Wedding Party
A'keria Dangerfield-Johnson
Matron of Honor
A’keria has been Angela’s best friend for more than 25 years, and “best friend” still does not feel big enough to describe what she is. She is family. They did not just grow up together, they grew through life together. Through graduations and deployments, breakups and engagements, awkward hair phases and glow-ups, childbirth, family loss, and everything in between, they have been side by side through it all. If life had a highlight reel, A’keria would be in every chapter, because she has never missed a moment that mattered. A’keria is a super mom and the kind of woman who always gets things done, while still showing up for the people she loves with energy, grace, and no shortage of suggestions. Nearly ten years ago, Angela had the honor of standing beside A’keria as her Maid of Honor, and on June 19, 2026, that love comes full circle as A’keria stands beside Angela once again.
Nicole Pender
Bridesmaid
Nicole is Chris’s only sister and his built-in best friend from day one. From basketball courts to family cookouts, they’ve always been a team. After high school, Nicole followed in his footsteps on and off the court, attending the same college and playing basketball alongside her big brother. Their bond has always been strong, built on shared memories, late-night laughs, and a deep sibling connection. When Angela came into the picture, she and Nicole connected right away. What started as a friendship grew into a real sisterhood filled with love, laughter, and mutual respect. Now, Nicole isn’t just Chris’s sister, she’s Angela’s sister too.
Amy DiDonato
Bridesmaid
Amy and Angela met at their first unit in the military. When Amy joined the unit, Angela was deployed overseas, and everyone joked that there was no way they’d ever get along once she returned. They could not have been more wrong. From the moment they met in 2012, they clicked, and what started as an unlikely friendship quickly became an unbreakable bond. Amy is the sweetest person and the good kind of crazy, the kind that makes life more fun. Their friendship has always been full of laughter, good energy, and the ability to turn even the worst situations into something they can laugh about later. No matter what life throws their way, they always find a way to laugh through it together. Through every season; time, distance, and duty have never been able to come between them.
Aida NegronCarrasco
Bridesmaid
Aida NegronCarrasco is one of the funniest people you will ever meet. Her quick comebacks and sweet, unassuming nature caught Angela off guard at first, but it did not take long to see just how special she is. Beneath that calm exterior is someone with a warm heart, an adventurous spirit, and a love for making life fun. It is safe to say things are never boring when Aida is around. She loves deeply, laughs loudly, and has a way of making everyone around her feel lighter, happier, and more themselves. Being around Aida is a reminder to loosen up, enjoy the moment, and choose joy whenever you can. Angela feels incredibly lucky to have her in her life and is truly honored to share this day with her.
Ebony Davis
Bridesmaid
Angela and Ebony met more than ten years ago while working side by side, not knowing they were at the start of a lifelong friendship. What began as a shared job quickly turned into something much deeper, built on big personalities, the same sense of humor, and the ability to laugh through just about anything, especially with each other. Ebony is vibrant, fearless, and unapologetically honest, often saying exactly what everyone else is thinking, just like Angela. Over the years, their friendship has grown into one that is rare, real, and unfiltered, rooted in loyalty, honesty, and deep love. They keep each other grounded, lift each other up, and have always shown up for one another with love, laughter, and complete authenticity.
Chanthou Soeum
Bridesmaid
Chanthou is married to Angela’s brother and is the mother of Angela’s first niece and nephew, who hold such a special place in her heart. From the very beginning, she has been a wonderful addition to the family, and over time, what started as family ties grew into a real friendship. Chanthou has a quiet, calm presence, but do not let that fool you. Over the years, she has opened up more and more, and she definitely knows how to turn up, show out, and make people laugh. She is kind, genuine, honest, and always brings a different perspective when it is needed most. Her steady energy has brought balance to a "lively" family, becoming a true friend and confidant.
Raiyah Houser
Bridesmaid
Raiyah is Angela’s first niece and her unofficial tea clocker, always keeping it real and never hesitating to let her aunt know if the look is giving or needs a second try. She is bubbly, full of personality, and has a magnetic energy that naturally draws people in. Being around Raiyah means laughter, honesty, and never wondering what she is really thinking. Angela has had the joy of watching Raiyah grow from a little girl into a beautiful young woman, and they have shared so many memories, and little moments along the way. As Raiyah gets ready to graduate high school next year, she is stepping into adulthood with grace, confidence, and her own unique shine. Having her stand beside Angela in this moment makes it all the more special.
Justin Simmons
Groomsman
Chris and Justin first crossed paths in middle school as basketball competitors. Chris will openly admit he couldn’t stand Justin back then. Years later, when Justin transferred to Mansfield University to play basketball alongside Chris, everything changed. What started as rivalry quickly turned into the realization that they were remarkably alike, both on and off the court. From college teammates to lifelong brothers, Justin has been one of the people Chris has relied on most while growing into adulthood. He has consistently shown up with honesty, loyalty, and humor through every season of life. Watching Justin build a beautiful family with his wife Meghan and their children, Jordan and Bryson, has been both inspiring and grounding.
Devin Pender
Groomsman
Devin is Chris’s youngest brother and despite the difference in years between them it has never defined their bond. Chris has had the privilege of watching Devin grow up in real time, from childhood into the man and friend he is today, and that journey has been one of the most meaningful relationships in his life. Quiet by nature but thoughtful, Devin is a willing listener who doesn’t speak often yet when he does, his words are always clever, insightful, and often humorous. He brings a steady calm and wisdom well beyond his years, making him someone Chris has always been proud of.
