Wedding Party
Ida Allen
Mother of the Bride
There are no words big enough to thank you for everything you’ve been to Shawnikia. You’ve been her guide, her protector, her biggest cheerleader, and her forever friend. Your love is the reason she knows what love looks like—patient, strong, and unconditional. When she steps into this new chapter, she will be carrying everything you’ve taught her in her heart. Your wisdom, your strength, your grace—it’s all a part of who she is. You didn’t just raise her, you shaped her. And she hopes she makes proud today and every day. Thank you for the late nights, the early mornings, the prayers, the hugs, and every sacrifice she may never even know about. Thank you for standing by her side—not just today as the mother of the bride, but every single day of her life. I love you ma!
LaShana Lark-McDougle
Mother of the Groom
There are not enough words in the dictionary to describe how thankful Roddrick is for your love. You've been his first teacher, protector, prayer warrior, and the very first woman he ever loved. Known for her constant care — whether she was pinching, plucking, worrying, or checking in — she’s been a steady, loving presence through every season of his life. She’s the one who prayed when he didn’t even know he needed prayer, who pushed him to be his best even when he couldn’t see it in himself. From whispered prayers to tough love, she’s always had his back, guiding him with faith, strength, and a whole lot of motherly instinct. Today, Rodd honors her not only as his mom, but as the heart that helped shape his own.
Craig Smith
Father of the Bride
Today is a big day, and Shawnikia wants to take a moment to thank you. She says, life doesn’t always look the way we imagine it will, and our relationship may not have followed the traditional path — but she is very grateful for you on this important day. As she steps into this next chapter, she will carry the pieces of where she comes from, and you are a very big part of that. Shawnikia wants to thank you for the role you’ve played in her story and her life. She couldn't be where she is without you and wouldn't have gotten the courage to carry her gun lol! She loves you and thanks you very much!
Rob McDougle
Father of the Groom
Rob is the Roddrick's role model, quiet strength, and steady foundation. He taught his son that if you’re going to do something, you do it with everything you’ve got — a lesson that shaped the way Rodd approaches life, love, and commitment. Always making sure his son had what he needed, Rob led by example, teaching valuable life lessons through action, sacrifice, and unwavering support. Today, Rodd honors and thanks his father for the wisdom, work ethic, and love that helped bring him to this moment.
NaTasha Drinkard
Maid of Honor
NaTasha is Shawnikia's Big Sister and has molded her into the woman she is today! She's not just her sister — she's her lifelong friend, her biggest supporter, and the one who's been by her side through every stage of her life! They've laughed together, cried together, and shared moments that only sisters can truly understand. She knows her better than anyone else, and she couldn’t imagine being where she is today without her. Her love, strength, and loyalty has shaped Shawnikia into who she is. She wants you to know she loves you so much and will never stop being that annoying little sister every time she sees you!
Dee Manning
Best Man
Dee isn’t just the best man — he’s been Roddrick's right hand, ride-or-die, and basically his blood brother since 2017. Just two Southern boys who somehow ended up in Delaware, and from day one, had each other’s backs through just about everything — usually with way too much sarcasm and way too much "Two Brothers". He’s the guy who can make anyone laugh, and the friend Rodd could always count on. Whether it was navigating life, cracking jokes at the worst (or best) possible times, or just showing up when it mattered most, Dee has always been there. Rodd couldn’t imagine being where he is today without Dee by his side.
Christina Bowie
Grandmother of the Bride
Grandma thank you for every prayer you ever whispered on Shawnikia’s behalf — in quiet mornings, in late-night hours, and in moments she never even knew about. Your faith has been a shelter for her heart, and your love has shaped the woman she is today. She will carry your prayers with her into this new chapter. Your strength, your kindness, and your unwavering belief in her are woven into everything she does. She is forever grateful for your love, your example, and the way you always lifted her up in prayer. She loves you deeply and honors you today and always. Also, she will always remember what you said about the peaches!
