Kiara & Kendrick
Wedding Party
Amber Daye
Maid of Honor
There are so many memories between Kiara & I that I could spend days telling them. From sleepovers with no sleep, to random trips, to the tattoo shop (when we all tried to talk her out of that back tattoo), to birthday trips, to just plain ol' getting on each other nerves. My favorite memory has to be the ATL bday trip when Kiara got so mad at me for asking a simple question about an outfit (ok, I may have been a little sarcastic). Well honey, let me tell you, she let me have it that night. & i'm sure I didn't make matters better by laughing at her being mad. I had to spend the whole next day making it up to her! Our friendship is truly one of a kind and one of my most cherished. I'm so happy for my bestfriend and I can't wait to be by her side on her special day.
Hannah Reese
Maid of Honor
I'd spend too long thinking of my favorite or funniest memory with Ki, but it all started at Rogers Herr Middle School in the 6th grade. As we should, we've experienced nothing short of an amazing friendship filled with lots of laughs, some fights, and a true ride or die bond. Ki is late to get all the jokes but quick to have my back. I'd share all the embarrassing stories but this bride to be is perfection. I wouldn't dare mention how she single handily started a reading book cheating scandal in the 6th grade that gave over 20 students F's in Language Arts. Ken made a great decision marrying US!
Melanie Evans
Maid of Honor
Where to begin? I met Ki at Pearsontown Elem. around 4th/5th grade. We continued our friendship to RHMS and were known (with our other bf Han) as teacher favs (even though we were the masterminds behind the AR testing, insider,LOL). We even found out we were actually cousins! Continuing to HS our bond remained (with our bffs Han and Amb). When it came to college she decided on UNCC while we were at A&T and UNCG. Did a few miles stop us? NEVER. Forward to after college, we decided to live together, around the same time she met Ken. I knew he would be around forever, and I was ok with that! The two of them stayed in my room and worked my nerve but I love them and seeing my bf happy makes me smile. I am so happy to be a part of this journey & I'll save the good stuff for the wedding toast!
Amaka Madu
Bridesmaid
When I first met Kiara at UNC Charlotte, I knew she had a kind spirit and an even bigger heart. We both started a journey that would make us sisters for life (shout out to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., it all started with ginger ale) LOL. Kiara and I have so many memories together, its hard to just pick one or even summarize. A time period that sticks out to me the most was in 2014, a year after I had just lost a parent. Kiara had just moved back to Durham and anytime I needed to get out and just talk to someone she was always there, no questions asked. Losing a loved one is always hard but getting through it with genuine people makes it a lot more bearable. I don't know what I would do without Kiara, she is a true definition of a sister and i'm so grateful to have her in my life.
Candice McFarlane
Bridesmaid
Kiara & I met in 2012 as we embarked on the journey of sisterhood, little did I know I'd consider her one of my best friends down the line. I can always count on her when I need to vent or when I just need outfit advice, LOL. She's literally that friend that's always down (as long as it doesn't involve going out). We've shared some of our best memories on vacation, whether it was exploring LA or trying to steal her license picture (ask her about it), haha. Kiara is one of the most sedulous persons that I know, whenever she strives to achieve something, she doesn't stop until its accomplished. Her wisdom is unmatched and these are just a few of the reasons I love her! I pray for a lifetime of perseverance throughout their marriage. PS. Ken, I'll still need her on HTGAWM show nights.
Deborah Goddard
Bridesmaid
I first met Kiara at her mom's birthday party. She hosted the party at her house and I got to see first hand how she truly is a caring person. She wanted to make sure everyone felt welcomed and enjoyed themselves. Her mom's party was super fun with many different interactions. From that night we have had many inside jokes, sleepovers, double dates, games nights, and family gatherings. I'm so blessed of how our friendship has quickly turned into being sisters and i am truly happy to be apart of this journey to becoming Mrs. Dowdy with her.
