Wedding Party
Kayla
Matron of Honor
When Lauren and I met in 2014, I had no idea how much we would get to experience together! I have loved getting to be her classmate, roommate, housemate, neighbor, dance/workout partner, babysitting partner, turn up twin, bestie, sister, ……the list goes on! Lauren, you’ve shown me so much consistency, love, and sisterhood and I am honored to stand by your side as you begin this exciting new chapter. I can’t wait for your big day!
Jaliah
Maid of Honor
I met Loey in high school but we became best friends in college. Loey and I are opposite in so many ways - she's very extroverted and I'm extremely introverted, she loves pizza and I can't really stand it, she's a forgive-and-forget kind of person and I never do, but we're the same where it counts, in our love for each other. We have shared so many of life's highs, lows, and biggest moments together and I'm so thrilled to be by your side for this celebration, too! You deserve all of the happiness the world could ever provide, bub, and I will root for you until the end of time. Cheers!
Erin
Maid of Honor
Lauren and I first began our friendship in our freshman year history class, and the memories we've created since then are ones I'll always hold near and dear to my heart. From talking about Twilight in history class, to traveling to Japan, to becoming college roommates—you've become more than just a friend to me; you're family. I’m so excited for this next chapter in your life with Sean. I love you and I’m honored to stand by your side on your big day!
Imani
Bridesmaid
I was 12 years old and it was a normal day walking into my 7th grade Spanish class. Little did I know I would meet my sister that day. Lauren complimented me on my long hair (not knowing it was a weave lol) and we were best friends ever since. Lauren taught me what it meant to be a good friend, and showed loyalty to me even in times when it wasn’t the easiest thing to do. 18 years later, and Lauren hasn’t changed a bit. There’s no one more patient, more understanding, and more empathetic. She literally always makes the best choices, and I’ve always looked up to her. If I have a daughter, I hope she’s just like Lauren. Sean is the luckiest man in the world in the world to have her as a wife, and I’m the luckiest girl in the world to have her as a sister. I’m honored to be by her side now and forever.
Cathy
Bridesmaid
Lauren and I met our sophomore year of undergrad and quickly became best friends. From living together, off campus trips, parties and everything in between Lauren and I did pretty much everything together. Each year Lauren and I continue to grow closer and closer. Despite the fact that we now live thousands of miles a part, Lauren still remains one of my truest and dearest friends. Although we’ve traded our daily hangouts for virtual wine nights and annual trips, no matter the distance, I know you will always be there for me. I am so happy and excited for you and Sean and feel so honored and blessed to be a part of your special day. I Love you Lauren Ashley and congratulations!
Destini
Bridesmaid
I’m so grateful for my god sister. Watching Lauren blossom into the beautiful woman she is has been such a joy. From picking out doll dresses in the play room to picking out wedding dresses in our 30’s 🥹. I want to cry every time I think about you starting this next chapter because you deserve the love and light you bring to this family. ❤️ love you sissy and I can’t wait to continue celebrating life with you!
Kelly
Bridesmaid
Lauren and I happened to be born into the same family but we chose to be friends. Our whole lives we called each other blood besties. Cousins by chance, friends by choice! From running around at the beach in the summers to getting matching family tattoos to your wedding day! This is day little girls dream of having and couldn’t be more excited that you are living your fairytale. I am so happy to be by your side through this next journey of your life, and wish you and Sean a lifetime of happiness following Gods lead. May God bless this marriage for an eternity. <3
Shawn
Best Man
Where do I even begin? Fall semester of 2014, Tower C, 4th floor. Fast forward 10 years, and I STILL haven’t gotten rid of him. If you would’ve asked me 10 years ago whether D’Sean and I would be this close, I probably would’ve said yes—mainly because he’s always looked up to me (who can blame him for that), I keep him grounded and motivate him to be a better man. So for that, you're welcome, D’Sean. All jokes aside, over the past 10 years, we’ve been there for each other through the highs and lows, supported one another through thick and thin, and pushed each other to become better men. For that, I can't even begin to express how valuable this brotherhood is to me. I can’t wait to see what the next phase of your life brings, and I know Lauren will bring out the best in you, just as you will for her. Rest assured, I’ve got plenty more to say… but I’ll save that for the speech 😉😂
Tam
Best Woman
My bestfriend, my confidant , my protector & one of the greatest people I know and get to call a friend. 11 years of friendship and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Who knew an accidental elevator meeting would lead to one of my greatest (& tallest) blessings in life? From the first day we met back in college we knew we would be in each others lives forever! There was no getting rid of us, crazy, loud, genuine and of course … always getting on Shawn’s last nerve lol There’s never been a time I couldn’t count on you, your genuine love and support in all of life’s endeavors will never ever go unnoticed! We have and forever will be there through all of our moments in life and I can’t wait to support and be there for all that is to come! I pray that God blesses this union and that He wraps His hands firmly and tightly around you two and that He protects your union and keeps it everlasting. I thank God for the love you both share , I thank God for his presence within you. I pray he keeps you both firmly planted and rooted in Him, ever growing and evolving and to help to always find the silver linings in your life together. I love you both! Tam
Dionte
Groomsman
Sean met me about 28 years ago, a day he regards as one of the best in his life. Because of that day, he’s always had a quiet vow to make sure his siblings were taken care of. From feeding us when mom was working, to taking the heat for quite literally everything, Sean always put us first, & himself second. Countless days playing basketball, parachute training at the park, watching Monday Night Raw (staying up an hour past my bedtime), or letting him win games of 2K on the PS2, are memories that will never be forgotten. I’m incredibly proud of you, and excited to see what yours and Lauren’s future holds.