Christian Jones
Groomsman
Christian has been the Roddrick’s childhood friend and lifelong class clown — the guy who makes even the longest days fly by with his nonstop humor. When they’re not teaming up for video game marathons, he’s the one keeping the mood light, sometimes a little too light. So much so, Rodd jokingly admits he wouldn’t sit next to him at a funeral because the jokes would never stop. But that’s exactly why he’s been such an important part of Rodd’s life — always ready with a laugh, even when things get tough.
Alexis Ruiz
Bridesmaid
Alexis has been Shawnikia's best friend since 2020. Through every laugh, late-night talk, and life change, she has been Kia's rock. Alexis has seen her at her best, held her through her worst, and never once let go. Alexis's friendship is one of the greatest gifts in her life, and she is so thankful that they’ve grown together, supported each other, and made so many memories. She loves you more than words can say, and she can’t wait to keep making memories with you Alexis—today and always. She says all the AC trips are officially cancelled!
Kelvin Gordon
Groomsman
Kelvin is the Roddrick's right-hand man — and also the main reason they got in trouble at work. Known for starting the chaos and then claiming he’s “too tired” to deal with it, he’s been a constant (and hilarious) presence in the Rodd’s life. No one argues with Rodd more! Their friendship is built on relentless banter, shared mischief, and a bond that’s stood the test of time and "chill rides". He’s the kind of friend you don’t just keep around — you fight with him and laugh about it five minutes later.
Jonathan Mearday
Bridesman
Jonathan, aka Jono, aka Mearday, aka Tour-man has been Shawnikia's best friend since 2021. They survived a pandemic, questionable haircuts, late-night crises, and bad decisions together. If that’s not soulmate-level friendship, I don’t know what is. Having Mearday as a bridesman is a no-brainer. He has always had Kia's back, whether it was carrying emotional baggage or literal shopping bags. She wouldn’t trust anyone else to rock a suit if needed and make inappropriate jokes under their breath during the ceremony. She wants to thank you for being the hilarious, loyal, brutally honest, occasionally ridiculous friend that you are. She wouldn’t want to walk down the aisle without you somewhere near it—probably smirking. She loves you forever (but not in a weird way). She says stay off the mic!!
Erin Ivory
Groomswoman
Erin is the groom’s go-to person for every issue, the one he calls when he needs advice or just someone to listen. Erin has always been that steady, loyal voice on the other end of the line. She’s the friend who taught him how to play Spades and shared countless beach trips during their year stationed in Florida. Always ready with an out-of-pocket joke to lighten the mood, she’s more than a groomswoman — she’s the Roddrick’s best friend and constant support through thick and thin. Roddrick says "Thank you for always listening to me ramble, even when it made no sense. Your friendship has meant more than I could ever put into words!"
Joslyn Castro
Bridesmaid
Jossi, aka Kinfolk since 2018, you’ve been so much more than just a friend to Kia—you’ve been a mentor, a role model, a steady hand when life felt messy, and a voice of reason when Kia's shook. You’ve taught her, guided her, and believed in her in ways she will never forget. Your strength, wisdom, and kindness have inspired her through every season of life. You've helped her grow, not just into the woman she is today, but into someone ready for this next chapter. Thank you for being Kia's confidante and someone who has shaped her journey in ways you probably don’t even realize. She is forever grateful to you and loves you very dearly!
Devontae Monts
Groomsman
Devonta is the official barber of the friend group — the one who always kept everyone’s lineup fresh and the vibes even fresher. Known for always asking, “Do y’all do military discount?” no matter where they go, he’s never one to miss a deal or a good time. If there was music playing in the house, it was probably coming from his speaker. And while most people know when it’s time to dip, Devonta is the friend who somehow closes every function. His energy and love for a good time make him a one-of-a-kind friend and a must-have in the Roddrick’s corner.
