Loryn & James
Wedding Party
Ashley Wheeler
Matron of Honor
Loryn and I met on STU as she began her nursing career. That same year, May 5, 2014, we witnessed two people engaging in a conversation that was…Hmm…(let’s just say we weren’t supposed to hear it), but we did. Loryn and I locked eyes with each other, had an understood non-verbal dialogue, and then turned back to complete whatever task we were doing individually. At that moment I knew she was going to be my friend. So much so, I invited her to come celebrate Cinco de Mayo with me that same night after work and the rest was history. She has constantly displayed love to my family, held me accountable when needed, supported me in EVERYTHING, and most importantly been so loyal to our friendship. I’m forever grateful. It was us at first sight! I love you Loryn Elise!
Carmen Gaddis
Maid of Honor
I’m not sure how we met, but Loryn was always just there in my life. She’s one of my favorite cousins. I’ve always looked to Loryn for inspiration and guidance. She has shown me what it means to work hard, not settle, stay focused and God will bless you. It’s hard to pinpoint my favorite memory with Loryn. When I was younger I always followed her around the family farm and obsessed over what she was doing and where she was going. As an adult, I value our conversations and moments in Mississippi. Notably, me venting about life and her reassurance that everything would be okay. She is an example of successfully overcoming the obstacles of life and that will stay with me forever. I’m truly delighted Loryn wants me apart of this journey as she moves into the next phase of her life.
Ashley Thomas
Bridesmaid
So I really don't remember meeting Loryn. We were just stuck in a room and they said “hey this is your cousin…. !!”Just playing! We are 1 month and 8 days apart as Loryn would always say!!!! The kids of a brother and sister. You left Atlanta and moved to Tylertown but still came to visit every other summer and we’ve been tight ever since. Being cousins so close in age, we've had plenty of experiences and memories… I'm so happy and excited about your life with JAMES!!! Best wishes cousin !!!! Love you!!!
Faith Sherman
Bridesmaid
I met Loryn in nurse anesthesia school at Southern Miss. In fact, initially I sat behind her, but her head and hair were so big that it blocked the board so I moved. Our friendship started with late night and weekend study sessions and hair braiding in class ( I would literally bring a comb, brush, and gel so she could do my hair after lectures). It progressed to morning and evening workouts, life and relationship advice, random turn ups, trips, and adventures! Loryn is like the big sister I always wanted, and I’m so excited that I get to take on this next adventure by your side! Laissez le bon temps rouler!
Keita Malone
Bridesmaid
Loryn insists she doesn’t remember meeting me so I guess we kind of met when we got into the Jackson Heart Study Program. We knew of each other, but never really spoke. That is until the JHS summer SLAM Program. Neither of us wanted to pick a roommate in hopes that we’d get our own room for the summer. Well, since we were both so smart, we ended up being assigned to each other as roommates. So, I guess I just showed up at her doorstep one summer and she took me in (probably thanks to Steve, one whom she’s also never met). But OH once we were LOCKED IN, it was on! From the snowfalls of Tougaloo, dance move butchering, hurricane supply storing, Al Green singing, New Orleans living, SUPER BOWL streetcar, Frenchman, pop-up wedding, slow dancing Drag Queens! Thee bestest friend to ever best!
Nedra Gross
Bridesmaid
I met Loryn 9 years ago in Baton Rouge as a new nurse. The first thing I noticed and loved about her was her big bubbly personality. I could tell she was a country girl like myself and we hit it off immediately! Many of my favorite moments with Loryn always consist of us dancing and having a good time, no matter where we are!!! My funniest memory of Lo is when she “cooked”(😂😂) alcohol infused gummy worms for our Nola girls trip! I am beyond excited to witness Loryn and James begin their Happily Ever After!
Whitney Singletary
Bridesmaid
I don’t remember the exact moment I met Lo - it was somewhere in Renner Hall, with the Tylertown crew, I’m sure. However, I do remember, that every college memory - the highs, the lows, the silly, the reckless, the wins, the losses, the experiences that last for a lifetime; most of those memories include Loryn. I don’t remember the reason, but one day during our senior year at Tougaloo, Lo and I went on a random car ride. We didn’t have a destination, but she drove and I rode for hours; blasting reggae and talking about nothing. That moment is our relationship personified - effortless, earnest, enjoyable and enduring.
