Wedding Party

Dr. Misty 'Blue' Reed

Bride

Misty is a native of Monroe, La. She is a graduate of Wossman High School, Prairie View A&M University (B.S. Biology [Biochemistry minor]), Grambling State University (M.S. Criminal Justice), and Southern University (M.S. Biochemical Sciences and Ph.D. Science and Mathematics). She holds +10 K-12 Educational Certifications & Endorsements. Professionally, Dr. Reed is an educational leader, adjunct professor, and athletic coach. She is a member of the one and only Eta Beta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. In her entrepreneurial ventures, Misty is the owner of Creole Body Sculpting. She is an avid multi-sport athlete; having won a SWAC Softball Championship at PVAMU. She is the daughter of Matthew and Anna Reed. Her siblings are Ashley Reed Maryland and Norman Bradford.

Dr. Gregory D. Ford

Groom

Greg is a native of Grambling, La. He is a graduate of Grambling Laboratory High School, Grambling State University, and Meharry Medical College. Greg is a member of the Gamma Gamma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. Professionally, Dr. Ford is the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Southern University New Orleans and the Chief Executive Officer of Brain-Gen Biotech, LLC. He is the son of Wanda Stewart-Ford and the late Arbrah Ford. He has four siblings Timmy, Byron, Gordan, and Torrance. He is the father of 3 children, Allayna, Garrett, and Olivia.

Mrs. Ashley Reed Maryland

Matron of Honor

Ashley is a native of Monroe, La. Like her younger sister Misty, she is also an avid multi-sport athlete with the accolades of a state basketball championship (1994) at Wossman and a SWAC softball champion at GSU as an inaugural member of the team. She earned her B.S. in Criminal Justice (Grambling), her M.S. in Criminal Justice (SUBR), and is currently a doctoral candidate at LSU. There are countless memories between Misty and Ashley that make her the only option for Matron of Honor. If asked, Ashley would take the majority credit for raising her little sister to be intelligent and athletic...though Misty would tend to disagree😁. Ashley is a professor at Alcorn State. University. She is married to Antonio Maryland and they have one son Aiden (of which the bride claims as her own).

Mr. Elliott Williams

Best Man

Elliott is a native of Opelousas, Louisiana.

Ms. Olivia Ford

Maid of Honor

Olivia is a native of Cartersville, Ga. She holds a 4.0 GPA and is in the class of 2024. Currently, she is a clarinet player in the famed L.B. Landry band under the direction of Willie Rawlins. She enjoys playing video games, eating random foods that cause Misty anxiety, and like her brother is a big advocate for thinking that Greg and Misty's money grows on trees. If you are looking for a "Daddy's Little Girl", look no further. Around the house, she is known as the 'height-deprived' one. Her ultimate goal at this time is to cause every hair on her big brother's head to fall out (she has already been successful at this with Greg). Misty lovingly refers to her as Junior, as everyone believes that she looks just like her 'mother' Misty.

Mr. Garrett Ford

Best Man

Garrett is a native of Cartersville, Ga. He is in the class of 2022. Currently, he is navigating through various college offers; as he is highly sought after. He enjoys playing video games, eating Misty's food, and is a big advocate for thinking that Greg and Misty's money grows on trees. Around the house, he is known as the 'second dad' always looking after his sister Olivia, as well as Misty's bodyguard.

Dr. Kimberly Andrews

Bridesmaid

Kimberly, also known as "Shirley" to the Bride, is a native Texan. She is a proud graduate of Prairie View A&M University, a university that stands on its reputation of "Prairie View Produces Productive People". Kimberly is also an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Dr. Andrews currently serves as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Institutional Effectiveness and Student Success at Southern University New Orleans. She is single and ready to mingle, enjoys cooking and traveling, is an avid shoe-shopper, and enjoys living life. Kimberly and Misty have a "Hello Barbara, this is Shirley" relationship based on the fact that Kimberly works closely with the groom. This circumstance tends to get Kimberly in hot water; however, there is never any love lost between the two.