Jasmin Brown
Bridesmaid
Before Kendrick moved to DC for grad school, I reluctantly met Kiara as she threw him a going away party. I was talking to a friend and he asked me what time I would be at the party. I knew nothing of the party and definitely felt some kind of way about it. To say the least, our initial encounter was not the best, HOWEVER, after meeting her again she showed she was a really nice and caring person with pure intentions. She is someone great for the man I call my brother. She blends right in with our group of family and friends and it's been love and an uphill journey ever since! I can't wait to tell our kids this story, how terrible beginnings can turn into great endings, full of love and laughter.
Jasmine Terry
Bridesmaid
I met Kiara in 2012 while joining the same sorority! She had such a lively personality that instantly brought me out of my introverted cocoon when I was around her. We have many memories together, but one of my fondest memories is our 2013 Spring Break trip, driving to Miami (I was a HORRIBLE driver, but we made it!). Not necessarily a moment, but something I will always cherish, in 2014, I went through some tough times in my personal life. Kiara sent me a very powerful message, that I still have saved in my phone and revert to from time to time.
Jerika Hammonds
Bridesmaid
Memory I hold dear to my heart about me and Tinker: I was crushing on this guy, who shall remain nameless, but I let crazy get the best of me (we've all been crazy once or twice don't judge). I called Tinker and Hannah and asked them to call him for me and act like I was crying and something was wrong, mind you we were on 3 way, but he was ignoring my calls. They declined, and tinker put it straight to me. Jer! Let it go! He doesn't want you and is not interested in you. Some would call that mean/hurtful but I thought it was love. I've always been able to count on Tinker to give me the raw truth regarding anything. I always knew she was a close friend but at that moment I said, "yup she loves the kid". A good friend is like a four-leaf clover, hard to find and good to have.
David Johnson
Best Man
Like Trey (Percy), Ken & I met in diapers. A story most appropriate would be when Ken almost lost his life & realized his NBA dreams were over. One of the best players at JHS was at Ken's house showing off his bounce & Ken didn't like being showed up on his own court. Long story short, it turned into a slam dunk contest. I threw Ken an alley for the best & last dunk of his life. He caught it with two hands & literally brought down the backboard. He helped the backboard safely hit the ground by stopping the force with his head. He became best friends with some frozen peas on his head for the next 2 days. I knew Darrell (his dad) was gonna kill us, which wouldn't have been my first or last time thinking that). If he did kill us at least we would go out together just like best friends.
Percy Caldwell
Best Man
I first met Ken when we were too young to talk, our parents had lamaze classes together. We became best friends once we hit preschool. There are only a few friends that I can say I grew from boys to men with, and Ken is one. I grew up an only child, but never felt like one because I had a brother in Ken who lived right down the street. There is only one other person I know as competitive as me, and that's Ken. PAA only let us play on the same team once because they knew it would be like Jordan & Pippen (me MJ of course), Kobe & Shaq, Magic & Kareem, you get the drift. From backyard sports as kids to sleepless nights in Vegas as grown men, we have been through it all. I'm glad to call Ken my best friend and happy to see him enter this next phase of life with Ki.
Steve Clarke
Best Man
Spring of 99-2000, Hot Boyz had the block hot & I just moved to the neighborhood. It was Dave's bday party at his house and he had invited me to introduce me to the guys. We thought it would be a good idea to play a game of street football. While dividing up teams this scrawny kid (Ken) was picked after me, which he was not used to. He made it his mission to guard me the entire game. Even though he was competitive & a great basketball player, I was the better athlete in football. After scoring 2 TDs he started getting mad at his team & decided to take matters into his own hands. I was on offense, caught a pass and he decided to trip me. I fell on the pavement and he stood over me flexing like he did something. He helped me up and said "this my neighborhood." We've been friends ever since.
Anthony Leathers
Groomsman
I met K Dot at Parkwood Elementary. I remember we were in Ms. Hoffman's math class reciting Hot Boys lyrics and him almost getting me beat up by a young lady in our class because he told her I said she was ugly. We also attended high school together. We went from sneaking off campus for lunch, ditching a couple classes when we didn't feel like attending, and shattering the window at the end of the English Hall to productive men of society chasing our dreams. I am excited for him and Ki as they embark on their next chapter in life. Just like his favorite R&B group, its been a pleasure to have watched each other grow from "Boys 2 Men."
