Monique & Kirkland
Wedding Party
Alicia Blanding
Maid of Honor
We never intended to be friends. It's a good thing our intentions weren't part of God's plan. We have now been friends for over five years but absolutely the best of friends for about three of those years. We have a lot in common but we're VERY different and that makes hanging out lots of fun. Do you need a science nerd, theologian, constant encourager, a lifter of very heavy things, a witty comedienne, a brilliant mind, an unwavering supporter, and a whole bunch of other intangible things that you can't quite articulate? Well, you should get yourself a best friend named Alicia. You'll have to get your own because I don't share! She's my ace! I can't imagine being here in this moment without her here with me!
Amanda Fortson
Bridesmaid
My sister! I call her Sam because growing up people always mispronounced her name as Samantha. I don't quite get it but somehow it became our thing (she calls me Mona). Amanda has given me my favorite human beings on earth, my nieces and nephew. She has also been a constant reminder that anything I want to do can be done. I've watched her overcome all of the odds stacked against her when giving up would have been easy and understandable. She always keeps going! She has always supported me and I'm so happy she's part of this special day.
Quitaya Safari (Lee)
Bridesmaid
Tay and I met in undergrad at Muhlenberg College. Our paths didn't cross until the second half of freshman year but once we connected, the good times started rolling! My favorite thing about Tay is that she is unapologetically herself. She is the kind of person who would randomly take a months long international trip and not tell you about it until she returns. But most of us get it, we don't panic, we know she's ok. We just wait to hear from her. Tay has always been a supportive friend, unafraid to tell me the truth or have otherwise hard conversations. Now in her new roles as wife and mother, she is ever evolving while simultaneously remaining Tay. I love that she's part of this moment in my life!
Sarah Dutton
Bridesmaid
Sarah is my younger cousin but I view her as a role model. I was present for her undergrad graduation from Umass Amherst. I was looking at her smiling at how this formerly all-over-the-place little cousin of mine had become such a composed and accomplished young woman. I figured to hear about her life as a successful professional in passing or at family functions. Then, our grandmother became ill and passed away. In a bittersweet twist, that loss brought us into a much more connected relationship. It's hard to explain but I couldn't imagine Sarah not being part of this time for me. Why is she a role model? Well because with undergraduate degree in hand, she decided she wanted to be a nurse. She sacrificed a lot to make it happen but she is now my favorite nurse!
Kadian Johnson
Best Man
Johnson and I have been friends for over 10 years, growing up together and sharing a lot. He is the kind of person who has always been supportive of me in every area of my life. We became best of friends after the day I met in a car accident that almost took my life. Johnson was first on the scene of the accident as my friend. Even after the accident he was constantly encouraging and checking to make sure I was doing alright. His favorite words are "once you have life, nothing is lost". I can’t imagine the biggest day of my life without him being a part of it.
Lennox Samules
Groomsman
Lennox and I have so much in common. The things I admire the most are his love for God and the fact that he is always positive. When we were younger, I used to love stoping by his house after work every Friday for the delicious food his Mom would cook. As I reached I would head straight to the kitchen. He would always tell me your plate is made already. Lol. No matter where I am he constantly calls to check on me or come see me so we could catch up on old times. I am grateful to God for him to be able to share the biggest moment of my life.
Alfred Brickhouse
Groomsman
Alfred and I met at M.E.M. The love and support that he showed from the very first day of my visit at M.E.M was overwhelming. Little did we know that God had greater plans for us crossing paths. Quickly we became very close friends and brothers in Christ. My favorite thing about Alfred is his love and dedication in serving God. He is a supportive friend, always ready to pray along with me and encourage me. I thank God that he is part of this moment in my life!
Jeanmarc Yen
Groomsman
Yen and I met at work. He is a person who works hard and is always willing to assist others in their area of need. We share a lot in common so sometimes we would sit for hours having long conversations about life and the future. After a while, he nicknamed me #1 because of how quickly I get things done at work. Lol. My favorite thing about him is that he stands up for what's right. I am really happy that he will be apart of this moment.