Wedding Party

Reverend Andre Allen

Officiant

Reverend Allen, What can I say? You have been a part of this family for years, and I am so delighted to have you as the officiant of our wedding. Even though my grandmother, Sue B. Brown, is no longer with us physically, I feel her presence knowing that we have your support. You were her pastor for many years, and I am eternally grateful for the impact you had on her life. You have been there for us in every way, both during her lifetime and since her passing. Your voice of reason has guided us through the murky waters of grief and helped us understand the complexities of life as a family. Your presence and your heart full of love and compassion have made the special moments in our lives even more meaningful. Nonetheless your granddaughter is related to us through marriage on my fathers side. I want you to know that she is a huge part of my life. She knows that I would do all that I can to make sure that she is on the right path. What is crazy is that, we did not realize that, there was a familial relationship that existed until recently but you still felt like family. It is evident that you genuinely care, and your unwavering support has meant the world to us. The bond of love and trust that we share has grown into your being that supportive anchor that we need in this family. I cannot express my gratitude enough for you. LaTrice and Orlando

LaTrice Bell

Bride

"Bride to Be" As Orlando and I embark on this incredible journey of love, we wanted to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. In celebrating our special day, we are reminded of the immense love and support you have shown us throughout our lives. To our amazing wedding party, we cannot thank you enough for standing by our side. Your presence means the world to us, and we want you to know that we cherish the unique bond we share with each of you. If only words could truly capture the love and appreciation we hold for you, we would etch them in stone for all to see. From the laughter-filled memories to the heartfelt conversations, your impact on our lives is immeasurable. Our wedding day is made even more special because of your love and support. Thank you for being the pillars of strength, joy, and friendship in our lives. With love and gratitude, Trice and Lando

Lee and Junice Polk

To our loving Step Father and Mother of the Bride,

Lee and Mom, the two of you have been the guiding force that has kept Orlando and me on the same path, bound together by love. You have played a crucial role in helping him understand my heart and the depth of my love for him. It is through this understanding that we have forged an unbreakable connection, one that will last a lifetime. I am eternally grateful for the patience, thoughtfulness, and unwavering love you have shown us as a couple during this journey. Your love has been an incredible blessing in our lives. Mom, from the very beginning, you helped me see into Orlando's heart. You taught us to recognize how much we need each other, to be there through thick and thin. Orlando, you have pursued me with such gentleness, exactly as Lee has always advised, treating me with the utmost care and respect. I am in awe of how our relationship has been shaped and molded by the best. I want you both to know just how much I love and appreciate you. Orlando wanted me to pass along his special message: "Mr. Lee, you are alright with me," just as he always says. We know that our future is bright because we have constant communication, honor, love, and respect within our family. Our strong and memorable bond with you will guide us as we continue to navigate life together. Thank you for always being there for us, especially on our special day! With all our love, Trice an Lando

Erika Brown-Flowers

Wedding Captain

Erika, I want you to know that you are not just my cousin; you are my sister. We share such a strong bond & have so much in common. From working in the same field to always supporting & helping each other, our connection goes beyond blood. Working downtown with you has been an absolute blessing. I remember the time when I applied for a position at Chase, thanks to your referral. Unfortunately, I didn't get the job. But you didn't let me feel discouraged. You reminded me that the battle wasn't over & encouraged me to keep going, even if it meant settling for something that didn't meet my current standards. I am so proud of the growth in my journey today. My career is promising, fulfilling & meets all my standards. I owe it to you for always helping me see the growth in myself and reminding me to look on the bright side. You've never been afraid to tell me when I've made mistakes or could have done something differently. We school each other in different areas because we know that we are all we got, just like the CMB. But seriously, you've been my rock and my support system. That's why I chose you as my Wedding Captain. I appreciate you so much for being by my side on this journey. You are resourceful, organized, polite, supportive & loving and it means the world to me. You understand me & know exactly how I want to be represented on my special day. Thank you, Erika, for walking this journey with me. I love you more than words can express. Forever grateful, Trice

