about her. She is loyal, ride or die, gives the best advice, and I am in awe of how much she has accomplished. She is such an inspiration and feel proud to call her my sister.
Harold Nyirongo
Groomsman
After bumping into each other so many times being out in St. Louis, we began to talk. We instantly had a connection since we're both African--my Maliwian Brother. One of the coolest guys I've met. Harold is one of the only guys you will rarely ever see in a bad mood. If he’s around for the evening, you know it will be a good time.
She-Andra Lowe
Bridesmaid
#4thGrade One of my closest and oldest friends. She is truly the epitome of class and elegance. My journey has been a little crazy, but no matter where life seemed to take me, she has been there for it all. From working together at Taco bell at 16 years old, to prom, to surprise college visits, to letters (yes—my friend wrote me weekly letters) during boot-camp to encourage me, to every graduation, birthday celebration, and random get-together. I can always count on She-Andra—no questions asked. She is such an amazing friend and I feel lucky to have her in my life.
Chim Nyirongo
Groomsman
Harold’s older brother. We met around the same time I met Harold. He’s one of the most dependable guys I know. I don't know if it’s a Maliwian thing, but also you never catch Chim in bad mood. Always ready to have a good time, but always had the wisdom and constraint as the big brother to guide us in any crazy situations.
J'rel London
Bridesmaid
#7thGrade I met J’rel during cheerleading try-outs in middle school, and we’ve been stuck to each other ever since. J’rel has such a beautiful fun-loving, care-free spirit that you can’t help but to fall in love with. There is never a dull moment when she’s around, and we definitely have the most fun and crazy memories. She’s been such a great friend--weather that means simply listening to me vent or jumping on plane to come visit me in Florida, traveling across the world to see me in London, or hopping on a train for our spontaneous day trip to Paris, she’s there! We’ve been through A LOT together—highs, lows, secrets, fears, dreams, failures and successes and I can’t imagine my life without her.
Justin Shumaker
Groomsman
One of my oldest friends. We met at 17 years old, on E C St Bellville, IL as he moved in as my next door neighbor. After a conversation, we began to hang out and became thick as thieves. Like the old saying goes, friends can go through things and sometimes may not talk; but when you’re real friends, once you see each other, none of that matters. My brother, we went through ups and downs, from teens to grown men and 20 years later, that’s still my boy.
Daphne Acholonu
Bridesmaid
#MedSchool I feel as if God knew how crazy and stressful Med School was going to be, so he decided to bless me with Daph. We actually met on our flight to school-- as we were placed next to each other (definitely destiny) on the plane. Instantly, we connected. We studied together, cried together, partied together and made it through school together. They say trauma brings people together—and perhaps it’s a stretch to say school was a form of trauma (lol), but Daphne has become one of my closest friends. I’m so proud of everything she has accomplished. My journey wouldn’t be the same without her.
Nick Lovelady
Groomsman
Not often do you meet many REAL friends after you’re in your mid-twenties. For me, as a guy that has eight brothers and sisters, you get used to sharing a giving A LOT. In life, you learn that most people aren’t like that. Then you meet people like Nick—he’s one of the most selfless guys I’ve ever met. He’s always thinking of other people, and never empty-handed. Not often do you meet friends like that. No matter where he’s moved, we’ve kept in touch.
Gina Richardson
Bridesmaid
#SisInLaw I met Gina in two capacities—first when she was in 7th grade as Kamilah’s close friend, then later in life as my brother’s girlfriend (hmmmm...I'll let John explain that), and now his wife. She has been in my life for over 20 years. Sometimes in life, you get lucky enough to come across those rare people who are just genuinely good people—who want the best for others, who wants to see everybody win--Gina is just that. She is kind, loving, patient and is the type of person who always puts everyone before herself. Women are really superheroes and she is the living example of this. She is a wife, a mother raising 3 young children, and determined enough to simultaneously complete the degree she set out to obtain. She is beautiful inside and out and love the person she is.
John Richardson II
Brother of the Bride/ Bride's Escort
#BigBro My only brother and my very FIRST friend. John has such light-hearted spirit and always keeps everyone laughing. Sometimes, especially in my journey, it’s easy to get caught up in achieving goals and putting all your focus and energy into those things. John always has a way of helping me to remember the things that truly matter in life--your family, your friends, and making memories with those you love. He always reminds me in some form or another “to relax.” I am already blessed beyond measure and have everything I NEED. I feel God uses John to send me little reminders of that. He has taught me more than he’ll ever know. I am so proud of the man he has become and the life (and lives) he has created with my beautiful sister-in-law, Gina.
Jalena Richardson
Flower Fairy
My beautiful 6-year old neice. She loves unicorns and gymnastics
Jacoby Richardson
Ring Security- Agent I
My 8 year old nephew. He loves basketball and wrestling.
John Richardson III
Ring Security-Agent II
My 3 year old nephew--he loves to do push-ups and wrestle his brother.