Denesha & Marcus
Wedding Party
Denesha Williams
Bride
Throughout the wedding planning process, both the bride and groom wished to include elements that were sentimental or reflective of their relationship. When choosing a ceremony date, Denesha and Marcus knew in their hearts that October was perfect! The date was chosen due to the fact that it is just three days shy of the couple being together for seven years. Seven is the number of completion and both felt that it would be the perfect date to end one phase of their lives and begin the next. Those chosen to stand with them on their special day were chosen with the same passion. Each has played a vital role within Denesha and Marcus' lives sharing in their maturation throughout the years as individuals and as a couple. With God and great friends, this moment is possible!
Marcus Grimes
Groom
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Jennice Hyde
Maid of Honor
Relationship to Bride: Best Friend, Line Sister Met: 2006, Stephen F. Austin State University Jennice is the epitome of the ultimate "Ride or Die" friend! Over the past thirteen years, she and Denesha have shared several moments throughout their journey! Their first encounter happened during Spring 2006 at Stephen F. Austin State University while involved in the service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega. Jennice was Denesha's pledge master! Their bond would grow more as line sisters while becoming members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Spring 2007. They have shared milestones, funny stories, and special memories, all the while remaining supportive of each other, no matter the miles between them! The two have grown to be much more, elevating a friendship to a family bond!
Keith Bell
Best Man
Relationship to Groom: Best Friend Met: 2009, McMurry University Marcus transferred to McMurry University in Spring 2009 to participate in athletics. While on campus he met Keith, a musician who had just returned from being on tour. The two began hanging out and developed a friendship. Their relationship evolved through deep conversations about life and similar views of being a black man in America. Their bond goes beyond the two of them with Marcus being the godfather to all three of Keith’s children. The two talk daily no matter how far they are from each other. They no longer consider themselves as friends but as family. Marcus and Keith will always be brothers till the end.
Amber Pereira
Matron of Honor
Relationship to Bride: Best Friend, Co-worker Met: 2014, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Amber and Denesha met while employed at the Clinical Translational Research Center Laboratory at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Their story actually began over a random meal in the breakroom. Amber was dining with a friend when they decided to offer to share some of their food with Denesha. After one plate Denesha never ate without them! Even when Amber moved from CTRC Lab, pursuing her education and career ambitions, the two friends still talk daily. They enjoy sharing stories, jokes, family time, and more. One small act of kindness in the form of a meal has created a friendship for a lifetime! Fun fact: Denesha and Jamail became engaged on Amber's birthday!
Jerome Griggs
Best Man
Relationship to Groom: Best Friend Met: 2007, Sears Marcus and Jerome met as sales associates at Sears in Greenspoint Mall. Marcus was a new hire and Jerome was very welcoming, willing to help Marcus understand the electronics department. Their relationship quickly changed when it was revealed that Jerome knew Pastor Phillips, Marcus' pastor at New Hope Baptist church. At that moment they became more than friends and became brothers. Marcus and Jerome have continued to support and love one another no matter the circumstance, as brothers do. When Marcus told Jerome that he wanted to be with Denesha, Jerome replied with a simple “well go get her then”. That was all Marcus needed to pursue his future wife.
Cymone Grimes
Bridesmaid
Relationship to Bride: First Cousin Met: 1993, Family Desmond Tutu once stated, "You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them." Considering the miraculous way in which Cymone entered this world, to know such a person is truly a blessing all by itself! Even with an eight-year age difference, the interaction between Denesha and Cymone has never wavered, remaining consistent, honest, and "awesic" (that's awesome and epic combined). They share a fondness of reading, have traveled together, mingled with each other's friends, and supported each other throughout time. Denesha often admires her for her intelligence, artistic talents, and character. Cymone was Denesha's first best friend as a kid. However, in the years to come, she will forever be her "Monie Love".