Celia White

Maid of Honor

CeCe, It's hard to believe that we've been friends for over 40 years now. We first crossed paths when we were just ten years old, and little did I know that our friendship would become one of the most cherished parts of my life. CeCe, being exposed to the incredible world of downtown Chicago with you grew the love the love I have for this city. The rides we shared on the 151 Sheridan bus, from the vibrant South Side of Chicago to the iconic Water Tower Place at just 13 years old shaped us into the strong, independent women we are today. We have a real friendship and our bond we share is unbreakable. Some people allow life to dictate the course of their friendships. Ce Ce, my heart has always dictated the love I have for you and we've always stayed true to each other. You are truly my best friend. I am grateful that our friendship is built on authenticity and not on anything fake or fabricated. You are as real as they come, and I am lucky to have you in my life. You saw early on that Orlando was the man of my dreams, you were there to support that journey too knowing that he would live up to the high standards you expected for the man who would marry me. Your relationship with Orlando is organic and built on sisterly and brotherly love, filled with genuine support. You both keep in touch to stay connected because of your love for each other and your love for me. I am forever thankful. You truly are the best, babe. I love you dearly.

Tiffany Jones-Brown

Matron of Honor

Tiffany has been my Maid of Honor “in life”. I fought girls in high school over you and i’d do it again in a heartbeat tadae, just kidding! I am truly honored to say that you are my sister-in-law, my voice of reason when I can’t think clearly. You are peaceful, honest & kind! Most of all, you are my friend and I absolutely adore you Tiff! You are my example of what a real wife is and your relationship is proof that real love exists…. What I love about you and Nell's relationship is that you stick together through it all. I have always said that you have identical twins sisters and he has Identical twin sisters and I feel that you both have created a togetherness built off of the twinship that you have experienced in life. Orlando and I are similar but we are the actual twins that have the own twin siblings. Having an understanding of the relationship you both have purposely built and carried for years will allow us to have the same type of well built relationship that you both have today. You are such a peace maker and will do anything to keep your family together. I want to thank you Tiff for accepting to share with me one of the most important roles in my wedding! Thank you for walking with me through this journey & helping me become Mrs. Rodgers! I love you with my whole heart sissy!

LaTonia Brown-Walker

Matron of Honor

To my twin sister Tonia, this incredible journey we've shared for 52 years have been powerful. You have always been the forefront of my life and this day would not be the same without you. For many years, you have been the one who uplifts me and stands as the pillar of my heart and soul. We have shared countless adventures together and have been each other's rock through thick and thin. Together, we have weathered storms and triumphed over challenges. During my first marriage, it was you that I confided in, finding solace and strength in your unwavering support. The love between us is beyond measure, akin to the infinite love of Jesus. It is undoubtedly because of our deep bond and connected communication we have that has helped our lives flourish. There are countless instances where you have demonstrated your unconditional love and support. As a struggling single mother, you even took the remarkable step of putting my car under your name in support of me. Late nights spent helping me navigate challenging subjects like economics and statistics (after a log days work yourself) are etched in my memory as a testament to your sisterly dedication to me. Now, as I embark on a new chapter - marriage, after over two decades of being divorced, I am filled with gratitude for your constant presence. Orlando and I are deeply grateful for you, your friendship and support throughout this journey. Thank you, my dearest twin sister, for being by our side through it all. I love you!

Mary Corbin-Toomer

Bridesmaid

Gurl, you are my ride or die! Our friendship began through mutual family members who were going to homecoming together. We had seen each other around town but never really knew each other. But when we finally connected, it was magical, safe, loving, and we were just thrilled about our newfound friendship. Nights out on the town and late nights at Mama's were the absolute best! I fell in love with the real you - your family, your incredible personality. You are a bad girl with a good girl attitude, always paying attention to the little details, like license plate numbers, even when I was too naive to do so. I am so happy that you can memorize Orlando’s license plate number, but we won’t have to worry about it being in the wrong places❤️❤️❤️ You surprise me with spontaneous adventures to Downtown Chicago's hidden gems. Being by your side, i've experienced so many memorable events because of you that I will forever cherish. Mary, you are my dancing partner, my shoulder to lean and I trust you with heart. I appreciate how you never judge me but always offer your honest perspective as a true friend. You do so much for others and this time, I wanted you to just relax, sit back, and enjoy the moment as one of my special girls. You love on my parents, my kids, and my soon-to-be husband, just like you love on me. Having like-minded couples to connect with was one of my biggest prayers, and I am overjoyed to have that in you and Ferlondo. I love you, gurl! Never forget it!

