Michelle & Dinavon
Our Wedding Party
Dr. Novelle D.T. Kirwan
Father of the Bride
The first man in my life, my father. God blessed me abundantly with a father who is humble, gentle, hard-working, and kind. A father who has always put the care of his family before anything else. I was a daddy's girl growing up always holding your hand wherever we went. I recall walking through the hospital with you on rounds, hand in hand, trying to keep up with your long stride while peaking into the patient's rooms. I believe it was those times that birthed my love for caring for people. I now try to emulate the care I saw you meticulously give each of your patients as I take care of mine. You have supported me through life's ups and downs, cheered me on in championship games, hooded me as I graduated from med school, and now will walk me down the aisle. I love you Dad!
Marguerite Kirwan
Mother of the Bride
If I can be half the woman and wife my mother is, I will be a phenomenal woman. God blessed me abundantly with a mother who is loving, giving, caring, and so very strong. Her laughter and love light up the lives of everyone around her. You have poured your entire being into raising 3 successful, well-rounded, and productive children. You repeatedly told me as a child "you can do whatever you put your mind to". I believed you and went after what I wanted. You cheered me on in every endeavor. You dried every tear. You told me "chin up" when I faltered and sent me back out into the world. Your strength and determination paved the way for mine. Because of your words and unending love I have persevered, overcome, achieved, and believed. You are our world and our rock. I love you Mom!
Mrs. Elouise Bythwood
Mother of the Groom
My mom! For over four decades, after the passing of Momma Hattie, you raised and nurtured me as one of your own. I'm so thankful for you being the mother that you are. The many Birthdays, family Christmases, our baptisms, school events, summer vacations, teaching us how to cook, being rooted and grounded in the church, the list just goes on and on and on. There are absolutely no words that would do justice, for all that you and dad sacrificed for us. Although he won't be present with us in person, we take solace in knowing he'll be by your side in spirit. And, we are so thankful that at 81 years young, we get to share this life event with you. Love you Mom! Always!!!
Mrs. Patricia Ford
Mother of the Groom
To the giver of my Life... Mom I'm so happy that God saw fit for us to reconnect an unbreakable bond and tether! A spiritual tether that has connected us throughout the years. 54 years ago you gave me life and brought me into existence and for that I am eternally grateful. Had it not been for you I would have never found my Queen. I honor you and we are elated that you are here to share this Life event with us. Love you Mom!
Dr. Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman
Matron of Honor
My Matron of Honor and soul sister, Cynthia, is simply one of the most beautiful people I know both inside and out. We met at UM medical school. Every time I looked at her I thought "my goodness she is beautiful". But as I got to know you I was drawn to your inner beauty and truth. You have always been a true friend. Honest, kind and loving. You are a phenom in your field yet humble beyond words. My best NYC trip was us wandering the streets all day, accidentally ending up at a dancing-on-the-table-tops party and having a "street artist" cut up and reconfigure my clothes into an entirely different outfit! You were the first by my side for Trinidad carnival. And I am thrilled to have you by my side for our wedding day. I need you by my side. Love you Cynthia!
Brandin Williamson Bythwood
Best Man
To a young man I've known ALL of his life, my "One-and-Only" son. I saw your first heartbeat, felt your first kicks, heard your first cry, and watched the miracle of you birthed into this existence. That was truly the proudest day of my life, knowing that God would entrust me with the honor and assignment of being your father. I Love the person that you are and all that you've become thus far in life. You've shouldered so much and I'm super proud of you. Your "Best is yet to come" and I could not have chosen anyone other than you to be my Best-man! I Love you Son! Now and forever! Always Dad...
Sandra Rivera
Bridesmaid
Sandra!! My petite sister-friend with the larger-than-life personality!!! Life would be dull without your joy and contagious laughter. Sandra and I lived across the hall from each other for a long time during my med school/residency years before we were finally introduced by a boyfriend. He is long gone but our friendship remains! I love Sandra for her brutal honesty and her unyielding support. You have always, without fail, wanted only the best for me and I for you. I can always count on you to be there when I need you. You are traveling all the way from Pisa, Italy to be by my side for our big day. I can't imagine this day without you. It will be your laughter, smile, and "that look" that only you can give, with those big beautiful eyes, that will keep me calm. Love you Sandra!