Jarrod Baylor
Groomsman
Chris and Jarrod first met in high school playing football during lunch, but their friendship truly deepened after Chris graduated from High school and throughout college. What started as casual hangouts eventually led to a major milestone; becoming roommates when Chris moved out of his parents’ home for the first time. That house marked a pivotal chapter for both of them, as it was each of their first real step into life away from home. The experience was filled with growth, laughter, and plenty of unforgettable moments shared with each other and a house full of friends. Those years helped shape who they were becoming and solidified a bond built on shared responsibility and real-life experience.
Aaron Lloyd
Groomsman
Chris met Aaron in the eighth grade through basketball, when a mutual friend brought him over convinced Aaron would be able to beat Chris and a few of his neighborhood friends. While Aaron may have left with a loss that day, he gained something far better; a lifelong friend. From that moment on, basketball became the foundation of their bond. Over the years, Chris and Aaron played on teams together, even worked together after college, and shared a home as roommates for a few years. Each chapter added another layer to a friendship built on trust, shared experiences, and mutual respect. Aaron has been one of Chris’s closest friends through every stage of life.
Rodney Norris
Groomsman
Chris and Rodney’s families first connected when they were young through Little League baseball and attending the same church. Although they went on to attend different high schools, their bond stayed strong through a shared love of basketball and staying connected over the years. That connection eventually led Rodney to briefly attend Mansfield University, where Chris encouraged him to come play. Their time there marked another meaningful chapter in a friendship built on encouragement, shared experiences, and mutual respect. What began in childhood continued to grow through sports and life transitions.
Walter Dunston
Groomsman
Walter is Angela’s younger brother, and from the very beginning, he’s brought energy, charisma, and authenticity. Beyond his accomplishments, Walter’s character and presence make him someone Chris genuinely enjoys being around. Their relationship continues to grow naturally, rooted in mutual respect, humor, and shared experiences with family. As Chris and Angela begin this next chapter together, Chris looks forward to continuing to grow alongside Walter not just as friends, but as brothers-in-law.
Ray Houser
Groomsman
Ray is Angela’s oldest brother and someone Chris quickly connected with through humor, shared interests, and a similar approach to life. Funny, charismatic, and highly driven, Ray brings an infectious energy into every room he enters. A successful bodybuilder, Ray also introduced Chris to cycling, one of the many ways their bond has grown through shared challenges and mutual motivation. While the two are alike in many ways, Chris will readily admit that Ray is just a little (or a lot) stronger. As family ties become official, Chris looks forward to continuing to grow alongside Ray not only as friends, but as brothers-in-law.
Liam Houser
Junior Groomsman
Liam is Angela's first nephew and Chris's junior groomsman. Smart, logical, and wise well beyond his years, Liam is the kind of kid who can explain things most adults avoid, like how taxes work! He loves staying in the house playing board games with his family. It usually takes a lot to convince him to venture out, so thanks for agreeing to be a part of our special day Liam! Sweet and thoughtful, Liam always brings a calm and clever presence wherever he goes.
Walter Dunston Jr.
Junior Groomsman
Walter Dunston Jr. is Angela’s nephew and a star athlete. He’s kind, sweet, and always cracking jokes that keep everyone laughing. Walter has a big personality and an even bigger heart; we love watching him grow into such an amazing young man and so happy he can be a part of this amazing day.
Mackenzie McFadden
Ring Bearer
Also known as Mack, Mackenzie is Chris’s only nephew and Nicole’s son. He is incredibly smart, loves numbers, and stays busy with the many extracurricular activities he is involved in. Having his only nephew stand beside him on his wedding day makes this moment even more meaningful for Chris.
Knoxton Johnson
Ring Bearer
Knoxton is the bride’s Godson and the son of the Matron of Honor, making his role as ring bearer extra special. Full of energy and imagination, Knoxton has an impressive talent for turning any object into a pretend weapon, so naturally, he was the obvious choice for ring security. With his big personality and even bigger heart, he’s guaranteed to bring smiles, laughter, and a little excitement as he makes his way down the aisle.
Payton Dunston
Flower Girl
Peyton is the bride’s little cousin and is every bit as sweet as she looks. With her precious smile and gentle nature, she’ll be tossing petals and stealing hearts as she makes her way down the aisle.
Edie Dunston
Mother of the Bride
Edie has always been honest, direct, and never afraid to speak her mind, something Angela came to know early on and truly values now. She probably never imagined the day would come when her only daughter would be walking down the aisle, and yet here they are. Through her example, and plenty of tough love, Edie taught Angela what hard work, sacrifice, and determination really look like. She has been a guide, a protector, and one of the biggest forces shaping the woman Angela is today. Beyond being her mother, Edie is also one of her favorite dinner dates, museum buddy, and reading partner. This wedding is not just a celebration of Angela and Chris, but also of the love, lessons, and unwavering guidance Edie has poured into Angela’s life from the very beginning.
Debbie Pender
Mother of the Groom
Debbie is a strong, loving, and deeply supportive mother who has always wanted nothing but the very best for her children. Growing up, she made one thing very clear, she was their mother first, and friendship would come later, once they completed their job of graduating college. That foundation of love, discipline, and care helped shape the family she so proudly loves. Known for her joyful spirit and love of laughter, Debbie brings warmth and light wherever she goes. For Chris, making his mother proud has always been one of his greatest motivations, and her unwavering support continues to be a guiding force in his life.
Chris Pender Sr.
Father of the Groom
Chris Sr. has been a constant presence and steady voice throughout Chris’s life. From teaching him how to play sports to instilling the values that shaped the man he is today, his influence has been both foundational and enduring. Grateful for every lesson (no matter how long-winded the stories), Chris recognizes his father as an exceptional role model. A dedicated father, trusted mentor, and genuine friend, Chris Sr.’s guidance and wisdom continue to leave a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