Bobby White
Groomsman
I remember a cold winter night trying to get all you can eat IHOP before it ended at 10:00pm. Me, Ken, and a car full of people left campus at 9:55pm. The IHOP was at least 15 min away w/o traffic. Ken was determined to make it and get that discount as we all know Ken is always trying to get a deal. So Ken never told us his defrost didn't work. As we start to drive I say "Ken you need to turn your defrost on." I was already skeptical of his driving. Ken goes on to say "we good, I can see," which was a lie. After a few min he proceeds to say "dang you right B, I can't see" and proceeds to stick his head out the window going 65 mph through downtown Gboro. We ended up making it at 10 on the dot. That's when I knew he was a determined guy and would do whatever it takes to get what he wants.
Derrick Dixon
Groomsman
So, I got a phone call from Ken, whom I never met, saying he was dating my little sister. He said "Hey bro, I will be down your way with some of my boys and would like to meet you" Ok, cool I said...let's link up. We all met at Twin Peaks for dinner and drinks. Fast forward to now I'm proud to call him my brother in law...good dude!
DJ Cowan
Groomsman
I don't remember when Ken & I officially met but I do remember when Chéla came to see me at A&T and Ken was upset because she was on campus and didn't tell him. He said "oh you coming to campus to see some dude but not your brother." I used to call Ken "Ken the Barbie" because I couldn't think of any other nickname for him and that was the 1st thing that came to mind. A memory I will never forget is us drinking too much before going to the Durham Bulls game to even pay attention and ended up even falling asleep. The police officer had to get Ken a wheelchair to get rolled out. LOL, GREAT TIMES MY BROTHER. Congratulations on the upcoming wedding and I hope you and K Sky have a lifetime of happiness together!
Eric Glover
Groomsman
First time encountering Ken was doing something we both love, basketball. Ken & I played for the same AAU team, different age groups. During the end of practices the older group, which I played for, would scrimmage the younger group to prepare for tournaments. One particular scrimmage the older group was dominating, per usual, Ken put up a missed shot and I skyed for the rebound and pushed the ball on the break. I immediately started licking my chops. Ken was pressuring me yelling "he can't dribble," I smiled and gave him a quick hesi driving to the goal for a slam. Long story short the practice was stopped, tears were shed, & his coach quit. That moment is a metaphor for the relationship we have. Our friend group never lets anyone settle and constantly pushes each other to be the best.
Kris Mims
Groomsman
I first met Ken in elementary school. He has always been super competitive in everything he does and always pushes everyone else to be great. Kendrick is the definition of a good friend.
Marques Johnson
Groomsman
How I met ol' Ken. I met Ken back in 04 in the 9th grade, in health class. He used to copy my class work, lol, and try to imitate my game in teams sports. Poor fella had no game.
Messiah Davis
Groomsman
I met Ken freshman year at A&T, through my roommate Greg and neighbor Jamal. Kendrick was a part of a group of guys from Durham that I gravitated to. At first there was a lot of head bumping, trash talking, and I didn't think we would be able to get along. As months flew by our friendship grew because of our similar interest; basketball, video games, and just hanging out. Together we have shared many experiences that I will never forget and I thank him for being a part of all of them. I now consider Ken one of my closest friends and a brother.
Wesley Dowdy
Groomsman
I can honestly barely remember it was so long ago but what I do recall was that it was a beautiful glorious day, sometime around July 3rd, 1993, I assume. I vividly remember the tears of happiness on my mothers face followed by the joy I see my father trying to hold in after the birth of the son he's been praying about for years! In the corner, i'd never forget sat this chipped tooth little kid holding a basketball who looked pissed with eyes filled with hate and admiration! I didn't know at that time, but that salty little boy was my big brother, Kendrick!