Dr. Tamika Maxwell - Felix
Bridesmaid
My Tameeks, my baby sister, and fellow pediatrician. Tamika is one of the most thoughtful people I know. Whatever you need will arrive at your doorstep before you even realize you need it. That is just you Tamika. You take any celebration to the next level with your creativity, generosity, and genuine love for friendship. I met Tamika somewhere between our Peds circles and church. She called one day saying her plans for carnival fell through, she heard I did carnival, and an "Any chance I could join you and your crew?". And the rest is epic (carnival) history! Life has never been the same and has been a joyous ride filled with laughter and fun with this full-of-life woman by my side. I thank God for having you in my life and soon by my side for our wedding day. Love you Tamika!
Natalie Gordon
Bridesmaid
Natalee, my college bestie and sister from another mother. We've been friends since we were 17 years old. We have laughed, loved, cried, and grown up together. You are "that one friend". That hilarious, wickedly smart, full of laughter, never-a-dull-moment friend. There are not enough words to adequately portray our lifetime of friendship. I could talk about road trips to Chicago or waking up with your feet in my face wondering how you got in my dorm room. Or about garbage bag-lined garbage cans filled with your cocktail concoctions. Years of fetin' in TnT and starting parties on South Beach. Or I can simply say that for 30+ years we have been living life side by side and a wedding simply can't happen without you by my side once more. A friendship for life. Love you Natalie!
Donnell Bennett
Groomsman
My College Football Roomie, at THE University of Miami. The times and experiences we've shared are priceless. From winning a National Championship together in 1991, living through one of the most devastating Hurricanes in US History (Hurricane Andrew 1992), being one of the first to know that you we're expecting the birth of your 1st son, AND the many memories of Big Don, are just truly unforgettable... You've truly been a brother from another mother. I'm inspired by your growth over the years in seeing the Father, Husband and leader you've become for so many. Love you Bruh!!! I'm happy that we can share this incredible life moment together.
Warren Sapp
Groomsman
My G Biggs!!! Where do I even start. You've surpassed ALL expectations that were set upon you. Coming from a small town nestled in the cut of central Florida called Plymouth., being raised by a single mom, etc., the odds were stacked against you , BUT you defied them all. We came in as the class of 91 at "The U", and were blessed to win a National Championship our 1st year. The crazy Coach Orgeron stories, bonding as U D-Line brothers on and off the field, priceless! ALL of the parties we went to where I had "side bets" that NOBODY could take you in a dance off, AND YOU DID NOT DISAPPOINT, EVER! Even our EPIC Slam Dunk battle in the BSO exhibition basketball game. You a 280lb'r from the hash, DUNKED and best me in a Dunk-off, for the title. STILL SMH @ that one! LUV U BRO!!!
Johnny Marseille
Groomsman
One of the most genuine, authentic, and honorable people that I know. I've watched you grow in this Music Business and carry yourself with dignity and grace. I admire your drive, ambition and desire to be a creative of art and a cultivator of meaningful long-lasting relationships. To a much greater degree, I've watched you become a Father, a Dad and a Male role model to Three absolute treasures! They could not have asked for a greater example of a human being to be their teacher in life. I'm grateful to have people like you in my life and happy to have you share in this amazing life event. Much Love Brother!
Larry Jones
Groomsman
LJ! Where do I start. My college roommate at THE University of Miami! If laughter were currency, we'd both be $Billionaires. You made our time in school, on and off the field, the greatest! The many nights we stayed up playing "Tunk" were legendary. How we were both broke, yet still managed to play for money is beyond me. We easily had THE most legendary stories birthed out of our campus apartment. If walls could talk, those experiences would rival any content by "In Living Color, SNL and the Martin Lawrence Show. We may have missed our calling! Between you, Donnell Bennett, Rudy Barber and I, we truly made the best of our time there at the U. Our antics will forever live on in infamy. Wouldn't trade it for the world, and I'm proud to call you guys my "Brothers from another".
