Alero & DeJuan
Wedding Party
Susan Findlay
Mother of the Bride
Susan is a retired NYC school teacher and is on her way to being a real estate mogul. She has traveled extensively and speaks several languages Amazingly, she put Alero, through private high school, and private college and even before retirement, started purchasing houses. Nothing can stop this woman.
Laverne Bell
Mother of the Groom
LaVerne Bell is a loving wife and mother of four children. She and her husband James Bell have been married for 44 years and she is truly the rock of The Bell family. She sacrificed having a "traditional career" to raise four successful and independent children which is a testament to her amazing parenting skills. She is the epitome of strength and endurance and DeJuan wouldn't be the man he is today without her guidance and love.
James Bell
Father of the Groom
James Bell who is affectionately know as "Sugar Pop", is the hardest working man I know. Growing up in the Bell household, he would stop at nothing to ensure that the family was clothed and fed at all times. He is the true meaning of provider and has instilled in the Bell's household that nothing comes before family.
Marie Rolliing-Ward
Maid of Honor
Alero and Maire became friends in High School. She is a wife and mother to 5 of extremely intelligent children and is one of the smartest people Alero has ever met. She has kept Alero sane over the years & loves to remind her that when they were young, she always said she wanted to marry a “handy guy” with a large family (because her’s is so small) and a great sense of humor. Well DeJuan supersedes all her childhood wishes.
Erika McCrary
Bridesmaid
Erika is Alero's Cali cousin and over the past few years, they have become more than family, they are true friends. Alero has watched this woman follow her passion with a fire and venom that is truly inspirational. Though a horrible tragedy may have been the spark that lit the fire that is their bond, they have transformed their family dynamic and bridged gaps, they never thought their family could overcome.
Cassandra McCain
Bridesmaid
Cassandra, fondly known as "Cassie" or "Cass", and Alero met while attending Goucher College. After over 20 years of friendship it is only fitting that she stand beside her on this day. Cassie's humor and story telling are unparalleled and she'll keep you entertained for days. She's a D.C. native with a wanderlust that travels far and wide. Tales of her travels are destined for her future books.
Wanda Candalario
Bridesmaid
Wanda, known to her friends as Wandy, met Alero on a movie set they were working on. Though they "ice grilled" each other initially, after coming into work wearing the same outfits a few times, fashion brought them together. They have been shopping, laughing, dancing and working out together ever since. Wandy has traveled the world teaching dance and their friendship has grown with every stamp added to her passport.
Shakema George-Swint
Bridesmaid
Shakema was a student of Alero's mother and has one of the purest souls you well ever have the pleasure of meeting. They lived together for a while and a true connection was born. They organized "Ladies Night Parties" and have had some of the deepest conversations imaginable with their incomparable group of friends. A Brooklyn native and true miracle worker, "Kema" has created an amazing family and has a drive, work ethic and positivity that has inspired Alero over their years of friendship.
Anika James
Bridesmaid
Though Alero & Anika met at Goucher college, they didn't become close until leaving school. This Bronx native spent countless nights burning up dance floors, getting swept out of clubs and making some amazing memories with Alero.
Cara King-Brown
Bridesmaid
Though she may be Alero's newest friend, after having the honor of being in her wedding in November of 2019, Alero knew she had found a true friend in Cara. She was truly a saving grace during the couples "crazy engagement cruise". Cara is a professional masseuse and the wife of Juan's childhood friend and groomsman, Kevin Brown, together, they have a happy, outgoing and beautiful baby boy named Christian.
Akil Baptise
Best Man
Akil and DeJuan has been best friends for almost 20 years now. They met as apprentices in the carpenters unions and has been friends ever since. They have become so close that if a fellow carpenter would see DeJuan on the job site, they would automatically ask him how’s your partner doing. And Juan would know there talking about Akil. You almost never seen one without the other. DeJuan is The Godfather of Akils son and Akil is The Godfather of DeJuan's fish kids. LOL Its only natural for Akil to be DeJuan’s best man.
Donell Bell
Groomsman
Donell a.k.a. "Donny" is Dejuan’s older brother. They grew up in a very close family in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn. They are the true definition of brotherly love. There’s nothing one wouldn’t do for the other. No matter how old they get, when these two get together it’s like they're kids all over again. Laughing at jokes only that’s only funny to them. They can truly be themselves around each other. The unconditional love that they have for each other is unbreakable
Mike Gulston
Groomsman
Mike is DeJuan's first cousin, but more like an older brother. Mike is the true meaning of loyalty. He is a man of God that DeJuan trusts with his life. He is not only a devoted husband and father but is one of the best friends DeJuan has ever had. The two are very close and there’s nothing they wouldn’t do for each.
Kevin Brown
Groomsman
Kevin and DeJuan grew up together on Macon street. DeJuan’s older brother Donny and Kevin has been best friends for over 30 years. DeJuan has always looked up to Kev as an older brother. The older they become, the closer they have gotten. We are all one big family. Family first, always.
Tommy McGough
Groomsman
DeJuan and Tommy was apprentices in the carpenters union when they met 18 years ago. They have been friends every since. They have worked side by side on job site up until this day. DeJuan has the honor of being Tommy’s best man at his wedding and now Tommy has the honor of being in DeJuan’s wedding. These two guys are the meaning of true friendship.
Anthony Edwards
Groomsman
DeJuan and Tone met thru a mutual friend over 15 years ago and have been close friends ever since. DeJuan was a groomsman at tones wedding 8 years ago and now tone has the honor of being in Juan wedding. True friends to the end.