Melessa & Douglas
Wedding Party
Juliana White
Maid of Honor
Melessa met Juliana in middle school at Tampa Preparatory School during the cross country class. They really bonded when they had the same theatre class together in high school. They would perform various skits for the class and created a plethora of inside jokes. Their friendship continued through high school and into college when they both ended up living in Tallahassee, FL. Juliana went to FAMU and Melessa went to FSU but they were always close during the college years. Many antics, hijinks, and adventures later Melessa is proud to call Juliana her Maid of Honor.
Sean Haghgou
Best Man
Doug and Sean both grew up in Heathrow just one street apart. In those early years and during highschool Doug and Sean bonded through all sorts of activities, whether it was basketball, discovering hip-hop, climbing the ranks in Halo 3, or catching lizards for extra credit in AP Environmental Science. Although Doug became an FSU Seminole and Sean a UF gator, they remained tight in college. Sean always opened his door for Doug to stop by and hang out on his way up to Tallahassee. These days it's not too uncommon to find Doug, Sean and Melessa all gaming online together. Doug is proud to call Sean his Best Man.
Krizia Barker
Bridesmaid
Krizia and Melessa met in class at the Florida State University. It was basically friendship at first sight! They would spend the wee hours dancing the night away at night clubs on many weekends. Nowadays, Krizia lives in California but has found the time visit Melessa multiple times a year. They visited Denver, Colorado in July 2022 and New Orleans, Louisiana in April 2022. Melessa cant wait to share her special day with Krizia!
Dalynn Gammons
Bridesmaid
Dalynn and Melessa met through their mutual friend and Maid of Honor Juliana White. The first time Melessa met her was at 7th and Grove, she congratulated Melessa on her engagement, and has been a sweetheart ever since. They have gone to many parties and events together including the yearly Noles Block Party. It's always a good time with hanging with Dalynn!
Darnesha Foli
Bridesmaid
Melessa met Darnesha at Stetson University College of Law in 2013, they had the same orientation and sparked a quick friendship. They've had many fun times together since, always keeping in touch regardless of the distance. Even though she lives in Miami, FL now pursuing her legal career, she still finds the time to chat and hang out when her schedule permits. Melessa is always thankful for her friendship with Darnesha.
Mallory Willett
Bridesmaid
Melessa and Mallory met in 7th grade at Tampa Preparatory School when she was introduced into Melessa's friend group. They would have many sleepovers and go to fun parties - with our parents permission of course. When they got older, they had the pleasure of working with together at Riverbend Retreat for a short period of time and it was wonderful. Mallory is as good a professional as she is a friend, Melessa is happy to call her my Bridesmaid.
Louzanna Rajah
Bridesmaid
Melessa's story with Louzanna starts with a DNA test with 23andMe. Through DNA testing as well as confirmation from family members, they found out that Louzanna is Melessa's Mother's sister! Melessa found out that she had an Aunt on her Mother's side thanks to DNA testing. Louzanna currently lives in Bellevue, Washington but stays in touch as much as she can with a busy family. Melessa is am excited to finally meet her and have her be a part of the ceremony.
Stephen Meyer
Groomsman
Stephen is Douglas's brother-in-law. Father to Emmett and Savanna, Stephen has helped make sure that his kids know their Aunt Melessa and Uncle Douglas through many trips and vacations to Florida. Douglas, Melessa, Krizia, Juliana and Bernard visited Stephen and family in July of 2022 and everyone had an amazing time. Stephen and his wife Amy along with their children Savanna and Emmett currently reside in Denver, Colorado.
Pat Barkhuff
Groomsman
Pat is Douglas's brother-in-law. They met through his sister Emily. Father to Eva and Anna, Pat along with his wife Emily make an effort to visit Florida as much as they can to visit family. Pat currently lives in Virginia.
Drue Millman
Groomsman
Drue is a teacher in Denver, Colorado and educates the next generation. Doug and Drue bonded over Magic the Gathering. When Douglas and Melessa visited Denver in July of 2022, Lindsay and Drue showed them a great time with games and pizza!
Bernard Jordan
Father of the Bride
Bernard Jordan is Melessa's father. He is a wonderful person who is always there to lend an ear or word of advice when needed. He is also reliable and will do whatever is in his power to help those in need. Bernard has always made sure that Melessa is taken care of and would never let her go without the necessities. Bernard and Melessa have a wonderful relationship that spans multiple decades, she is honored to have him walk her down the isle.
Sharon Jordan
Mother of the Bride
Sharon Jordan is Melessa's mother. She immigrated with Melessa and not much else from Georgetown, Guyana around 1994. From there she met Melessa's father, Bernard Jordan, through an accidental phone call. She was an avid cat lover and specifically adored Abyssinians. Her personality was the epitome of a shining light in a dark room: bright, welcoming, and joyful. Melessa was blessed to be with her mother for 27 years of her life. Although she can not be here physically to celebrate the wedding, we know that her spirit will attend and live on through the memories of everyone she knew, and especially the memories of Bernard, Douglas, and Melessa.
Richard Rinner
Father of the Groom
Richard Rinner if the father of Doug, Lindsay, Amy, and Emily. His stern yet familiar attitude has guided Douglas through many trials and obstacles. He continues to be a source of encouragement to Douglas and Melessa.
Linda Rinner
Mother of the Groom
Linda is the mother of Douglas and Lindsay Rinner. She has always been very involved in Douglas's life and can always be counted on to cook an amazing meal. Her culinary skills aside, Linda is a wonderful bastion of advice and good will. Her upbeat attitude always makes for a good talk and she will always make sure that her family is taken care of.