Barbette Love-Green

Bridesmaid

B, I love the incredibly healthy bond we share, we are great friends & lean on each other for EVERYTHING! We've always had the same goals & dreams, and together, we've worked relentlessly to achieve them while pushing each other to excel & our hard work paid off as we both earned our undergraduate & graduate degrees from Benedictine University. Although you cheekily got your MBA from Louis University, we supported each other through it every step of the way. As call center reps, our friendship blossomed into something extraordinary at that firm. Grabbing lunch together, spending hours talking after work, we became inseparable & our connection grew beyond the boundaries of work & school. Our children see us as real family & know that the support is there. You've been my partner in crime, my wine buddy, my workout companion, constantly inspiring me to become a better person. You may not know this, but your support through my divorce (over 20 years ago) helped me through a very tough time in my life. You were my rock, our conversations gave me the strength I needed because you knew that it was time for me to move on. You recognized the uniqueness of Me and Orlando's connection & supported us wholeheartedly with love and acceptance from the start, that was immeasurable, B & I am forever grateful for you Mickey as you both stand by our side. B, you are more than a friend to me, you are my Barbetter. I cherish the beautiful memories we've created together.

Cheya Bishop

Junior Bride

Erica Blakely

Wedding Coordinator

Erica...

Orlando Rodgers

Groom

Hey there ya'll, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who have joined us on this special day. Trice and I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the love and appreciation we have for each member of our wedding party. If it were possible, we would etch into stone something unique and special about each of you. Your presence here today is a testament to the love and support you have shown us throughout our lives. We cherish the moments we have shared together and are incredibly grateful for the memories we have created. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being a part of our journey and for standing by us on this joyous occasion. Words cannot fully capture the depth of our love and appreciation for each of you. You were each invited to our wedding each one of you hold a special place in our hearts. Thank you for being here for us, Lando and Trice

June Beckham

Mother of the Groom

Mom, I am deeply appreciative to have a mother like yourself. You have been instrumental in shaping my siblings and me during our childhood. Growing up with them was a blessing, we owe it all to you. Over the course of my 52 years on this earth, I have encountered numerous challenges & as the pillar of our family, you have consistently given me guidance and assistance during the toughest times. You lead, nurture & enable me to achieve great heights in my life. Without fail, I make a deliberate effort to call you every Sunday, hearing your voice brings me comfort. Your love & support sustain me throughout the week. You not only lend me your ear, but you also engage in meaningful conversations, offer me insight & even share lighthearted moments with me. Your genuine tone, kind, supportive & authentic nature means the world to me. I am forever grateful for the sacrifice & continuous support you have provided me throughout my lifetime. Your significant influence has shaped the person I am today. You as my mother are the epitome of strength in my eyes and I am committed to cherishing you completely for the rest of our days together. Thank you for molding me into the caring, appreciative, supportive, and God-fearing man that I have become as I embark on this new chapter with Trice, I have no doubt that you will offer us your unwavering support & love her as deeply as I do. Thank you for the gift of motherhood, life & love. With an overflowing heart full of love, Orlando

Cederic Rodgers

Best Man

To my twin brother Cederic, Ced, you already know, you are my right hand man, my ace boon coon, and partner in crime. As twins, we have always been there for each other like brothers are supposed to be. Your support and unconditional love mean the world to me. You have not only embraced the woman I love, but you have taken the time to truly get to know her in a special way. Your genuine interest in Trice and the happiness you've expressed for us about our new journey together have touched both her heart and mine. Your words, spoken in your own unique way, reaffirmed the depth of my character through the love you have for me. It helped her understand that she is not only gaining me but she has a real family behind her through me. Ced, I know we have both longed for positive change in our lives, and now we both have a new found happiness. Let's seize this opportunity to make history together once again, but this time, with the incredible women who stand beside us. I am so proud to say that we will do things the right way, with their support. Thank you, Ced, for loving me unconditionally as my brother and for always being my number one guy. I love you!

Julius Jones

Groomsman

To my new cousin Jack Black, You have welcomed me with open arms into Trice's life, and I can't express how grateful I am for that. From the moment we met, I knew we were bonding in a special way. You have been instrumental in helping me understand her as a person, and your insights into what is important to her have been invaluable. I remember our first meeting vividly, and it's safe to say that we hit it off instantly. The time we spent together, laughing, cracking jokes, and just enjoying each other's company, those moments were truly priceless to me. You were one of the first people from Trice's family that I connected with, and I consider you not just a cousin, but also a brother. We share so much in common, and it goes beyond just our past experiences. We have a deep understanding of what real men go through in life, and I appreciate the honest and meaningful conversations we've had. Jack, you are a super cool guy, and I want to thank you for always being there when I needed you the most. I look forward to the many more memories we will create together as cousins. With love and appreciation, Orlando

