Wedding Party

Sharay Selden

Matron of Honor

I’ve always had a heart for working with children and love spending quality time with my family, friends, and fur babies. Dancing is one of my favorite pastimes, and I also enjoy traveling, karaoke, and game nights. Venus and I met in 2012 during a church retreat, and from the moment we connected, it felt like we were meant to be in each other’s lives. Since then, we’ve shared birthdays, family gatherings, spontaneous adventures, and most recently, a shared love for line dancing. Through laughter and tears, joyful seasons and tough moments, our bond has only grown stronger. I’m so grateful for our friendship and honored to stand by her side on such a beautiful occasion.

Ivori Hawkins

Bridesmaid

I'm Ivori Hawkins, and I’m honored to stand beside Venus as one of her bridesmaids. I’ve been happily married to my wonderful husband, William for 28 years and we are proud parents of 2 children, ages 24 and 20. Dancing, exercise, and traveling are a few of my favorite pleasures. Venus and I first met nearly 13 years ago at a church retreat. I was on the dance floor doing what I love most—dancing—when she jumped right in and started dancing beside me. We danced for hours that night, and by the end, I knew our connection was something special. Back then, I proudly held the title of “dance queen,” but Venus quickly raised the bar—and now she’s out here competing in dance competitions! (Who knew?) Watching her grow not only as a dancer but into the strong, compassionate, and beautiful woman she is today has been such a joy. Over the years, we’ve shared unforgettable memories, countless laughs, and meaningful heart-to-hearts. Through it all, our friendship has only deepened. Being here today to celebrate her love with Marcus is truly an honor, and I couldn’t be happier for them both. Here’s to a lifetime of love, joy, and of course—dancing!

Aisha Chapman-Johnson

Bridesmaid

My name is Aisha Chapman-Johnson. I'm originally from New York and now live in Charlotte, North Carolina. I’m married to my wonderful husband, Corey, and together we have a beautifully blended family of five children—four boys and one girl—ages 32, 31, 28, 21, and 18.5. Seven years ago, I moved to Charlotte from Georgia as we came together as a family. With no close connections in the area, I felt lonely and longed for sisterhood. That’s when I joined a Bible study group led by Venus. From that group, Venus became one of my dearest lifelong sisters. Our bond grew stronger over time, especially as we walked together through some of life’s toughest moments. Those shared experiences created a deep and lasting friendship that I treasure. Now, I’m overjoyed to witness God’s blessing in Venus’s life as she finds love with Marcus—a kind and caring man. Venus, you deserve every bit of happiness coming your way. Marcus, thank you for bringing joy to my friend’s heart. I love you both and celebrate this beautiful chapter in your lives

Jerredith Green

Bridesmaid

Hi. I’m Jerredith. I’ve been friends with Venus since we met and connected at a get together over 10 years ago. Since that day, we have shared countless family celebrations, milestones, and meaningful moments together. It’s truly an honor to stand with her and be part of this beautiful celebration of love. I’m so excited for this next chapter in her life!

Nia Moore

Bridesmaid

Hi everyone, my name is Nia! Since my mom met Marcus, she’s found a new travel partner, dance partner, and most importantly, someone who truly makes her happy. Without her ever having to ask, Marcus goes above and beyond — and because of that, he earned my approval pretty early on. He complements my mom so well, and seeing them together makes me excited for this next chapter in her life. I’m truly happy she found a partner like Marcus!

Whitney Moore

Bridesmaid

My mom has always been the glue holding our family together and she’s supported us through so much. She inspires me every single day to live my best life and I’m so happy to see her starting on this new journey with Marcus. I’m very weary of new people, but the more I got to know Marcus I realized that they were perfect for each other— he’s someone who is able to keep up with her on her many adventures! I’m happy to welcome him to our little family.

Kyneshia Holdbrook

Bridesmaid

My name is Kyneshia Holdbrook. I’m married to my college sweetheart and we will be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary this year. We have two sons, ages 14 and 16. Venus and I met in March 2020 and quickly became walking buddies in the neighborhood. We walked, talked, walked, talked and walked talked some more. Funny story, one morning my right foot began hurting and when I looked at the bottom of my tennis shoes there was a hole. :) We became close in a short amount of time. Now that life has gotten back to normal, we still like to occasionally walk our fur babies together. Thank you for choosing me to stand beside of you as you embark on your marriage to Marcus. I wish you both the absolute best as you start your life together. ❤️ .

