Wedding Party
Mitzi Duke
Bride
Hi! I'm Mitzi -- A type A, detail-loving DIY bride who enjoys making checklists & spreadsheets for everything. I love cooking, reading, traveling to new places, and spending time with the people who mean the most to me, including my little family (Eli & my dog Ollie). I can't wait to marry Eli and celebrate our special weekend surrounded by the people we love most!
Elijah Carter
Groom
Hi! I'm Eli. When I'm not going to Trader Joes with Mitzi or on the couch with Ollie, you'll find me outdoors hunting, messing with my jeep, or spending time with the boys. I'm looking forward to marrying my best friend and sharing that moment with the people most important to me. I can't wait to say "I do!"
Ashley Lyons-Tharakan
Matron of Honor
Ashley & I have been friends for over 10 years. We met in college our sophomore year at UNCC and have been inseparable ever since. No matter the distance, we always find the time to be each other's support and talk almost every day. She is kind, caring, funny, and an all around great person to call a best friend. I was her Maid of Honor at her wedding and I am grateful to have Ashley by my side as my Matron!
LaRon Locklear
Best Man
I met LaRon in college, where he has become one of my closest friends, and someone I consider family, from the early days of him being interested in Phi Nu, to the breakout and peak seasons of Unkle Ron, to now where I can't imagine my wedding day without him standing by my side.
Emily Mitchell
Maid of Honor
Emily & I met at a community group event at our church through a mutual friend who thought we would hit it off. She was right! We can't quite remember how we got so close; we just did. Emily lives less than 10 minutes away from me so we find ourselves spending a lot of time together. Like me, Emily is also very Type A and we share a lot of the same interests, which makes us perfect vacation buddies. We also have a dedicated "girls day" once a month and we have the best time. I can't wait for our best girl's day yet; the day she gets to hold my dress while I pee!
Nathan Campbell
Groomsman
Nathan and I met in college, from the beginning I knew we would get along. I could see that we had similar mindsets on certain things, and we'd always manage to get into something to entertain ourselves. Nate is always down for a good time, and has been a good friend through some of life's highs and lows, and a decent MiniMe.
Tyler Hunter-Leonard
Bridesmaid
Tyler and I have been friends longer than I can even remember. Seriously, I think we were in diapers? We met at church but have stayed friends through all our life changes. Funny enough, Tyler ended up marrying my cousin so now we are family! Tyler would usually be the one behind the camera capturing special moments, but I couldn't pass up the chance to have her by my side. Don't let her quiet demeanor fool you, she used to pop-lock-and drop it back in the day :)
Jamison Lowery
Groomsman
Dog Bud. I don't even know where to begin. Mr. Nutorious. Mr. Native, A man of many names and much gums. Jamo and I met early on in my undergrad at State, when he was over the hill at that horrid blue school. We quickly became friends and bonded over a shared interest in nerd things, video games, and having good times. We got closer after he converted and got an actual degree from an actual school, and finally understood what a real tailgate is. From the days of the Miata to now, we've both grown a lot, and made a lot of memories together.
Maya Evans
Bridesmaid
Maya & I go all the way back to grade school! We have known each other since elementary school but really became the best of friends in high school. I was always her "shotgun rider" and have tons of fun (&funny) memories with her. We have stayed close even with all of the seasons of life and distance. Maya has moved through several states and still makes the time to visit any chance she can. We even started something called "friendship Friday" where we send voice messages to each other about our week. She will definitely be the life of the party at our wedding!!
Nick Bartholomew
Groomsman
Nick and I met through church, and have quickly become close through shared interests in motor sports, good food, and I guess sports? He's been a motivator to strengthen my walk with Christ, and a reminder that there are still genuinely good people still in the world. A fellow meme connoisseur with similar humor, it was no shock we would become good friends.
Alverta Richardson
Mother of the Bride
Alverta is Mitzi's mom. She is the daughter of the late Arnold & Magnolia Richardson. I'm grateful she's here to share this special day with me. Her presence means a lot as we celebrate this new chapter in our lives while remembering my dad and grandparents.
Aiyana Richardson
Flower Girl
Aiyana is the niece of Mitzi & has long dreamed of becoming a flower girl (even though she is already taller than her Auntie!) She is the daughter of TJ & Brooke & granddaughter of Alverta. Our favorite thing to do together is go shopping at Ulta/Target, have a spa day, and do hair/nails/makeup. I am filled with joy to have her in our wedding!
