Travel Crew
Michael & Hyacinth John
Parents of the Groom
My parents first met as children attending the same church district, but it wasn’t until their mid-twenties that they reconnected and fell in love. They were married on July 31, 1983, and have been walking in faith together ever since. I couldn’t ask for a better example of what commitment looks like than my parents. They have modeled what it means to be a devoted husband and wife, and their marriage is the foundation on which I’ve built my own hopes for a family. They’ve stood by me through every milestone and never once wavered in their support. From a young age, they introduced me to Jesus and filled our home with peace, encouragement, and unconditional love. I touch base with them almost every day, and I owe so much of who I am to them. I am honored to take them on this voyage and have them by our side as we begin to build what they both have shared for over 40 years.
Miguel & Maritza Ramirez
Parents of the Bride
My parents met in the Dominican Republic at my mother’s school. One day, she was short on tuition, and my father who was standing in line behind her quietly stepped up, paid it, and walked her to class. That simple act turned into a lifelong love story. They’ve been married since December 12, 1981, raised three daughters, and now have four beautiful grandchildren. My mother’s unwavering faith has always anchored our family, and my father’s steady presence and devotion have deeply shaped my understanding of marriage. Together, they taught us the meaning of hard work, integrity, respect, manners, and gratitude. They came to the U.S. with nothing but a dream and worked tirelessly to give us a good life. Now, as a mother myself, I often ask how they did it with far less resources, and no blueprint. I am forever indebted to them.
Yvette Lewis
Spiritual Mother of the Bride & Officiant
At 19 years old, I encountered a woman whose light and joy stirred something deep within me, Ms. Yvette, affectionately known as Momma Bear. Her joy was contagious and when I asked what gave her so much peace, she simply pointed me to Jesus. She didn’t have to preach a single word as her life said it all. She became my Spiritual Mum from the very first moment we connected. Since then, she has poured into my life so much wisdom and I cherish her motherly affection and guidance. What makes her so incredibly special is the way she welcomes people exactly as they are, all while holding firm to her faith. She is selfless, powerful, stylish, hilarious and so confident. Having her stand beside us and officiate our wedding means more than words could ever express. Yvette will be traveling with her beautiful daughter Safiya, and her two close friends and I am so happy that this is a dream come true for them all.
Zoe Selah Fenison
Daughter of the Bride and Flower Girl
Born on March 26, 2017, Zoe has taken my breath away since her arrival. She is the joy in my heart and the light in my soul. She’s smart, witty, athletic, endlessly curious, and always keeps us laughing with her quick combats. She has a deep compassion for animals and plants, a love for nature, she loves learning about our solar system and dreams of becoming an astronaut or a veterinarian one day. At the moment she is mostly interested in Gymnastics, sowing and Swimming. Most importantly, she loves Jesus, and watching her faith grow has been one of the greatest honors of my life. She has embraced this next chapter with so much love, especially her growing bond with Keston, whom she affectionately calls “Bear.” She is beyond excited to grow our family of two and even more excited about becoming a big sister one day!
Damien & Nwaula John
Brother and Sister in Law of the Groom
Damien is also my younger brother, and truly one of my best friends. We’ve grown up sharing everything, from laughs, dreams, setbacks, and victories. I love him deeply, and I admire the way he lives and loves. His relationship with his wife, Nauwala, is something I look up to. They’ve been together since college, and the way they love each other has always inspired me. I’m excited to have both Damien and Nauwala with us on this journey. And I’m especially looking forward to Suhey and Nauwala becoming even closer as sisters-in-law.
Sulay Ramirez
Twin Sister of the Bride and Nephew ( Ring Bearer)
There’s no one I know more deeply than my twin sister, Sulay. We’ve been side by side since the womb, literally. My mom didn’t know she was having twins when she gave birth to me. But 30 minutes later, something still felt off… and out came baby number two, my miracle twin! We’ve shared everything, including, secrets, clothes, quirks, and yes… frequent bickering. Though we’re twins, we’re hilariously opposite. I’m textbook Type A, and Sulay is proudly not! But we connect through our love of thriller books and movies, our unhealthy obsession with cat videos, and a shared love for travel. This day will not be complete without her, and I am so grateful for her presence and support.
Noah Paul Mera
Ring Bearer
Born on January 7, 2015, Noah has been a true blessing to the entire family. He is literally the ideal nephew. He is inquisitive about everything; a deep philosophical thinker; compassionate and super sharp. We cannot take Noah anywhere without receiving positive feedback from instructors or teachers. At such a tender age, Noah displays signs of leadership and maturity, and I just know that God has a big calling on his life. I am so excited to have my sweet nephew be our ring bearer and I’m so honored our little gentleman will walk the aisle with us. I am excited to see his eyes light up on this big adventure.
Darnell John
Brother of the Groom
Darnell is my younger brother, but he’s always had a protective nature. Something I’ve appreciated more than he knows. I’ve always admired how he follows the beat of his own drum. He’s never been afraid to pursue what lights him up, and I’m proud of the way he’s thrived in his career as a marine biologist. We’ve been buddies since the beginning of time. There’s rarely a day that goes by that we don’t touch base. We’ve walked through every season of life together, from childhood adventures to manhood challenges and I’m beyond grateful to have him by my side for this next chapter. Although Darnell is my younger brother, he is fiercely protective of me. It's been a pleasure watching the bond that he and Sue have developed over the years, and I am excited for the adventures to come on this trip.