Ava Gwaltney Moore

Flower Girl Attendant

My name is Ava Moore, and I recently married Noah, Venus’s son. We’re now expecting a baby girl, and we couldn’t be more excited to watch Venus and Marcus become grandparents to our daughter! I first met Venus back in high school through my close friendship with Nia and Noah—and now, years later, she’s become my mother-in-love! It’s been such a joy to witness the love between Venus and Marcus grow, and I’m truly honored to be part of this beautiful celebration. Even more, I feel incredibly blessed to be part of her amazing family!

Diana Y

Flower Girl

Sophie Y.

Flower Girl

LaTroy Franklin

Best Man

Hello, I am Troy, I have the distinct honor of being connected to Marcus for the last 50 years. Marcus and I grew up playing sports, carrying newspapers, washing cars and shoveling snow together to make extra money as kids. He has always had tremendous work ethic and ambition; it’s no surprise to see where he has landed in life. I am glad to see he has found a strong partner to travel life with going forward. Here’s to the second half becoming the best half.

Tracey Thompson

Groomsman

Tracey is a lifelong public servant who has enjoyed several careers in helping others. It was this passion that allowed he and Marcus to cross paths in 2005. Since then, they have enjoyed professional, business, and family events together, creating a bond of brotherhood. Throughout life's highs and lows, they have been a supportive guiding light for one another. Tacey is grateful for Marcus's friendship through the years and looking forward to welcoming Venus into the family.

Jamal Roy

Groomsman

Hello, I am the oldest of my father’s children. I, like him decided to proudly wear the uniform to serve in the military. I am a detective with a NJ police department and still actively serve with the NJ Air National Guard. I am happy for Venus and my dad as they embark upon their new life together.

Dexter Jackman

Groomsman

Hi I'm Dexter, born on a small Caribbean island, Trinidad. I migrated to the USA in 1988 after high school and I was determined to do great things. It was after I joined the US Coast Guard that I had the privileged to have met and know our groom. I have know Marcus for 25 years, and he has always been a strong rock. We met at US Coast Airstation Atlantic City, and we have been friends, brothers ever since.

Darren Freeman

Groomsman

Marcus and I go way back when we met in 1996, when I was a fresh-faced and slightly confused student in Coast Guard A school in Elizabeth City, North Carolina and he was Stationed at the Air station. We didn’t really hang out but had a few friends in common. Our friendship truly deepened in 2003 when we were stationed together in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Between long watches and even longer conversations, we discovered a shared love for motorcycles, financial goals, and chasing something bigger than ourselves. Marcus has always had a natural leadership quality—not the loud, flashy kind, but the kind that makes you feel calm under pressure and certain that things will work out. Whether it was organizing a crew, talking through career moves, or just being the steady voice of reason when I needed it most, Marcus has always led with heart, wisdom, and a sense of humor that can defuse any situation. Marcus isn’t just a friend—he’s family. I’m incredibly grateful for his loyalty, his advice, and the way he’s been there through every season of life. Thank you for including me on this big day means more than words can say.

Noah Moore

Groomsman

Hey everyone, I’m Noah, and I just want to say how happy I am for my mom as she starts this new chapter with Marcus. From the beginning of their courtship, I could see how much joy and peace he brought into her life. He’s been thoughtful, supportive, and genuinely good to her in all the ways that matter. I am very excited for what the future has for my mom and Marcus!

Marcus Bynum (Lil Marcus)

Groomsman

As the groom’s son, being part of this day means everything to me. Watching my dad step into this new chapter has been powerful — not just as his son, but as a man who respects the love and commitment he’s chosen. I’m honored to stand by his side, support this union, and welcome the journey ahead as our families grow together. Here’s to love, legacy, and new beginnings.

Lenora Caesar

Officiant

At the core of my calling lies a deep passion for ministry, community impact, and sharing the Gospel through teaching. I've been blessed with 29 years of marriage to my loving husband, Lee Caesar Jr., and together we've been gifted with nine incredible children. In addition to Pastoral work, I bring passion for insight and strategy to the corporate world as an Analytics Manager. I'm a lifelong learner and adventurer who finds joy in traveling, exercising, reading biographies, and empowering others through faith and leadership. I met Venus over 20 years ago when we were both stay-at-home mom’s, raising babies and elementary-aged children — a friendship rooted in shared seasons of life and mutual encouragement.