Joe
Groomsman
I knew from the minute that I met D'Sean, that he was a menace to society. Ever since I’ve met D'Sean when I transferred to Towson in res hall, I have known no peace. A multi-faceted threat, who thrives in chaos and laughs in the face of mayhem. Many adventures have came and went, that simply would not be the same without his chaos and support. Adventures some could dream of, this man has done and surpassed. I rarely ever seen this man truly upset, or even stressed. He can be in pits of hell, and still smile knowing somehow or someway, a plan will formulate. From our days at tower C on campus, to link ups with the rest of the crew, to our weekend gatherings, I’ve come to the same conclusion every time; as chaotic as he may be, this man, is a pretty damn good friend.
Marcus
Groomsman
Well well well, ima start off by saying Sean put me in hand cuffs “NO Diddy” for no reason in front of everybody. lmao I met Sean last year “summer”, we both was seeking something very special. Throughout that process, me and Sean became real tight, to the point where he would know my weaknesses, and I’ll know his. Here today we are still making memories, and I’m forever grateful to call you my line brother. RQQ💜
Andy
Groomsman
I first met D’Sean on my very first day in Richmond. I had signed up for a class at Shockoe Bottom CrossFit, and there he was, one of ten people in the class and easily the most intimidating. My first thought? Damn, this dude is huge. He’s at least a foot taller than me with probably 80 more pounds of muscle. That’s my competition - he’s going down. I just hope he doesn’t eat me. The workout that day was brutal. In the first round, we tied. For the next four, I managed to inch ahead, fully expecting a high-five, some friendly banter, or at least an exhausted nod of acknowledgment afterward. Instead, D’Sean looked like he wanted to fight me, or maybe collapse, or maybe both. He left without saying a word. It took weeks—weeks—for us to warm up to each other. Slowly but surely, we learned each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and which workouts would make the other one suffer the most. Somewhere between competing in CrossFit competitions together, pushing each other through “fun” training sessions, D’Sean went from “the guy I thought might eat me” to one of my closest friends. And now, I get to celebrate a new chapter of his life—one that doesn’t just involve working out and not-so-friendly trash talk, but a lifelong partnership with someone who makes him even better. D’Sean, I’m honored to have met you, trained with you, and now, to celebrate you. Just know, no matter how strong your marriage gets… I’ll still be nipping your heels in the next workout. Congratulations, my friend!
Carl
Groomsman
D’Sean, From the moment we met, I knew we were destined for a lifelong bromance. Through countless workouts, I’ve had to slow down just so you could keep up. Your strength is impressive though, except for that one competition where gravity won. It’s wild that even though I’m so much older than you, I’m still somehow more fit. You’d think youth would be on your side, but here we are—me leading the way while you struggle to catch your breath. Lauren, you’ve truly won the ultimate prize: the best-looking, strongest, slowest police officer on the force. May your love for D’Sean last longer than his endurance (which, let’s be honest, isn’t setting any records). Jokes aside, you two are an incredible couple, and I’m beyond happy for you both. Wishing you a lifetime of love, laughter, and maybe, just maybe, some improved cardio. Love you guys!