Wedding Party
Katlyn Tavarres
Maid of Honor
When Kea was growing up, the highlight of every summer was visiting her sister in New York. Katlyn always looked up to Kea – anything Kea did, Katlyn did. Growing up the two sisters used to feel so different, but as adults they now realize how similar and like-minded they are. Now Kea and Katlyn are closer than ever and tell each other everything. Katlyn is the first person in the family to become a Doctor, now living in Arizona and working as an occupational therapist.
Erica Carradine
Bridesmaid
Kea and Erica met during their first week of college at Clarke University. They ended up in the same groups for many Freshmen Orientation activities like the talent show, when Erica stole the spotlight of their dance routine. After that, they built a close friendship and were around each other all the time. Erica ran track and Kea played basketball, so during winter breaks they spent lots of time together on campus. Erica now lives in Nashville and works as a teacher. She was the first person to fly to Dubai to visit Kea.
Janae Winston
Bridesmaid
Kea and Janae met at Mcneel Middle School in Beloit. Kea was a new student but Janae welcomed her instantly. They played on the same basketball team, became best friends in 8th grade and have been locked in ever since. Throughout high school they continued to play basketball and attended Homecoming, Prom, and other sports events together. Although they moved to different states after graduating high school, they continued supporting each other in all aspects of life. Janae lives in Wisconsin, where she works for the city of Madison in Human Resources
Natasha Adames
Bridesmaid
Natasha and Kea knew of each other in high school, and saw each other often when Natasha visited Kea’s church. However, they didn't become friends until they crossed paths at Clarke University. They dominated the court together as the ultimate duo, always having each other's back. They even spent an entire basketball season wearing matching pairs of baby-blue basketball shoes. Tasha is now happily engaged to her fiance Brandon. Together they have an adorable baby boy named Braylen.
Dahnicka Davis
Bridesmaid
Dahnicka and Kea met in High school. Nicka was unforgettable, always saying “hi” to Kea in her country accent and with colorful braids in her hair. They started to spend lots of time together and became inseparable besties. They wore matching outfits to school, to basketball practice, and to other sporting events. People started asking where Kea was when they saw Nicka without her, and vice versa. They always made it clear to everyone they were “besties” – not just best friends. Nicka currently lives in St. Louis with her sweet baby boy, Khalil.
Elizabeth Briano
Best Woman
Liz has been a mentor, friend, and travel buddy of Evan’s since 2015, which was his first year teaching high school. She’s originally from California but has nearly two decades of experience in Miami’s public school system. Most of her free time is spent either traveling to the Caribbean or planning her next trip to the Caribbean.
Pedro Reyes
Groomsman
Pedro was the first friend Evan made when he moved to the Dominican Republic in 2021. He was Evan’s unofficial tour guide and translator as they traveled all over the D.R. during the two years they taught together in Punta Cana. Pedro is now in his 5th year teaching high school in the D.R., and in his free time he enjoys traveling, live music, and the beach.
Anthony Irick
Groomsman
Anthony and Evan met in 2023, when they both had just moved to Dubai to teach. They first met at work, but stay connected through a shared love of sports and music. When he isn’t teaching P.E. or coaching sports, Anthony spends his time with his wife Kourtney and their 3-year-old daughter Zoie.
Kevin Stephens
Groomsman
Kevin was the first family member of Kea’s that Evan met. As Kea’s big brother, Kevin tried to play the “Intimidating Older Brother” role at first. But he soon realized Evan would give him no reason to worry. When he’s not driving semi trucks across the Midwest, Kevin enjoys lifting weights and spending time with his 7-year-old daughter, Kendall.