Mr. Norman Bradford

Groomsman

Norman is a native of Jonesboro, La. Like his sisters Misty and Ashley and parents, he is an avid multi-sport athlete. "Shae" as he is called, was adopted by the Reeds and he slid into the role of big brother seamlessly. Misty knows that she is his favorite sister. He is a member of his high school Hall of Fame and 2x State football champion at Jonesboro-Hodge High. Stormin Norman was a standout football player at Grambling having won 1 SWAC Championship and 1 National Black Championship under the Legendary Eddie Robinson, Sr. as well as his father Mathew Reed. He also holds several records at GSU. He has used his Criminal Justice education at Grambling to navigate his career in Corrections as he is employed as a Federal Corrections Officer. He is the father of two.

Ms. Gabrielle Boxie

Bridesmaid

Gabrielle is a native of Sunset, Louisiana. She received her B.S. in Marketing from the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. She became a member of the Epsilon Beta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated in Fall 2003. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering in her community and creating custom shirts, cups, and memorabilia for her business So Conceited Creations, LLC. She is the mother of a son and a daughter, and honorable mention a furbaby. Professionally, Gabrielle is a high school business teacher at Northside High School in Louisiana. It was at Northside High School that "Boxie" and "Reed" formed a bond as coworkers. Misty serviced special needs students in Boxie's classes as the Inclusion Teacher...and the rest of history brings them here...to this wedding.

Mr. Garmer Currie

Groomsman

Ms. Eleisha Brown

Bridesmaid

Mr. John Edwards

Groomsman

John is a native of Fort Worth, Texas. He is a graduate of O.D. Wyatt High School and Tuskegee University. John is the cousin of the bride. John loves to play 'flab' games with Misty, and though they are aging; they are never too old to chase each other around any even they attend to 'get the last flab'. In his spare time, John likes to travel the country on his "I am Greater Than Tiger Woods" gold excursions. He is the son of Bervick and Georgiana Edwards.

Ms. Ronika Dunnaway

Bridesmaid

Ronika Dunnaway native of Houston, Tx. She is the godsister of Misty.  She is a graduate of Clear Brook High School (Friendswood, TX) where she played volleyball and basketball.  She earned her B.S. from Dillard University in Criminal  Justice and minor in Sociology.  Ronika is a active member of La Marque Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (Spr 2007). She is the daughter Mr. Benny  and Mrs. Tina (Fields) Morris and the late Mr.Robert Dunnaway.   Growing up, Misty and Ronika were always close. Misty's sister Ashley (Matron of Honor) and Ronika share the same birthday.  Misty was always witty and fun to be around and her and Ronika would meet up Grambling football games where Misty's father was the Quarterbacks Coach. Professionally, Ronika is a Financial Internal Auditor. Ronika's mom is Misty’s dad's homegirl and she met Misty because her mother was a babysitter for her older sister. Both Misty's and Ronika's parents attended Grambling together. Ironically, Ronika’s mom and her family were members of Greater New Hope Church, where the late Rev. J. J. Stewart pastored; who also happens to be the groom's grandfather.

Dr. Byron Ford

Groomsman

Ms. Serena Ford

Bridesmaid

Serena Ford is a Senior honor student at Grambling State University. She was a member of the famous World-Renowned Tiger Marching Band for three years. Graduating in 2018 from Lincoln Preparatory School, Serena earned the accomplishment of Valedictorian. Serena is a member of Tau Beta Sigma, Incorporated Honorary Band Sorority. After graduating from GSU, she plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Library Science. Serena is the niece of the groom and the daughter of Gordan Ford and Janice Ford, M.D. Serena and Misty began their bond as future niece and aunt when Misty took cousins Serena and Olivia to get the 3 of their noses pierced...with no parental permission as an auntie typically does😁.