Ferlondo Toomer

Groomsman

My dude, Ferlondo, is more than just a groomsman - he's become a cherished part of my life. From the moment we met, it was clear that our connection was something special. It's funny how fate works sometimes, as Ferlondo happened to be the second person from my fiancé's side of the family that I met, what a blessing it was. Ferlondo, your spirit is infectious. Your jokes and laughter fill the room, creating an atmosphere of joy and happiness. But beyond the humor, I admire your authenticity. You are a genuine person, true to the core, and that's a rare quality to find. I want you to know just how much I appreciate you. You've been there for me, offering support and friendship when I needed it most and didn't even know it! Alongside your wife, Mary, you have become the kind of friends that make my heart grateful. Cheers to the countless years of friendship that lie ahead! I thank God every day for having friends like you in our lives.

Cornell Brown Jr.

Groomsman

So, I when I found out about your existence, I must say, I couldn't be more thrilled and I was truly filled with excitement. I knew that Trice had a twin sister but did not know that she had a brother. I realized that I now have a brother-in-law, someone to share my thoughts with, hang out with, and truly connect with. You're truly a remarkable guy, someone who sees life from the same perspective as me. Being the only male sibling in a sea of women is no easy task, but you handle it with grace, relating to each of us individually. That's something I truly admire about you. I love that you are a real family man, I mention that because they are hard to come by and when you see one, you have to give him his props. You embody the essence of a family man, a rare gem in today's world. When I met you, I felt like everything was falling into place, as if it was fate. And now that I know you even better, I am certain that it was indeed a part of God's plan. Brother, I can't thank you enough for being a part of our special day, Nell. It means the world to us.

Nephew Devin

Junior Groomsmen

DJ, being your auntie has been one of the greatest works in my adult life. I have seen you grow from a baby boy to a beautiful, prosperous, hopeful and undoubting young man of confidence. When you were a baby, I helped you get over things rationally by sharing how you looked by others. At that time, you were the youngest, so getting upset, crying, being too excited or whatever it was expected. I would make a statement by asking you "is anyone else around here doing that?" You would look at me, smile, think about it and chill. It was the cutest thing because most children at that age would not care what I had to say when they were upset. You thought it was so funny and it (sort of) calmed you down. If you were in trouble with grades or anything in life, I have always been there to help your mom get you back on track. I pride myself on being your moms support system for many years so that you stayed the right course in life. My best times with you is when you & I just sit around, cracking jokes & laughing about silly stuff. We really see things alike when it comes to humor! I love you deeply son & I am so honored to have you as one of my love children. I know that I have really earned my auntie stripes with you & I am forever grateful. In the next few years, you will be going through some very special moments, I promise to be there for you kiddo. DJ, I truly want to thank you for taking part in my special day, it means the world to me! I love you!

Michael Usher

Groomsman

To a great friend, Mike, it's hard to believe it has been over 10 years since we first crossed paths. From our countless hangouts to the shared lunches and the times we tinkered with cars, our bond has only grown stronger. You have become more than just a friend; you are my brother in every sense of the word. Throughout the years, you have always been my rock, offering support and guidance during life's trials and tribulations. I hope you know that I will forever be there for you in the same way. Our friendship means the world to me, and I cherish the moments we have shared. On this special day, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your significant role in my life. Your unwavering support has made all the difference, and I am grateful for your commitment to our genuine brotherhood. Thank you, Mike, for being the incredible friend that you are. Here's to many more years of laughter, adventures, and the special connection we have shared together... One love, always, Orlando

Luvenia (Suggie) Smith-Green

Hostess Captain

My dear Cousin Suggie, You, my dear, are not just my cousin; you are my friend! When we're together, we not only share a familial bond, but we also enjoy each other's company so much. We have the best time sitting back and talking about all the things girls talk about, cracking jokes, and showering each other with love. One of the things I admire about you is how effortlessly you interact with my kids, who are now young adults. You always find a way to make them giggle with your witty jokes and playful banter. Your spirit exudes love and happiness whenever you're around, and it brings such joy to our family. Your son is my boo, it's incredible how much we share in common. We're like two peas in a pod! Our bond is irreplaceable, and I cherish it dearly. I want to express my gratitude for accepting the role of Hostess Captain for my special day. I chose you because I know you'll work wonderfully with the other hostesses, ensuring we're all on the same page. I also have full confidence that you and our cousin Erika understand how I wish to be represented during this momentous occasion. Suggie, thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a part of my special day with Orlando. Your presence means the world to us, and we appreciate you more than words can express. I eagerly await the time when all the excitement settles, and we can all gather together to relax and reflect on the memories we've created. Until then, let's keep counting down the days! With love, Trice

