Paul and Ashanti
Wedding Party
Tasia Williams
Maid of Honor
Ashanti and I officially met in Public Speaking at Claflin University. However, our friendship began in Mary’s dorm room. Ashanti would enter the room with some shocking news, see me waiting anxiously and stare at me with this unfriendly look of disdain. Over time, these encounters changed because she knew I wasn’t leaving! And before we knew it, we were inseparable. During our senior year, Ashanti and Paul were a “serious” couple. Part of me was happy for their drawn out love chase to be over and the other half was sick of the childish actions that left me feeling bullied. But, in some unconventional way… they complemented each other. Since 2009, I’ve listened to Paul talk about Ashanti; including her happiness, weekend trips, and the engagement. On May 18th, 2018…I’ll witness the “I DO”!
Theo Murdaugh
Best Man
I met Paul 11 years ago in undergrad, and at the time I first met him he was a quiet weird kid from Chicago who seemed like he did not have much to say. My first thought was, "I hope this dude isn't one of those guys who's going to commit a mass murder." In fact he was not, and what made us become friends was when he told me at random that he benched all of an opposing players actual players in fantasy baseball. As evil as it was, and not knowing how he did that I knew this guy was somewhat like me and we would be great friends. Lastly, I do want to say congratulations to the future Mr. & Mrs Paul Carpenter, this guy is a true friend and I could not be more happy for him and his future bride.
Mary Ukariwo
Maid of Honor
Ashanti and I became friends in college, I am not sure how it started. She most likely bullied me into being friends with her j/k. The first time I noticed her was in front of the honors dorm, she was walking with a black hoody in the heat and I'm thinking who is that weirdo? Thinking back I would never have guessed that we would be friends. She is loyal, a straight shooter, and has always been there when I need her. I can't talk about our friendship without Tasia or if I could have made it through my senior year without you two. Oh, can’t forget how we met Paul. It was a night of fun and drinks and somehow those two hit it off and look where we are! I am so happy for you two and wish you all the best. Don’t forget to always put each other first and everything else will fall into place.
Terrence Murphy
Groomsman
Paul and I met in HS at Kenwood Academy and I have been through a lot in the 15 yrs that we've known each other. The winter break that we came back from our 1 st year in college, Paul’s Grandma was out of town so we figured we'd throw a holiday party. Before we knew it we found ourselves with a house jammed packed full of people. While moving furniture around we heard a loud crack in this glass table - Paul said we would worry about it later...the party ended up being epic. We all said that we would put in to fix the table but Paul said that he would deal with it. He somehow convinced his Grandma that she had cracked the glass a couple of weeks later (shame on Paul). I am blessed to have Paul as a friend/brother and can’t wait to celebrate his union wit Ashanti.
Racquel Whyte
Bridesmaid
I remember walking through the halls of JST and seeing this über serious girl. For a while I thought she was always angry, but I found out that this was her normal New York countenance. Little did I know that a few years later she would be my classmate, sorority sister, roommate and a dear friend. When Ashanti and Paul started dating I realized that she’s as much of a hopeless romantic as I am! It took a special someone to cause this stoic New Yorker to be all smiles - especially at the ‘thinking of you’ gestures and gifts. I’m glad it was Paul - was rooting for you! I’m glad I had the chance to witness your love and to now share in your special day. I wish you both continued joy, happiness, and success in all your endeavors.
Julius McDougal
Groomsman
I met Paul in 2008 back at Claflin university. We were teammates but more importantly he's been a great friend. My best memory of Paul is one that took place in Pittsburg PA. Paul, Dublin, & myself were attending beerfest, drinking and having a good time. Everything was going great. We were walking home back to our rooms from the bar (because we're responsible adults) when Dublin says we should turn on this next street. Paul and Dublin argue about which way to go and Paul says to Dublin "you're right, let's go your way." Long story short Paul had us walk through Pittsburg for 2 hours from 2am-4am just to prove he was right. He literally walked the soul off of his shoes. As in he was walking and the souls came off of his shoe. Which he was fine with because he was right.
Candace Sutton
Bridesmaid
For the first years of my life, before I made it to double digits, Ashanti was the only cousin that I thought I had and I didn't need another! Although we were seemingly opposites for most years, (I was girly when she was sporty. I was talkative and she was reserved. I liked chocolate ice cream and she liked vanilla. Oh! And let's not forget she was always, at least, a head taller than me!) through our quiet understanding of each other, I couldn't have wished for a better cousin. Now to see my "first" cousin bloom into this beautiful woman and soon to be bride I couldn't be more happy for her! Paul you have truly found a gem. May God bless this union and I wish you both nothing but love and happiness!
Marcus Johnson
Groomsman
I've had the pleasure of knowing Paul since freshman year of high school. Luckily we've had a group of friends that have maintained that relationship since then (shout out to the guys). When we first met, for some reason Paul was the only person in the group that hated me. He had no reason to hate me but he maintained that hatred for me for a few years. Once Paul got over himself our friendship had blossomed to brotherhood. When Paul asked me to be a groomsman, I was happy to be able to join him and Ashanti on this memorable day! Wishing nothing but the best for their marriage and their future.
Akinsele Walker
Bridesman
Ashanti has been a rock in my life in ways I don't stop to measure enough. She's a constant that I can count on unequivocally and without reservation. From the beginning of our time together some 14 years ago she's always given me space to flourish and make mistakes in the way that a real, honest to earth friend can. She's a true partner in every definition of the word and it's for that reason that I hold steady the belief that her Union with Paul will be one that sustains. Beyond the romance and intimacy, love is work... and few I know understand that better than Ashanti.
Shay Okotete
Groomsman
Paul Jeffery Carpenter is a man that wears many hats, but he has a heart of gold! Paul and myself have known each other since freshman year of high school, and became closer as the years have passed. To know Paul, is to love him dearly. Paul has been my voice of reason and one person who has always wanted the best for me. I am appreciative to have him in my life and honored to call him a brother. Ashanti, you have been nothing but great in my eyes, and has brought joy to my brother's life. I wish nothing but the best for your marriage, and glad to be apart of this journey into matrimony with you.