Mr. Torrance Ford

Groomsman

Ms. Candice Freeman

Bridesmaid

Candice is a native of Johns Island, South Carolina. She received her B.S. and M.S. from the illustrious (rolling my eyes) North Carolina A&T State University. Professionally, Candice is a Supervisory Environmental Engineer for the US Army Environmental Command. Candice and Misty met when they were selected as inaugural members of the U.S. Department of Energy's Professional Development Corps. When the group of selectees did a rotation to Hanford, Washington, Candice saved Misty's life by allowing her to switch rooms and live with her because Misty and her current roommate were politely not going to survive one more day together. Candice and Misty worked at the U.S. Department of Energy in Aiken, SC as a Nuclear Engineer and Nuclear Biologist, respectively.

Mr. Major Galloway

Groomsman

Mrs. Choya Graves, MBA, RN-BSN

Bridesmaid

Choya is a native of Grand Prairie, Texas. She received her B.S. from Prairie View A&M University, MBA from Amberton University, and RN, BSN from Baylor University. Choya is a member of the Eta Beta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She is not only the linesister of the bride (Fall 2002) but is also the front-link of the bride (36/37). Prior to becoming Deltas, Choya and Misty met in an Accelerated Summer Program (Pre-Medical Concepts Institute) at PVAMU in the Summer of 2001 and have been inseparable ever since. Professionally, Choya is a Charge Nurse in the Emergency Room and Intensive Care Unit. Choya is married to Charles Graves, II, and the mother of three children.

Mr. Anthony Jones

Groomsman

Kimberly Koledoye, Ed.D

Bridesmaid

Kimberly Koledoye is a native of Big Sandy, Texas. She is a professor and the Program Coordinator of the Academic Student Success/First-Year Experience program at Houston Community College. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English (PVAMU), Master of Education Administration (PVAMU), a Graduate Certificate in Composition (University of Houston-Downtown), and a Doctorate of Higher Education Leadership (Sam Houston State University). Kimberly is a member of the Eta Beta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated; and also the line sister of the bride (Fall 2002). Her mentorship/friendship with the bride has aided in sculpting Misty into the fun-loving person we appreciate.

Mr. Antonio Maryland

Groomsman

Ms. TaKeisha "Lucky" Lewis

Bridesmaid

TaKeisha is popularly known as Coach Lucky. She is a native of Lisbon, La. She attended Louisiana Tech University on a basketball scholarship between the years of 1998-2002. Lucky also played professional basketball in the WNBA for the Seattle Storm and the Phoenix Mercury. In her spare time, Lucky enjoys mudding, fixing random broken things, and just being as country as ever with her multiple talents. She has saved Misty many times fixing mechanical automobile issues and rigging things around school, on the basketball court, and softball field that did not work properly. Lucky and Misty grew a friendship when they both worked at Northside High School and coached sports together; as well as through daily collaboration on how to assist the Special Education students that they served.

Mr. Fredrick Payne, J.D.

Groomsman

Ms. Kimberlyn Stewart

Bridesmaid

Kimberlyn Stewart is a native of Monroe, La. and first cousin of Gregory. She is a graduate of Wossman High School and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Northeast Louisiana University (currently University of Louisiana-Monroe). She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Tau Rho Omega Chapter in Carrollton, Tx. Cousins Kim and Greg enjoy spending family time together. Their parents (Kimberlyn's dad and Gregory's mom) are 2 of 24 children siblings! Other than the favct that Misty is a Delta and Kim is an AKA, as soon as they met they hit it off instantly and she is already considered just as much of family to Misty as she is to Greg.