Lisa Sheree Smith

Hostess

“Church Girl”! Like mom, you knew the day that I met Orlando, that I had met my match! You uplifted my spirits to accept that unconditional love. You witnessed it right before your eyes, the special moments and the days (that I never expected) that were so absolutely beautiful and still are! Thank you for being such a great friend and for accepting me as I am, Lisa. I also want to thank you for loving my family the way that you do. In our history together, there have been moments that I needed you in prayer to just come and gather with me & pray bad situations out of my life. You were always there, and I truly appreciate you for those moments Lisa.. We talk just about every morning and I’m thankful for the conversations that we have. You don’t always agree with me, and I don’t always agree with you, yet, we seem to always come back to the middle. You encourage me, you uplift me and you have a way of getting me back on track when I seem to fall off at times. We have gone out together and really enjoyed some very special moments together! What I love about you the most is that although you are “Thee Church girl”, you are real and are still mindful of our real friendship as well. Most importantly, you don’t take the love that we have for one another lightly! I love the relationship that you and Orlando have. You accept him your brother as we have accepted each other as love sisters! We want to thank you for being a great part of our special day. love! 💋

Ebonie Love

Hostess

You are truly my bonus baby! I have been in your life since you were a baby girl. You call me Auntie (well, “TT”) I know that I have earned my stripes with you! I remember going to Coopers Hawk with you and your mom. We had such a great time together, it was like you were one of the girls. You get me Eb, I don't know if it is because you have twins yourself but I am so forever grateful for you! You are such a go getter and I am so proud of you for branching out to accomplish business goals with your mom (which is my goal companion in life). I can not wait to see all that you girls are going to do. With your thrust to get the business off the ground and all that your mom has learned about running a business, you girls are going to be so powerful together. You just can’t do any wrong in my eyes buttercup and I am so thankful that you are sharing this journey with me ladybug and participating in my wedding as I become Mrs. Rodgers! TT is going to always be there for you, to cover over you and be your voice of reason if you need me to. I just love me some you Ms. Cutie pie!

Labrina Bone

Hostess

I am so happy that you agreed to be a hostess for me. I chose young ladies that I have a connection with in some shape or form to help me with my guests. You instantly came to mind because of your love for my family and your kind and caring spirit. I remember when you were planning a birthday party for your mom (Leasher) my dear friend. You had all of us as friends write a special note to your mom to share with her how special she was to us. It was truly a message that you wanted to send to her to show that she was loved. There is no gift that can be purchased to make her feel this way, there is no amount of money that can buy the words that you used to make her feel so special on her special day. She was a person first but most importanly, your mom! Labrina, I was soooo impressed by the way you organized it. It was loving, caring and well put together. Additionally, I cannot say enough about you and all that you have accomplished in life. You are impressive to the core and a representation of how young people should show up and show out in life. Your character is BUILT girl! You let your mom see the fruits of your labor and I think that is one of the most beautiful attributes you have. Thank you for being a part of our special day, it was a blessing to have you say yes!

Kaitlynn Crayton-Alexander

Hostess

Kaitlynn, I have been in your life since 2004 when our parents moved next door to each other. You were such a cute little girl at the time and were the apple of our eyes. Everyone in the family loves you dearly babe. You grew up with our children and stayed committed to loving us all as you all grew older. The hostesses in my wedding are ones that see me the way you do, as TT and to this day that is what you continue to call me. I don't know if you know this but every time I reach out to you and you respond to me and I hear "Heyyyy TT" it is so organically innocent and said with such love. You make me feel so special and I know that I was meant to be in your life baby girl. You have grown into this beautiful, educated and happy young lady that has learned to step into her own. I am so very proud of you, your new marriage and blossoming career! I remember when you were having a hard time juggling the battles of being a new nurse. You talked to me about it and I shared the power of managing your career and people with you. I was so proud that you thought enough of me to be the person to talk it out with you! I love you kiddo and I want you to know it! Thank you sooooo very much for accepting this role in our special day.

