Wedding Party
Kristen Watson
Bride
A native from Memphis Tennessee. Kristen is the youngest of three siblings and only daughter to Michael and Artie Watson. Her passion to serve and volunteer is fueled by her favorite scripture Colossians 3:23-24. With a background in behavioral studies, and career in property management, Kristen has always found her passion to serve and develop people along the way. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends from Tennessee to the Carolinas and discovering all things new with her best friend and husband to be. She is beyond blessed to see the things she has prayed for years ago come to be as she prepares to marry her future.
Sylvia Banks
Matron of Honor
Sylvia is longtime friend located in Memphis, TN, connected through a work relationship that sprouted in 2016. With almost 10 years of friendship, they have celebrated many of each other life milestones together. As the wife to Matthew Banks and mom of two wonderful boys Dominic and Adrian, she has never shied away from offering her prayers, words of wisdom, and moments to building a meaningful and supportive friendship.
Erin Watson
Bridesmaid
Erin Watson is the sister in-law of Kristen Watson. A native from Atlanta, Georgia, she currently resides in Collierville, Tennessee. As the wife to Syderek Watson and mom of two, Kian and Kaylan working as an ER Physician. Erin has always played the role of a big sister for Kristen, and she continues to offer her unwavering love, and support, in all that she does.
Jerrilynn Watson
Bridesmaid
Jerrilyn Watson is the sister in-law of Kristen Watson. A native of St. Louis. She currently resides in Memphis, Tennessee educating children, as the wife to Christopher Watson Sr, mom of two Christopher Watson Jr, and JaLeah, Jerrilynn has acted as a big sister for Kristen. With her creative mindset and willingness to always help, Jerrilynn continues to serve in the supportive role for her family.
Dynerika Caradine
Bridesmaid
Dynerika Caradine is one of Kristen’s childhood best friends, celebrating 21 years of friendship this fall. A native from Memphis Tennessee she has studied in the IT field and currently works in the healthcare industry. From middle school to now, relocation to another, not any of these changes throughout life has kept their communication apart.
TaQuala Kinard-Barksdale
Bridesmaid
The oldest sibling and only sister of Carlton Kinard, TaQuala has always been a guiding light and steady presence in Carlton’s life. She resides in Newberry, South Carolina with her two amazing sons: Garrett and Christon. With her strong spirit, nurturing heart, and no-nonsense wisdom, TaQuala inspires those around her to rise, lead, and love without limits. She’s a beautiful example of strength and grace in motion.
Jessica Kemp
Bridesmaid
Jessica Kemp is the best friend to Kristen Watson. A native from Texas, their friendship blossomed through a work relationship five years ago. Since then, they have continued to stay connected through genuine communication and support. As the wife to Josh Kemp and career background in marketing, and event planning, Jessica has continued to be one of Kristen's biggest supporters throughout her life milestones.
Michael and Artie Watson
Parents of the Bride
Michael and Artie Watson, residents of Cordova, Tennessee, are the proud parents of three adult children, two sons (Syderek and Christopher) and one daughter (Kristen). They are also delighted grandparents of four vibrant grandchildren. The Watson’s are currently enjoying their retirement- Mr. Watson retired from his role as owner-operator in the trucking industry, whereas Mrs. Watson concluded her career in administrative support within executive management. They are commemorating 45 years of marriage.
Carlton Kinard
Groom
Carlton Kinard is a proud native of Newberry, South Carolina with a passion for people, public service, and lifelong learning. With a background in politics and higher education, Carlton has dedicated his career to uplifting his community and creating opportunities for others to succeed. His work is driven by a deep commitment to equity, education, justice, and civic engagement. Outside of his professional life, Carlton enjoy spending quality time with friends and family, staying actively involved in his community, and cheering on his favorite sports teams. But his greatest joy comes from sharing life with his best friend and love of his life, Kristen Watson. Together, they share a love built on faith, laughter, and unwavering support—and they can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter with all the people who’ve helped shape their journey. "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord." Proverbs 18:22
Jeffrey Lampkin
Best Man
Jeffrey is a long-time friend of the family and a proud fraternity brother of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He’s a highly successful entrepreneur, world-renowned chef, and celebrated artist whose talents have taken him around the globe. Jeffrey and his incredible wife, Harriett Lampkin Esq. reside in Blythewood, SC along with their beloved fur baby, Diamond. His passion, creativity, and unwavering support have made him a cherished part of our journey.
Christian Gilchrist
Best Man
Fraternity and Line Brother (Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.) to Carlton Kinard. Christian is a devoted friend and active logistic officer in the United States Army for the past 10 years. He currently serves as a Captain, where he currently oversee all operations for Active Duty and Army Reserve Recruiting from South Georgia to South Tennessee. In his spare time, Christian is a professional DJ who travels throughout the nation.
Larry Jamall Kinard
Groomsman
The oldest brother to Carlton Kinard. Jamall resides in Charlotte, NC where he serves as a public sector professional working in nonprofit. He is the Executive Director/CEO of the Lakeview Neighborhood Alliance.
Quinten "Trey" Kinard
Groomsman
The youngest brother to Carlton Kinard. Trey resides in Newberry, SC where he help oversee the daily operations of the family business, The Kinard Insurance Group as the Vice President of Business Development.
Timothy Owens
Groomsman
Long time friend and Newberry College roommate to Carlton Kinard. Tim and his son Jaxon resides in West Columbia, SC. Tim is a devoted father and music educator. He currently teaches at South Lake Elementary in Lexington School District One.
Syderek Watson
Groomsman
The oldest brother to Kristen Watson. Syderek is the husband to Erin Watson and father of two Kian and Kaylan. Currently residing in Collierville, Tennessee, Syderek serves as an industry consultant in the tech industry. He also leads a fathers' group that inspires men to become the best fathers to their children, better husbands to their wives, and positive role models in their communities.
Christopher Watson Sr
Groomsman
The second brother to Kristen Watson, Christopher Sr, is the husband to Jerrilynn Watson and father of two Christopher Jr, and JaLeah. Currently he resides in Memphis, Tennessee working in the IT field. He enjoys bringing the family together through his jovial spirit, and spending time with his family.
Larry and Brenda Kinard
Parents of the Groom
High school sweethearts and happily married for 41 years, Larry and Brenda Kinard are a true example of lasting love and partnership. Both accomplished entrepreneurs for over three decades, they’ve built successful careers while remaining deeply rooted in faith, family, and community. Larry is an insurance analyst and the CEO of Kinard Insurance Group, while Brenda is a talented cosmetologist and the proud owner of Touch of Class Beauty Salon. As respected pillars in the Newberry community, they are known not only for their professional excellence but also for their active involvement in local events, church life, and service to others. Above all, they cherish their roles as proud grandparents to Garrett and Christon. Their unwavering support, strong values, and enduring love continue to inspire everyone around them, especially their four children TaQuala, Jamall, Carlton, and Trey.