Mr. Robert Pinckney

Groomsman

Dr. Ursula White-Chapman

Bridesmaid

Ursula is a native of Monroe, Louisiana. She earned her B.S. and Ph.D. from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA. Ursula is currently an Assistant Professor of Clinical Science in Human Physiology at Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Ursula and Misty have been BFFs since elementary school and were shining stars of the children’s department and youth choir at New Light Baptist Church. They have numerous laughable and special memories together, including attending 4H Summer Camp where they were the only 2 who refused to jump off the diving board during swim lessons; going to their first Bayou Classic; and becoming sands in Fall 2002 when both became members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Ursula in Iota Theta at LSU.) Their most memorable moment is eating what they thought were regular ice cream sandwiches but instead were frozen peanut butter and jelly sandwiches...which caused them to share the same toilet the entire night trying to barf to get it out! Ursula is married to Troy Chapman, and they are parents to one girl, Ava Troy.

Mr. Paul Washington

Groomsman

Mr. Calvin Jackson (deceased)

Groomsman

Leon 'The Voice' Thomas, III (deceased)

Groomsman

Ms. Porsche Reames

Flower Girl

Porsche is a native of California. She is an active 12-year-old who loves playing soccer, anything scientific (like her father Byron), anything fashion (like her father Stuart), shopping, and hanging out with her friends. Important to note, she is also America's Next Top Model (in the making). Plan to see her strutting down the aisle setting the standard for all flower girls to come. She is the niece of the Bride and Groom. She is the daughter of Stuart Reames, Real Estate Extrodinaire, and Dr. Byron Ford).

Mr. Aiden Maryland

Ring Bearer

Aiden...aka "AceBoogie" is the nephew of the Bride. He enjoys everything Paw Patrol and Black Panther. He recently received a "Top Secret" Security Clearance; and is therefore Highly Qualified to protect the rings on the Big Day. He is the son of Antonio and Ashley Maryland.

Mrs. Wanda Stewart-Ford

Mother of the Groom

Mr. Arbrah Ford (deceased)

Father of the Groom

Mrs. Anna Reed

Mother of the Bride

Anna is a native of Chataignier, La. She is the youngest daughter of 6 children. Even though she would never admit it, being Misty's mother is the absolute best job she has held in her life. Just like her children and husband, she is also an avid multi-sport athlete (retired of course); a definite case of 'they get it from their momma'. Anna earned a B.S. and M.S degrees from Grambling State University, and certification in Counseling. She is retired from Grambling State University as a professor in the Kinesiology Department. Mrs. Reed is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated. In her spare time she likes spending everyone's money but her own; especially at the mall. Here of late, her favorite past-time is hanging with her grandson Aiden. She is married to Matthew Reed.

Mr. Matthew "Rip" Reed

Father of the Bride

Matthew "Rip" Reed is a native of Richwood, La. He is a graduate of Richwood High School. Using his superhero arm, he was personally recruited as a quarterback by the Legendary Coach Eddie Robinson, Sr. He is featured in the movie "The White Tiger". Matthew is known for being able to throw a football from endzone to endzone flat-footed. Rip earned his B.S. in Biology and Therapeutic Recreation, M.S. Sports Administration, and several K-12 Certifications from Grambling State University. He was inducted into the Grambling Hall of Fame and you can find his accolades in the National Black Football Hall of Fame in Ohio. Matthew clearly knew that Misty should be his namesake child because she was going to be the athletic super-talent that she is. He is a retired educator and enjoys tennis.

Rev. Gordan Ford

Officiant

Reverend Gordan D. Ford is a native of Grambling, La. He is Pastor of the St. David Missionary Baptist Church in Vienna, Louisiana, where he has served since 2013. Pastor Ford is a retired Lieutenant Colonel, having served 25 years in the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserve. Currently, Gordan is the Executive Director of Lincoln Preparatory School in Grambling, Louisiana. Pastor Ford received his B.S. and MAT degrees from Grambling State University. He holds a Secondary Education teaching certificate in Mathematics and Special Education. He is a Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated and has been married for 27 years to Janice Ford, M.D. They have two children: Serena (22) and Edward (16). Gordan is the brother of the groom and also served as the officiant of the Misty's sister's wedding. #ItsAfamilyAffair