Jay

Host

To my dear Jay, You have become more than just a friend; you have become my son from another mother. I cherish the role I have taken on as one of the elders you can turn to for guidance and understanding. Your presence in my life fills it with joy and pride. Jay, you possess such grace, kindness, and a true sense of brotherhood to both of my favorite guys that uplifts not only our spirits but also that of my other loved ones. When you are not around, we truly feel your absence. I want you to know that you are loved like family, and having you in our lives is a blessing. Your support and presence during important milestones, from our connection, engagement, and now our wedding, have meant the world to us. You have gone above and beyond to be there for my family I truly want you to know that your genuine love and care have meant even more. Thank you, Jay, for sharing your thoughts, love, and support for our relationship. We are forever grateful to have you here, in every way. With all the love and gratitude, Trice and Orlando

Brooke

Flower Girl

Brooke, you make me smile so much every time I see you! TT loves you so very much and I really want you to understand that there’s something so special about you young lady! You are funny, loving, heartfelt, and just a happy kid. Brooke, I love that about you! Auntie Trice and Uncle Orlando want to say thank you so much for being a part of our special day! Before you say it, no, you cannot charge us to be in our wedding, lol!!! Thank you for being such a special part of our big day stinker!

Eli

Ring Bearer

Dear Eli, Granny is absolutely thrilled that you will be joining us in Chicago for this special moment. Your presence brings such immense happiness to me. Your smile lights up my world, and seeing you grow fills my heart with joy. You should know, Eli, that Granny loves you dearly and is incredibly proud of your accomplishments thus far in life. The memories that we will create together during this time are sure to be treasured forever. From having fun with family, to laughing and sharing stories together, this visit promises to be unforgettable. Granny looks forward to catching up with you, hearing all about your plane ride here. Remember, Eli, you have a special place in Granny's heart, and I am going to cherish every moment spent with you. This trip will undoubtedly strengthen the bond between us all by creating memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. Safe travels, Eli, I can't wait to hug you! Get ready to have lots of fun! With love, Your Granny

Naima

Flower Girl

Naima, I am soooo happy that you are going to be my new niece! From the moment I met you, there was a connection, and I knew that I would be there for the rest of your life as best as I could. I want you to know that Auntie Trice & Uncle Orlando love you very much. Thank you for sharing our special day with us!

Donna Townsend

Flower Girlfriend

Donna, You have no idea how important my relationship is with you. You are now my bonus friend through Mary. You are thee most elegant, classiest, top of the bar and one of the funniest girls I know. You have wit, shine and great love in your heart, yet you are not afraid to reach an estranged place of conversation. I remember when we got engaged, you kept whispering that you were going to be the flower girl. The way you did it was soooo cute that I held you to it so much so that I made a special place for you on our special day! Thank you for being my Flower Girlfriend because you truly are such a special flower to me, with your cute self!

Carmello

Note to Trices’s children

Carmello for many years, I have been there for you, thinking that I was keeping you, covering you & uplifting your spirits so that you stay focused on being a great person in life. As I write this, I am thinking about how you have really been the person keeping & covering ME. You keep me laughing & joking all day and your spirit is infectious! You help me see that life is not so stressful, to chill out & just have a glass of wine, lol… You have always been a bright light that I can count on at home, whether it is our babies (Bella and Orio), keeping the house clean or just someone to talk to, I know that I have that in you Carmello. We have a great relationship & I truly treasure our relationship! You are the family member that has been on his job the longest & that shows your drive and will to grow. You always say to me (in a joking way) “everybody loves Carmello”. You are right, we all love you. Your personality is so outgoing & you would give a person the shirt off of your back without question. Carmello you truly are my sweetheart & I would like to think that I played a part in building you to be that way. Thank you for being there when I needed you to do the little manly things that a household needs. You’ve always been there to help me & I don’t take it for granted! I really don't! Thank you taking to Orlando like you have and creating a long-lasting relationship with him. Also, we thank you for being there on our special day son. I love you son!