Jolie Marseille
Flower Girl
A true Princess of every description! We're so happy and blessed that this little treasure will Flower our day with love.
Liam Felix
Ring Bearer
This little guy is the closest I have gotten to having a son. My nephew Liam, is smart, loving, happy, and just beyond adorable! That little face, that smile, the looks he gives you! He will just melt your heart. He is the son of my good friends Tamika and Jodel whom I have been mashin' up Trinidad with for years. It has been a blessing to watch Tamika and Jodel meet, fall in love, bring this amazing little guy into the world and grow as parents and husband and wife. We are thrilled to have their little son Liam be the ring bearer for our wedding. Please cheer him on as he walks down the aisle. It will be love at first sight for you as well!
The Honorable Orlando Prescott
Officiant
He puts the honor in Honorable and the gentle in gentleman. We have only to see the way he looks at his beautiful wife to know that starting our life with his blessing and words will be a true gift from God. His presence is peace. This gentle giant is a spiritual and humble man. An intelligent and witty man. A man of true elegance and grace. He loves to make others laugh. He loves to love his wife and children. Orlando and his wife Michelle will be a true guiding light in our marriage. We are blessed to call them our friends and honored to have Judge Prescott officiate our marriage.
Nigel Kirwan
Candle Lighter
My older brother Nigel. God blessed me abundantly with an older brother who is strong, giving, smart, and fiercely loyal. He has been a part of the Tampa Bay Lightning Hockey Club since its inception in 1992 helping lead the way to 3 Stanley Cup Championships. You have made us, your family, so very proud. But, more importantly, it is a testament to your character, integrity, work ethic, and skill that you have maintained your position with the same professional sports team for 30 years. You are the gift behind the scene. Never wanting the spotlight. Simply doing and being. You are a pillar of strength for your family, always there in a time of need. You lead by example and, whether you know it or not, Andre and I have always quietly looked to you to lead the way. I love you Nigel!
Andre Kirwan
Scripture Reader
This abundant blessing from God came in the form of a "twin". My younger brother Andre is quite simply a gift to everyone who knows him. He is smart, ambitious, humble, spiritual and absolutely hilarious. You have made us proud with every honor and award bestowed upon you but it is your ministry of giving, to the homeless, to friends, to family, to anyone in need, that truly fills our hearts. I have watched you shoulder some of life's most difficult moments with grace and strength. Always rising above. Always keeping your faith in God. You are a pillar of strength and wisdom for your family and community. You bring your family immense joy, pure love and constant laughter. And make us so very proud. I love you Andre!
Jose Pumarino
Usher
Anyone else have a schmoopie à la Seinfeld? Well, Jose is mine. He is my pediatric residency bestie and brother from another mother. He is my zodiac twin and as such we are a lot alike. You are my fellow world traveler. You plan everything and I just show up with suitcase and passport in hand. From running blindly through the streets of Tokyo during a 6-hour layover almost missing our connecting flight, to nursing me back to health thousands of feet in the air on the way to Korea, our adventures have been epic. Travels aside, you have been there through every twist and turn of my life over the last 22 years, giving me advice, cheering me on and lifting me up. We laugh. We drink vino and caipirinha's and pisco sour. We cook. We travel. And then we laugh some more. That is us.
Toyin Ajose
Usher
Toyin, my brother-friend, is my other peds residency bestie. We met during med school though we went to different schools. We both served on the national board of the student national medical association and became friends then before he moved to Miami for residency. Whenever Toyin is around, laughter and love fill the room. You have always wanted 100% the best for me and have always been there when I needed your help, advice, critique or shoulder. Your insanely creative and incredibly hilarious sense of humor has been the spark for so much laughter through the years. From the escapades at JMH hospital to secret Santa's, from crashing on couches to that Section 8 housing thing . . . we have been through it all side by side with laughter carrying us forth. #friendshipkit4life