Marcus Wright
Groomsman
Marcus is Roddrick’s Alabama partna and the certified party starter of the group. If there was a good time happening, he was probably behind it. From spontaneous road trips back home to long days (and nights) spent working on bikes and cars, he and Rodd have shared countless miles, memories, and busted knuckles. Their bond is built on laughter, loud music, and loyalty — and there’s no one else Rodd would rather have in his corner for the ride of a lifetime.
Melanie Ruiz
Bridesmaid
Melanie has always cheered loud, supported hard, shared advice, and showed up consistently for Kia since 2022. From early-morning pep talks to late-night planning, she’s been a constant source of encouragement and strength. Whether it was celebrating milestones or pushing through hard times, Mel has always been in Kia’s corner with unwavering love and loyalty. Having Mel by her side isn’t just special — it’s a full-circle moment of gratitude for all the times she’s stood by Kia’s side before. Mel has always showed up for Kia’s achievements and shenanigans! She says thank you for always cheering her on and being a bright light in her life!
Alex McDougle
Groomsman
Alex may be Roddrick’s uncle, but their bond has always felt more like brothers. From movie nights to introducing Rodd to the world of gaming (and unknowingly creating a lifelong addiction), he’s been a constant source of fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Their shared interests and easy friendship turned family ties into something deeper — a connection built on late-night laughs, inside jokes, and years of being side by side through it all. Having Alex by his side is a tribute to the role he’s played in Rodd’s life.
Brittney Manning
Bridesmaid
Brittney and Kia have been friends since 2023 when she PC'd to Lackland AFB. Their friendship is one of the greatest blessings in her life. Brittney didn’t just trust her with your heart—she trusted Kia with her babies, making her a godmother (CHUNKKKKYY), and that alone says everything about the bond they share. Through every storm, Brittney has been there—praying for her, speaking life over her, and reminding her that God’s plan is bigger than any pain. Brittney's strength, faith, and love has carried Kia through some of her hardest moments, and she truly doesn’t know where she would be without you. Kia wants to thank you for being a sister, a prayer warrior, and a safe place. She loves you deeply and is forever grateful for everything you are.
Mike Gloster
Groomsman
Mike is Roddrick’s go-to wingman—literally. As a partner when it comes to grilling, they’ve shared countless meals, laughs, and good times. Just as chill as Rodd, Mike always knows when it’s time to wrap things up and make a smooth exit from any function. Whether it’s a late-night hangout or a kickback, he’s the guy who brings unexpected laughs and keeps the vibe just right. Roddrick couldn’t ask for a better friend to stand by his side today.
Tyesha Collins
Bridesmaid
Ty may be one of the newer additions to Kia's life, but her impact has been anything but small. From the moment they connected in 2024, her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering support made it feel like they had known each other forever. She has quickly become someone Kia can count on for honesty, laughter, and those much-needed reality checks. Ty has always been a positive light in Kia's life and has always been someone she could lean on since the beginning! Kia knows without a doubt that this is a friendship that’s here to stay, and she is so very grateful to have Ty by her side—not just today, but for all the days to come. She loves you Ty-Ty and wants you to thank you for being such a great friend to her!
RJ McDougle
Groomsman
RJ is Roddrick's younger brother, lifelong sidekick, and frequent target of good-natured teasing. Practically a carbon copy of Rodd (just taller), he’s been part of every adventure, argument, and inside joke along the way. Their bond is built on shared laughs, sibling rivalry, and a deep respect that only brothers can truly understand — even if neither of them would ever admit it out loud. Having him as a groomsman is as natural as their constant banter — and just as meaningful.
Sierra McDougle
Groomswoman
Sierra is Roddrick’s sister, and while they’ve fought like cats and dogs over the years, their bond has only grown stronger through every challenge and adventure. From riding four-wheelers side by side to sharing those special Cayman Jack moments, they’ve created memories that mean the world to both of them. Together, they’ve jumped on RJ and spent countless hours joking and sometimes complaining about how their parents always go easy on him. Through all the ups and downs, Sierra has been a constant source of support, laughter, and love in the Rodd’s life — and he’s truly grateful to have her standing by his side on this important day.