Zellessia Ejalonibu
Bridesmaid
I first met Loryn freshman year at Tougaloo College during orientation week, but officially during our honors program courses and NY trip that year. There was always admiration on my end because Lo has always exuded this "I know who I am" energy that is beautiful and unique. We pledged together and it was definitely up from there! There are a few memories I can tell, but one of the best memories was the time we and two of our line sisters randomly were like, “Lets go to Chicago,” and hopped in the car and went! I think that attests to the kind of relationship and sisterhood we have. I’m so happy and proud of Loryn and I’m honored to be a part of her and James' day!
Brian Winters
Best Man
My name is Brian Winters, the brother of James. I guess the day I met James is the day I entered the world in April of '91. We always have and always will have each other. Proud is an understatement on all he has and will continue to accomplish. The older we get, the more I understand and grow to know that you gave me everything just through existing. I can't thank you enough. Forever a 🐐in my eyes. Love ya bro! God's the greatest.
Jeremy Anderson
Groomsman
James and I met May 23 1999. That day James discovered my hidden liquor bottle underneath the tree and showed my mama. 😂😂😂 Ever since then he’s been one of my favorite cousins. I’m proud of you mane!!!
Tavaris Powell
Groomsman
James and I are cousins but when we met at East Trigg Avenue Baptist Church we didn't know it. Forced to sing in the choir by our loving parents, a bond was formed that will never be broken from that day on.
Patrick Gillespie
Groomsman
James and I are cousins but we became “family” in 2013 when we took a road trip to Atlanta. During that time him and I learned more about each other, creating an unbreakable bond. Since then we have shared birthdays, holidays, graduation day, my wedding day & now his wedding day.
Greg Guerrier
Groomsman
Me and Captain Winters met back in 2016 at a CRNA Diversity conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee. We became roommates in 2017 for CRNA school and the rest is history. James started mentoring me from my first year in Mississippi and had me ready to impress everyone the moment I stepped foot into the hospital. Ever since then he’s been like family to me!
Tedrick Vernon
Groomsman
It no secret the field of medicine lacks diversity. Fortunately for me and my man Capt Winters, we have amazing mentors that advocate for POC in the profession. Through these mentors we were able to cross paths and meet at a conference. Our first meeting only consisted of a firm handshake, agreeable nod, and quick exchange of pleasantries. It wasn’t until later we realized we had very similar backgrounds and paths into the field of nurse anesthesia. During his tenure as the “Mayor of Vegas”, James hosted me several times for my birthday (10/22 ironically which is the wedding weekend). He always showed me a good time in the city, and we also had a lot of time to talk about life, relationships, and career among other things. From the time I’ve known him, Winters always been a stand-up guy. He holds down his family, selflessly mentors other upcoming SRNAs, and proudly served his country abroad. As he and Loryn take this next step, I’m excited for their future, and honored to take part in their union!
Taylor Jordan
Groomsman
James and I met at an anesthesia conference in 2017 as student nurse anesthetists. From our initial meeting, I noticed his genuine, authentic, and down to earth demeanor. We bonded instantly - the rest is history.
Hakim Jamison
Groomsman
I met ole Cap'n James through my sister who I'm allowing him to marry. Definitely one of the most genuine guys I've met, wish nothing but peace and happiness to you 2. ✊🏽
Anderson M. Guy
Groomsman
Winters has been one of my best friends for over a decade now after first meeting in college. I don't want this to sound like a love at first sight story but since our paths first crossed | genuinely love this dude. Over the years we've shared so many memories together from kicking it at numerous tailgates, those state to state road trips, joining a fraternity together, front row at concerts and even those Lynmouth house parties, reminiscing on it all we definitely had a good time. But, not to sound like life was all a party, our bond grew closer and closer through crazy situations, long long conversations and simply knowing each other for now a third of our lives. Winters is not just a friend, I consider you my brother. He has chosen a beautiful, smart, driven and remarkable woman to spend the rest of your life with. I'm excited for this I’ve they have for each other, this Union, this New Journey they’re about to embark on. I encourage the both of you to love unconditionally and keep God first. I look forward to watching the both of you grow old together and wish you nothing but the best.