Desmond Alexander
Groomsman
Relationship to Groom: Brother-in-law Met: 2012, Family Marcus met Desmond at New Hope Baptist Church. Desmond was in high school at the time when Marcus and Denesha first became a couple. Marcus had immediate care for Desmond quietly seeing him as another little brother. Desmond is well mannered, kind, and has a great personality. Marcus sees similarities of himself in Desmond. When together they will play games, talk about sports, and laugh about how Marcus always raid Desmond's parent's refrigerator when he visits. Seeing Desmond graduate from the University of Oklahoma was a moment that Marcus was proud to be a part of. It's a moment he will always remember and cherish. Their relationship will continue to grow year after year as brothers.
Ebony Miles
Bridesmaid
Relationship to Bride: Sister-in-law Met: 2013, Family When Denesha met Ebony (and her sister Danielle) she knew immediately that the relationship between them would be amazing! Most first interactions with a significant other's family can seem awkward, but with then it was different. Within the first year of meeting one another, they would spend time including celebrations and even a weekend in Austin at Ebony's place. Ebony has always been welcoming, kind, loving, and always herself with Denesha which never goes without appreciation. The connection they share will continue to grow not only as friends but as sisters!
Danielle Miles
Groomswoman
Relationship to Groom: Sibling Met: 2007, Family Danielle is Marcus’ older sister. He knew from the first moment that she welcomed him home from college with a “hey baby” and a warm hug that he gained a new sister. She is encouraging, nurturing, and has the best slick talk on this earth. Danielle showed Marcus what it meant to follow your dreams. She has always been Marcus’ counselor, teacher, listener, and always pushing him to strive for his goals. Throughout the years they have discussed many things from future plans to when she is going to make that White chocolate bread pudding again. Marcus could not see his wedding day go by without her by his side.
Jayla Williams
Junior Bridesmaid
Relationship to Bride: Sibling Met: 2009, Family Jayla Marie is Denesha's youngest sibling and only sister, sharing a father Rodney Williams. They have quite the age gap, twenty-one years to be exact! When the two are together they enjoy board games, amusement parks, video games, music (especially Michael Jackson), and YouTube videos! In some ways, they are similar but in others not so much, however, they are always down for a little adventure! Jayla always says something to make Denesha's day, often joking and playing around. Stories are still shared about Jayla's antics when she was younger! Her spirit of kindness towards others is pure and innocent and her heart completely made of gold. Jayla is an unbelievable blessing to Denesha's life and family, always being her "favorite sister".
Keithan Speed
Groomsman
Relationship to Groom: Friend Met: 2016, Harris County Juvenile Justice Center Marcus met Keithan at the Harris County Juvenile Probation department when he was assigned to Marcus’ team. They formed a bond immediately sharing a desire to work with children and help guide them to a better future. Smoking cigars, trash talking, and yelling “ big fella“ after everything, are some of the memories that Marcus appreciates. Good friends are like stars. you don’t always see them, but you know they’re always there. Keithan has been there for Marcus with great words of encouragement and strength which Marcus holds close to this very day.
London Lewis
Flower Girl
Relationship to Bride: Goddaughter Met: 2012, London's birth London is the daughter of Denesha's best friend Jennice (Maid of Honor) and her only godchild. She can still remember the day London was born, waiting patiently for her birth and crying tears of joy at her arrival. She is affectionately called "Nahnee's baby" taking to the role well, often getting whatever she wants! London is brilliant, creative, caring and such a girly-girl. To Denesha she will always be "the most precious in the whole wide world" never being too far away in distance or in spirit.
Marcus Nesson
Groomsman
Relationship to Groom: Friend Met: 2007, Benedictine College Marcus G. met Marcus N., aka "Sideshow", while attending Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. The two were on the football team together and had the desire to play the sport at the next level. Marcus N. was one of the first people Marcus G. felt comfortable with while so far from home. Even when they both left Kansas and returned to their home states, Texas and Florida, the two stayed in touch. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “ Many people will walk in and out of your life, but true friends will leave a footprint in your heart.” Both have remained supportive of one another and often reflect back on how much they have grown through the years and how Marcus N. got Marcus G. hooked on Samoan chicken!