Ernest

Note to Trices’s children

To my Ernie, We have been through so much together, facing disappointments & celebrating triumphs. Through it all, I'm grateful to have had you by my side. Raising you as a woman alone, without a driver's license, was no easy task. Yet, I believe I've done a remarkable job instilling you with purposeful morals & values that have shaped you into the mature and outstanding man you are today. Your conversations are always so poised, professional & interesting, yet rational. I've raised you to be cool, smart, understanding, loving, & real. Ern, I have witnessed you become an incredible dad for your girls while tirelessly and seeing your working every day for them fills my heart with pride. I admire your intelligence, Ernie. With the multitude of paths your life could have taken, your 11 years with Wells Fargo were undoubtedly successful. Seeing you happy and thriving in your current career today is exhilarating. I'm truly delighted that you returned to Chicago, our bond has grown stronger & witnessing your growth as a man has been a joy. I wanted you to find your feet and embrace your youth again. I wholeheartedly supported you in every step you have taken to do so thus far. Your commitment to keeping my Ernie happy fills me with immense pride. Ern, it gives me peace to feel that (I KNOW) that (YOU KNOW) that I am in good hands…. Orlando holds you in high regard, just as I do. Thank you for being here on our special day. I cannot express how much I love you. Always, Ma

Katerra

Note to Trices’s children

Hey mini me, Barbette & I achieved our goals together when we were young. Who would have ever thought that you were watching? Katerra, we have soooo much in common. You are so goal driven & focused on being the best Katerra you can be! You left home in your early 20’s & have continued on full speed ahead in the Army. You made a career out of the Army starting out as a cook & now you are managing the careers of new soldiers. You are doing all of this while going to school & raising my beloved Eli as you still balance your young adult life… Now, if that ain’t Trice, everything I did in my younger life, you are doing now! I just love it! I have not seen you as much as I would like to but I will sacrifice my selfishness for your increase. I am so proud of who you are today & who you’re becoming which is showing up to be a promising tomorrow. You are so creative and ambitious in life in general. You don't let anything get you down. We talk all of the time & each conversation brightens my day! I see such a beautiful, strong woman of wealth in your mind and spirit! Many cannot do what you have done & made it seem effortless! Thank you for staying girlie while being love, light, comedic, brave, inquisitive, mindful & my little lady… Being your mom has been such a gift & I am grateful for all that we have together. Orlando & I want to thank you for participating in our special day! We can’t wait to get to Georgia to see you graduating with your BS in Psychology soon.

Kierra

Note to Trices’s children

Kierra, you are my baby girl, yet I feel that we have grown up together. Seriously speaking, I was not ready for your transition from a girl to a woman. As with Ernie, we have been through so much together & I did not have a drivers license on how to raise you all, but I did it! Being that my youngest child was grown, it was a message that I had to act like an adult and like I said, I was not ready. You have been part of my support system in so many ways. You now have your own family and you are stepping into your own and I am proud of you for that! I would like to share, that I pray all of the time for the success of you and your family. You are a good mom and put your all into shaping and molding your kids the way I have with you all. We have shared some beautiful times together and I am forever grateful for the relationship that we have. Your spirit is so winning in life and you are destined to do great things. I want you to know that I love you dearly and that I am here when and if you need me. I am proud of the woman you have become, you have learned from the best, lol… no really Ki-Ki, you are going to be so powerful in life. Just trust it baby gurl, I see riches in your future. Keep pushing & don’t ever forget your value. Orlando checks on you all of the time, just because. You both have a great relationship. Thank you for showing me your approval of him early on. Additionally, we want to thank you for being one of our special people on this day…

Niece Brittany

Note to Trices’s children

Bo-Bo, I just love me some you! I am so happy that you are one of my love children because you love me through any mistakes or disconnects people may have with me. No matter what, your TT can't do any wrong. I want you to know that I feel a closeness to you today more than I ever have. I know that when you were young, I was not the best auntie not because of any reason but because of circumstances. Maybe living situations, school or me being a single mom. I knew that you needed me to be the auntie you looked up to to be your person, your voice of reason, your prototype & all. Today is a different day, I don't know if you notice it yet but my promise to you baby girl is that I will never miss another birthday, Christmas or moment for us to just love on each other or be there for one another. Quite frankly Brit, I need your energy too! It is soooo infectious, outgoing, loving yet so real. I am forever grateful for you & the love that we have for one another. You are a great mom & you have a heart of gold Brit. You just mean well by the whole family, especially keeping us all level headed & together! Thank you for being an exemplary love child that just keeps on loving me despite my flaws. You are similar to your mom in that you have a way of putting it all together for the benefit of us all. I really appreciate that about you. Thank you for being there on my special day & for walking with me in this walk to become Mrs. LaTrice Rodgers. I love you dearly!