Cheila & Travis Hollis
Best Friend of the Bride & Her Husband
Cheila is my best friend, my prayer partner, and my sister in Christ. She’s been by my side through every high and low since our sophomore year of high school, and we’ve grown together through every season of life. She’s one of my greatest confidants and an unshakable part of my forever tribe. Our friendship has been tested and strengthened over the decades. On February 21, 2026, she married the love of her life, Travis, a man I’ve had the joy of getting to know and who complements her so beautifully. I had the absolute honor of not only being her Maid of Honor but also officiating her wedding and I am so blessed that she would be my Masters of Ceremony and helping me coordinate from start to finish.
Safiya John
Spiritual Sister of the Bride
Safiya, also known as “Fifi”, and I, are connected through her beautiful momma, Yvette. Through the years I’ve heard so many wonderful and meaningful stories about her and I’ve always admired the bond she shares with her mother. I’ve been told how attentive and caring she is with her mother and I am so grateful to her for sharing her with me all of these years. This trip is special because it’s their first trip to Europe together and I am so honored that my wedding celebration is providing them with an opportunity to do this together. I am looking forward to connecting with her on this trip as we both share a passion for travel and catching sunsets on the beach.
Robin Stephens
Spiritual Auntie of Bride
Robin is my dear momma Yvette’s sister in Christ and therefore my spiritual Auntie. She met Yvette a decade ago through a mutual friend, Carol and together they three formed a beautiful friendship that was only deepened when they realized they shared the same love for the Lord. Robin is someone I’ve had the blessing of connecting with through Zoom Bible studies over the years, and I’m truly looking forward to meeting her in person. She retired about four years ago and is a devoted wife, mother of two, and grandmother of five. She’s been married for nearly 40 years. I’m really looking forward to connecting with her and receiving the wisdom she carries.
Carolie Feracho
Spiritual Auntie to Bride
I’ve heard so many wonderful things about Carol over the years through my Momma Yvette, and I’m so excited to finally meet her in person! She met momma Yvette over a decade ago in a fitness class and they quickly became inseparable. Carol recently retired from the Department of Health after a long, dedicated, successful career and is a proud mother of three. She’s also incredibly dedicated to fitness and I’m excited and slightly nervous to try to keep up with her on this trip! I can’t wait to connect with her and finally meet one of the women that have brought so much love and joy to my momma bear.
Arillon and Danielle
Groom’s Close Friend and His Wife
Arillon isn’t just a friend, he’s truly my brother. We grew up in the same neighborhood, went to the same church, played the same sports, and he was even my very first gym buddy. Our moms were best friends (and even shared the same name!), so our lives have always been intertwined. We pursued medicine around the same time and we walked that path side by side. Arillon has been there through every major chapter of my life and I’m so excited to celebrate with him and his beautiful wife, Danielle.
Haloma Thomas Harry
Friend of the Groom
I first met Haloma as a kid in church back in Trinidad. We were both asked to help put together a youth program, and from the moment we started planning, we just clicked. We worked so well together, laughed a lot, and got along like old friends and from that point on, the rest was history. She’s been like a big sister to me ever since. Over the years, we’ve built a beautiful friendship, and I’ve grown close with her entire family. I’m really happy she’ll be joining us for this celebration, and I’m looking forward to making even more memories together, this time as adults, halfway across the world.
Paloma Zola Chevannes
Friend of the Bride
Paloma and I share Cheila as our bestie. Over the years she has also become a good friend of mine as well. She is supportive , encouraging and adventurous. We recently planned Cheila’s Bachelorette together in Dominican Republic and had a blast. She is caring and intentional and I know my Chey Chey is in good hands when she’s with her. Paloma is so easy to talk to and is fun to be around. I love traveling with her and she is the best travel roommate to have. She will be joining the travel experience to celebrate my wedding and she will also be at my Bachelorette in June. I look forward to building more unforgettable memories together!
Alyssa Cortez
Bride’s Sister Friend
My sweet Alyssa is like a little sister to me. We met at the gym when she was my personal trainer. From our very first session we instantly connected. Our bond got even deeper when we realized we both shared the same faith and since then we go to church together, do bible studies, and have fun sleepovers! I’ve had the joy of watching her grow into such a beautiful, driven young woman with big dreams and an even bigger heart for God. She’s a safe person who I can be vulnerable with and who protects my heart. We have shared many tears and so much laughter together and I am so excited to have her share this special moment with me.
Sandra and Jerry Meyers
Zoe’s Paternal Grandparents
We are so grateful for Zoe’s paternal grandmother, Mrs. Meyers and her husband, Mr. Meyers. They’ve shown Zoe unconditional love and have been a support system during our transition to Chicago. Over the years, I’ve come to know Mrs. Meyers as someone who is deeply generous and sacrificial. She loves her some Zoe and spoils her! She is hilarious and speaks the truth without hesitation. I am thankful for her showing Zoe how to be strong, brave and confident in who she is. Keston also adores her and we are both happy and honored to have her as part of our village.
Rhona Edwards-Cato
Friend of the Groom
I’ve known Rhona for as long as I can remember! She’s been a wise, genuine, and practical friend since our high school days . She’s was always the big sister my brothers and I never had and could talk to about life, including any girl drama. I am looking forward to her meeting Sue and for their connection to grow, as well as all the new memories we are going to build on this trip.
Judith Decoteau
Aunt of the Groom
Aunty Judy has been a constant in my life. She’s been the aunt who’s been there for every milestone, all through kindergarten to med school. She’s been there for Birthdays, graduations, exams, you name it, she has always shown up. Growing up, we never went more than a few weeks without seeing her, and she’s been present for every meaningful moment. Sue met her for my brother’s wedding in 2024 and adores her. They connected instantly. We are both looking forward to spending some quality time with her on this travel experience.
