Becoming The Burks
Wedding Party
LaNee Wood
Bride
LaNee was born and raised on The Southside of Chicago. LaNee attended The University of Illinois Springfield where she earned her B.A. in Criminal Justice. After undergrad in 2016, LaNee accepted a job at Northwest Missouri State University located in Maryville, MO. She obtained her M.S. Ed in School Counseling; and eventually moved to Kansas City, MO in 2018. LaNee enjoys traveling, lifting weights and spending time with her fur babies, Draya Renee and Grace Mae. Currently LaNee is a Clinical Therapist and specializes in working with clients with trauma.
Chadrick Burks
Groom
Chad is affectionately known as Rommel to his close friends and family. Chad works at UPS where he has been a supervisor for 10 years. Chad graduated from The University of Missouri Kansas City with his B.A. Criminal Justice. Chad loves to travel, spend time with his friends/family and enjoys watching crime TV shows. He was born in Sarasota, FL and has lived in many states with his family, but claims Kansas City, MO as his home. Chad is a die hard Chiefs fan and even has a custom jersey with his name on it.
Marcella Slay
Maid of Honor
Marcella and LaNee met during undergrad at The University of Illinois Springfield; and were each other's first college roommates. Marcella is LaNee's right hand and they are close enough to be sisters. While at UIS, Marcella and LaNee became members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. and chartered the Alpha Phi chapter on campus. After undergrad Marcella attended Loyola where she obtained her Juris Doctorate. Marcella now practices as an Intellectual Property Attorney. Marcella loves to travel and has travelled to over 5 countries. Marcella has been LaNee's best friend for 10 + years.
Ricardo Rivera
Best Man
Ricardo and Chad met in 8th grade; and went to high school together at Burnsville High school. An accomplishment of Ricardo is that he has been able to support his fiancé and dog with everything they need in life. A fun fact about Ricardo and Chad is that they are the biggest wrestling nerds; and have over two decade’s worth of inside jokes and catch phrases. He is Chad’s longest friendship.
Cynthia Howard
Bridesmaid
Cynthia has known LaNee for her entire life; she is LaNee's built in bestie. She is the most uniquely, loving little sister a big sister could ask for. While Cynthia may appear to have a hard exterior, she is kind, loyal and a comedian when she wants to be. She is LaNee's brutally honest bestie and is fearless in her life endeavors. Cynthia is currently attending school pursuing her Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Accounting.
Jomall Childress
Groomsman
Jamal and Chad met while working at McDonald’s. They connected over their interest in entrepreneurship; and bonded over working late shifts at McDonald’s. Jamal is a loyal friend and has always there to help when Chad needed him. Jamal also gives great advice when Chad needs it. They have been friends since 2016. A fun fact about Jamal is that he is self-proclaimed “bag chaser.”
Amiya Burks
Bridesmaid
Amiya met LaNee shortly after LaNee and her brother, Chad, started dating in July 2022. Amiya enjoys painting, listening to music and shopping. Amiya makes it known that she makes the best rotel and makes it for all family gatherings. Amiya aspires to be a famous artist when she grows up. Amiya is the baby of her siblings and has 3 older brothers, Chad, Jerry Jr, and Tasren Burks.
Tasren Burks
Groomsman
Tasren is Chad’s younger brother and they have been best friends/brothers for 29 years. Tasren is a self proclaimed “life of the party.” He enjoys hanging out with his kids and taking them to the park. Tasren’s high school football team, The Staley Falcons, won the state championship in 2013. Tasren has been married to his wife, Rionna, for seven years.
Toni Matthews
Bridesmaid
Toni and LaNee met while working at FosterAdopt Connect where they served as direct care staff for FAC's children shelter. Toni and LaNee initially bonded over their love for cooking, healthy competition and good music. Toni always lends an ear to listen; and has lived a life that has given her wisdom well beyond her years. Toni served in the Army's National Guard for eight years and currently works as a Professional Nanny and Child Caregiver. Before entering into the child care field, Toni helped open a Gordon Ramsey restaurant. Toni and LaNee have been great friends for 6 years.
Sabrina Parra
Groomswoman
Sabrina and Chad met while working at UPS and still work together. They have friends for 5 years. Sabrina received her Bachelors in Environmental Science from Missouri Western State University. While at MWSU she received a scholarship for being on their dance team. She currently works Work as health and safety supervisor at UPS. A fun fact about Sabrina is she use to teach ballet.
Stacy Ngwa
Bridesmaid
Stacy and LaNee met during undergrad at The University of Illinois Springfield where they were both students in the Capital Scholars Honors program. Stacy has always been a voice of reason in LaNee's life, always sharing a brighter perspective and giving wholesome advice. Stacy is an amazing confidant and loyal friend. Stacy went on to get her M.S. in Physiology from Benedictine University and currently is a Clinical Researcher. A fun fact about Stacy is that she is a first generation Cameroonian. Stacy and LaNee have been best friends for over 10+ years.
Thomas Boykin
Groomsman
Thomas and Chad have been friends for about 5 years now. Thomas met Chad at UPS, and he was his first supervisor on the Boxlines. We both were on Boxline 1 together, and even though UPS was a hard and stressful job, Chad was the one who motivated me not to quit and keep going. Chad is the one who taught me everything I know at work. One fun fact about Thomas is that he used to be in the army, and he graduated from Kansas University with a Bachelor’s in Language and History.
Michelle Haberstroph
Bridesmaid
Michelle and LaNee met during Michelle's freshman orientation at The University of Illinois Springfield. LaNee was an orientation leader and met Michelle during a late-night game of Mafia. Once the semester started, Michelle and LaNee became great friends. They attended many parties, cried, laughed and had many drinks together. Michelle went on to get her Master's in Public Health and Human Services from UIS; and currently works for the state of Illinois. Michelle and LaNee have been great friends for 10+ years.
Blaine Cornelius
Groomsman
Blaine and Chad met while working at UPS. They were paired together on boxline 1; and struck up a good friendship from there on. Blaine and Chad shared many adventures including partying in Westport or Power & Light to double dates with their significant others. A fun fact about Blaine is that he loves competition, of any kind; and loves to talk crap. They have been friends for 6 years.