Charlaniece

Note to Orlando’s children

Laniece I have always enjoyed talking to you about things in life. When you were young , we frequently talked about your plans in life in a way to get you prepared for the road ahead. I wanted you to be set up for success, to be free from problems as well as knowing what to do and which way to turn when needed. I am so grateful that you are my daughter because we share a very unique love for each other. You are so loving, funny, charming, and witty and one thing I know is that you love your daddy. We talk often to make sure that I am in the know on what is going on with you. Those talks always bring such value to me. I feel like I give you direction on current life situations and opportunities for you to have a bigger and brighter tomorrow. You come to me and talk to me about anything, and I love that about you. You have always been my other half so much so that when you were young, you took on extra responsibilities to help your mom. You have always been a leader in life, and I am so proud of you for going to school in completing your studies, working fulltime in HR, and raising my baby girl Desire. I want you to know that you, young lady, are a vital part of this family, and I appreciate spending quality time with you. I also want to thank you for creating a loving relationship with Trice. She thinks so highly of you and feels like she can talk to you as well. Thank you for being here for us on our special day, it means a lot.

Orlando Jr.

Note to Orlando’s children

Orlando, I have watched you grow up and you were a sponge to the knowledge that I gave. I knew that you were going to be successful in life because you asked questions about everything, and you have always tried your best to succeed in this life rather than expecting to succeed. Today, you are now a man, you care for your family, your job, and your life as well as your goal to prosper in it all. You are just a strong and hardworking young man of God. I am forever grateful of the conversations we have together. You allow me to be loving, yet candid and straight forward about the right way to handle issues that come up with you. I am happy that you call me whenever you need to talk, and I appreciate that you look up to me to add value to life situations you face in any way. I enjoy our talks about life, cars and just overall building a foundation of strength for each other. OC, I pray daily for you to stay strong in everything you do. I want to thank you for being there for me on my special day. I also want you to know that I love you dearly and that I will always be there for you as best I can. You have always been so focused in life. I want you to know that you are important to me, I will never stop believing in you and that I am very happy to be your dad. You and Trice will get to know each other, and I promise you, you will smile ear to ear when you see what a blessing she really is. Thank you, son, for being here on my special day, it means so much to me.

O'Shea

Note to Orlando’s children

O’Shea “the quiet one” …. O’Shea, we didn’t spend as much time together when you were young. You were always to yourself & spent a lot of time with your mom’s side of the family. I was cool with that because there was no question about it, I knew you were in good hands. I lived for the moments to get you with your siblings on my side. When I had an opportunity to pick you up for the weekend, you opened up because we were all together, that would always make me smile. Son, I have always wanted you to know that you hold a special place in my heart & I adore you, just as you are. You are so mature, well-balanced and level headed & I love that about you! O’Shea. I’m very proud of the many accomplishments you have had in life. I am so thankful that nothing can make your lose your shine! You call me to talk about life, cars, and family.  You are so strong and brave but also kind, smart, honest & just an all around amazing young man.  I pray often that you never lose that shine that is so bright, that you never give up, stick to your goals & keep going in life.  I have never been perfect, but I do the best that I can to support you, to let you know that you are supported & to give you the tools and knowledge you need to continue being a leader in this world.  Stay humble, continue to stay strong, O'Shea, you are such a great son; I am proud to be your dad.  Through it all, I wanted to take this time to say thank you for being there for me when I needed you the most.

Jackie

Note to Orlando’s children

You are the youngest of the bunch, my baby girl but also my comforter. Jackie, I have always been your protector and I want you to know that you are very dear to my heart. I have always cared for you with the greatest love and kept you close to my heart because I knew that you needed me. I talk to you everyday, you have grown up to be quite the chitter chatter of the group, I wouldn’t change it for the world. You are always wondering about this and wondering about that and even though it drives me crazy sometimes, it allows me to know what is on your mind. I know that nothing is impossible because the very word “Impossible” declares, “I’m possible!” That allows me to get you back on track or feel comfort that you are doing well. You may not be able to make it to the wedding because you are on crutches, but I want you to do your best to overcome this. Remember Jackie, the difference between triumph and try is a little umph. I remember when you were little, we had so many special moments. Whether it was the drop offs for school together, watching scary movies or just listening to music together that reminds me (even today) of your and our special time together. You show me often that you need me and that you depend on me to be there for you. Jackie, I am grateful that we have such a great relationship, you are still daddy’s little girl and will always be.