Jurnie Bell
Flower Girl
Relationship to Groom: Goddaughter Met: 2011, Jurnie's birth Jurnie is Marcus’ goddaughter. Her father is Keith bell ( best man). Jurnie is the oldest child and was the first godchild Marcus was blessed with. He can remember leaving class at McMurry University and walking to the library when Keith called and said that they are going to the hospital its time. Marcus was terrified to hold her for the first time but when he did his heart was filled with love and he whispered to her softly, “I got you.” Jurnie loves her Uncle Marcus and he loves her back. Jurnie is amazing and very intelligent. What was whispered that night is what Marcus will always stand by. He got you!!
Kiuan Bell
Ring Bearer
Relationship to Groom: Godson Met: 2013, Days after Kiuan’s birth Kiuan is Marcus’ only godson and his father is Keith Bell (best man). Marcus remembers the joy and excitement when Keith told him that he was having a boy. A mini Keith is on his way. Kiuan is energetic, fun, smart, adventurous, and Marcus’ road dog. Marcus sees the little boy in his heart every time he looks in his eyes. To Marcus, this day would not be complete without his little road dog.
Devin Phillips
Usher
Relationship to Bride: Godbrother Met: 1994, Family Before Desmond (Denesha's brother) was born, there was Devin! Spending his earlier years living across the street from Denesha's family home she would often see and spend time with him. With such close family ties, they have often shared in each other's occasions including graduations, proms, birthdays, and now a wedding! Whenever Denesha needs something Devin never lets her down, always committed to helping. Devin has always possessed a benevolent and respectful spirit. He is such a blast to be around usually willing to do something outrageous! For his twenty-first birthday, the two even jumped off the Stratosphere together! He is Denesha's (first) brother from another mother and she couldn't imagine life differently without him!
Jeremy Phillips
Usher
Relationship to Bride: Godbrother Met: 1997, Family Denesha would often spend weekends with Jeremy and his family usually watching him get into mischief! When younger, Jeremy always found himself with the older kids, causing him to become the victim of a prank or two courtesy of the bride! There was never a dull moment, making for stories that are often looked back upon. Jeremy is a wonderful and supportive (second) brother from another mother. He is often willing to assist Denesha with projects at church and saves the day when called on (like the time Denesha needed a ride to work at the last minute). Just like all the memories they have lived before, Jeremy's addition to this occasion promises a lot of love, an extra smile, and incredible joy.
Dillon Grimes
Usher
Relationship to Bride: First Cousin Met: 1995, Family Many often think that Dillon and Denesha are alike. Besides the fact that they were both born in December, they also share an appreciation for hard work, love of family, and a great adventure. One of the bride's favorite moments included Dillon and his family when they all traveled to Orlando, Florida, visiting Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. Dillon is an exceptional leader, awesome cousin, and a one of a kind type of guy! He often speaks up and leaves little to be assumed. Just like his sibling Cymone, Denesha hold's a special place in her heart for him. Loving him from his very first moments on this earth to the times they get to share in the present. It's an incredible pleasure to have him be a part of this celebration!
Pastor Tracy S. Phillips
Officiant
Pastor Phillips was the first and only choice for the couple when considering an officiant for their ceremony. Both bride and groom have had the wonderful privilege of knowing him since childhood. Pastor Phillips is actively their spiritual leader at New Hope Baptist Church and has contributed to the couple's maturation, leadership development, and growth in Christ for over two decades. While Pastor Phillips is humbled by each and every opportunity to serve, he strongly holds and affirms that his most awesome responsibility is that of Pastor, teacher/evangelist to the lost, and counselor for the people of God. In doing so, God has endowed Pastor Phillips to live his life as “an example to the believers in the Word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity” (I Timothy 4:12b).