Matthew & Jerell

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Meet our family and friends that are walking down the aisle with us.

Ricky Bryant

Best Man

Ricky and I met before we even cared to know each other. We shared a womb and a room, and continue to share life. As brothers, in our early years, we fought like cats and dogs. It seemed like we lived in two different countries constantly at war. He was sports, I was academia. He was fashion, I was technology. He was bad, I was bougie. However, in our later years, we have bonded stronger than Gorilla Glue! I’ve never had to look for his support, it’s always there. It’s his big heart, open mind, and glowing kindness that draws you into him. He’s not the brother I “never” had… he’s the brother I “got” to have. (We’re brothers… we’re happy and we’re singing, and we’re colored…)

Shelley Washington

Best Woman

As Tupac would say in “Poetic Justice” Cuzzin! We started as Bayou Babies taking baths together, to now Dallas Divas stuntin on them heauxs! R.Shelley is my favorite cousin who can turn the darkest times into the brightest moments with her off-the-wall sense of humor. Whenever I’m with her, I know it’s going to be nothing but fun and laughter. One of our best times together was at Onyx (iykyk). I still don’t know how to describe it to this day… and I’ll leave it at that. Shelley is the life of the party and my dance partner for life. When our songs play, you WILL find us on the dance floor. She is more than just my cousin. She is my tried-and-true.

Misti Gensler

Groomswoman

Misti knew me before I knew her. She was my rebel cousin that could NOT be told what she was and was not going to do (I was jealous). She is one of the funniest people I know and doesn’t even try to be. Her no filter, quick wit and GIANT heart are my favorite things about her. She will cut a hoe…then give them a Band-Aid. But won’t watch a scary movie??? Misti’s zest for life and determined spirit has taught me to go after what I want… and now we’re here!! She’s my cousin, my sister, my counsel, my ride or die!

Justan Baker

Groomsman

Justan was the first to make me a big brother and then tried his best to stay glued to my hip. If he tries to deny it, I have the pictures to prove it! We had all types of fun as kids, from him singing Lionel Richie’s “Hello” in the car… on repeat… acting like he was in concert. To riding roller coasters, where he thought I would get in trouble for cursing… shouldn’t have had me that high up! Justan has an artistic nature that I love! He’s kindhearted, intelligent, and loving… he’s even saved a life!

Michael Gensler

Groomsman

Michael is my oldest brother! Between him and Ricky, you would think we were triplets. As my biggest brother, Michael has played many invaluable roles in my life. I have been blessed to have his friend-like support, brother-like protection, and father-like wisdom. Any time I get to spend with him is always full of love and laughter. He IS the silliest person I know! He will give you the shirt off his back if you need it. You can expect him to have fun and to help you have fun.

Keyonna Stephens

Groomswoman

Keyonna is one of the many cousins I did not know I was blessed to have in Dallas. I was able to finally meet her in 2015. Since then, we have been inseparable. Although she is my other favorite cousin… she quickly became like another sister to me. We share similar personalities, matching each other’s silliness, sarcasm, and determination to be successful in all that we do. There are countless memories between us from road trips, family gatherings, and outings. My favorite running joke with her is that she looks like Tyler Perry, for her to come back to say I look like one of the Thumbheads from Spy Kids. The personality trait I love about Keyonna is that she treats everyone the same. She is very giving and supportive no matter how good or bad she is treated.

Comineatha Bryant

Groomswoman

This whirlwind of a goddess…in the least… is an experience! Comineatha, aka Baretta, is a fabulous person that has known me forever. She’s my big cousin! We started when I was in diapers running around my house, and she had to chase me down as my babysitter (I was fast too…). I’ve had the opportunity to benefit from her kind heart, militant discipline, and encompassing wisdom. I’ll never forget our trip to NRH20. We were in the wave pool, and someone’s tube hit her son. She came out of nowhere, flipped them over, and made sure they learned their lesson. Only to follow with teaching me to swim backward, as if nothing happened. I was in awe… and learned to swim backward! When spending time with Baretta you know…but don’t know… what you’ll get. You are guaranteed to get love, laughter, wisdom, and a BUNCH of silliness. With her, it’s about living your best life!

Diontae Jones

Groomsman

Diontae is my “little big brother”. As kids, we fought all the time. When Diontae wasn’t following me and my friends around, he was stealing my stuff (and tearing it up too). Diontae’s mouth got him in more trouble than Donald Trump, but his “big little brother” (me) was always there to protect him… no matter how annoying he was! One thing I admire most about Diontae is his athletic abilities. However, it’s his goofiness that will steal your heart. Without even trying, Diontae can make people laugh… his impression of our parents is my favorite… OR how he won’t admit that I AM the better cook. I love his kind heart and the joy he spreads wherever he goes… big softy!!

Ale'shera Bryant

Mistress of Ceremonies/Usher

This peculiar individual, I have had the pleasure of knowing longer than she has known me. This is MY baby cousin! Ale’shera, aka Kayla, aka KB, aka Luda wears many hats. As cousins only two years apart, we have spent many days together. We have laughed, we have cried, we have fought, but most importantly we have loved. My favorite memories of us were watching movies together and acting out the silly scenes. To this day while in mid-conversation, we blurt out movie quotes. The laughter never stops! Kayla has been integral in helping me to find my own strength, which I can never repay. I love how full of life she is and will share that with anyone. She's silly, loving, and hardheaded... but no one can beat her heart. Her non-existent filter mixed with random wit is The Greatest Show on Earth. All I can say is... be prepared.

Amari Jones

Usher

There's a wonderful comfort in having a friend who accepts you and loves you and will to the end. Amari is just that wonderful friend. We've known each other since 2014 at the beginning of our career at AA. Shortly after, she left AA and went to Southwest. She asked me to come with her, and stubborn me, I said NO. However, over the years we stayed in contact and always called each other to check up on one another. Amari is that true friend who is genuinely happy and supportive of you no matter what. She's forgiving and humble. She's a friend that will also fight for you or with you! Ride or die!! She's the kind of person you call, and she will always be there!! My favorite memory of us is being in Fred’s Hip-Hop Step class. We were in sync, looked over at each other and at the same time said “Yeeeeeeeesssss friend get that sh**t!!