Nyeisha & Domonic
Wedding Party
Aria Gaines
Maid of Honor
They say you have friends for different reasons. Aria and Nye met their sophomore year at Luella High School and have been stuck like glue ever since. As long as they had each other during their teenage years, nothing else mattered. Later in life, their deep love for Christ allowed them to connect in a way that no one could ever comprehend. You always need a friend that is going to tell you like it is. And you better believe Aria is going to do just that.
Daymon Williams
Best Man
The groom's best friend and brother, and hands down, the funniest person he has ever known. Almost 23 years ago, Dame welcomed Domonic into his family. Since junior high these two have been thick as thieves, and blood couldn't make them any closer.
Bretta Oluyede
Maid of Honor
Bretta and Nye have been inseparable since Ms. Douglas' class in the second grade at Brown School (Schenectady, NY). Nye moved to Atlanta in the 6th and she wasn't enthused about it because that meant she had to leave her dear Bretta. But distance couldn't break a sisterly bond. Like Bretta's mom said before Nye was off to her new life, "Make new friends, but keep the old; one is silver and the other gold." Bretta is DAY ONE and worth more than gold. Nye is blessed to have her witness every milestone. Oh yeah, Bretta shares the same die hard, belly hurting, throw-head-back laugh that Nye is infamous for.
James Maxim
Best Man
Domonic's best friend and brother of nearly 23 years. Pastor James has been a constant in Domonic's faith walk and growth as a Christ disciple. He might not want to broadcast this, but he's super West Coast.
Anna Simmons
Bridesmaid
Anna and Nye are the granddaughters of Anna Lee Simmons. Nye’s mother, Toya Bufford-Scott, and Anna’s father, Nathaniel (Scottie) Simmons are siblings. While Anna grew up in Georgia and Nye grew up in New York, St. Helena Island is where they both found themselves playing in the yard on hot, sunny days. Summers were always a time to catch up, ride bikes, and swim at the community pool. Nye remembers vividly that when she was a little girl her Uncle Scottie said he was having a baby. Nye took full advantage of the time left she had to be the only little girl in the family, but she was happy when Anna was born and glad to have an official playmate when she went to SC. It is special to have Anna participate in the celebration in the place where they created so many memories.
Daniel Bondon
Groomsman
Over the course of 20-plus years, Daniel has become a brother to the groom. He is one of the most honest and loyal friends anyone could have, so it's no wonder he is beloved by everyone who knows him. He deserves Triple-OG status.
Ayonna Fair
Bridesmaid
It's quite comical how Nye and Ayonna met. It all started on the second floor of Abby Hall at Spelman College. Ayonna tended to always leave her dorm door open, so it was only right for Nye to be nosy and take a peek each and every time she passed by. Ayonna wondered who was this girl always looking in her room. One late night Ayonna needed a break from campus, and Nye was on her way to IHOP in the wee hours of the night (keep in mind no freshmen were supposed to have cars). Nye invited Yon for the ride. They both jumped into the black Mitsubishi Eclipse heading north on I-285 for some pancakes. Yon and the nosy girl have been riding ever since.
Gabriel Ortiz
Groomsman
Another one of the groom's brothers-from-another-mother. Gabe and Domonic share a unique bond as kindred spirits in their love for art, music, travel, culture, and humanity. Iron sharpens iron and has for two decades.
Essence Neely
Bridesmaid
Essence and Nye are godsisters whose mothers have been best friends since middle school. During her school breaks, Nye would spend time with her godmother, Dione Neely. It was like heaven visiting the DC area and being with the Neely family. Nye remembers when her mom told her that Dee was having a baby girl. Nye and Toya had a chance to visit South Carolina during the summer Essence was born. They got out of the car eager to meet E, and there she was with her beautiful green eyes, awake and alert. Now she is all grown up and an incoming freshman at Augusta University in Augusta, GA. Although they don’t see one another as often as they would like, it is a joyous time whenever the families get together.
Kyle Steen
Groomsman
The groom's younger brother-from-the-same-mother, and one of the few people that Domonic can't help but be a softy for. Affectionately known as Uncle Styles, Kyle is one of the sweetest, most sincere people in his big bro's life.
Janelle Bradley
Bridesmaid
Nye remembers meeting Janelle B. like this: Nye happened to be in a mutual friend’s room in college and Janelle just busted in with no sign or warning, said what she had to say, and left. Hearing that she was good people, Nye was interested in getting to know Janelle, and they started forming a bond during sophomore year of college. They would hop in Janelle’s silver VW Jetta (Pedro), blast the trap music, and find themselves going to an eatery or getting into something crazy. They were also roommates during senior year. Nye loved to sleep and take naps in Janelle’s room.
Marcus Smith
Groomsman
Friend and brother to the groom for over 20 years, Marcus has been one of the most consistent, honest, and loyal people in Domonic's life, and distance has not changed that. One-of-a-kind is the only way to describe this enthusiastic globetrotter.
Janelle Duckett
Bridesmaid
Janelle D. and Nye met during freshman year of college and both managed to be on the stroll team for Abby Hall (ABBY - PSI - PHI). The Jersey girls grew closer during the following year after realizing that they had similar circle of friends. If you saw both of them in the same place, it was DOUBLE TROUBLE. And you most likely wouldn’t see one with out the other. Let’s just say Nye and Janelle will have plenty of stories to share with their children about their college experience. But until then, they won’t kiss and tell.
Obi Oparah
Groomsman
Although the friendship between Obi and Domonic is relatively new, they have bonded over their shared love for Jesus, scripture, and Hip-Hop music. Generous, humble, and always sincere, this dude just exudes "cool." Obi is one of the groom's favorite people to meet for coffee and talk Bible with.
London Pippins
Junior Bridesmaid
London is Nye's little cousin, although London tends to think she runs the relationship. They grew up in the same household, and it was Nye's pleasure to watch London grow into herself and develop her own personality. However, London would give Nye a run for her money. Let’s just say school pick-ups and drop-offs were interesting. Before the wedding planning even began, London had already dropped a hint that she would be in the wedding. And though it was a perfect opportunity to poke fun, Nye knew it wouldn't be the same without London by her side when she exchanges wedding vows.
Michael Pippins
Groomsman
The bride's cousin and the closest thing she has had to a brother. Michael and Nye grew up in the same household and have been together through thick and thin. Domonic is super excited to bond with his new brother-in-law.
Robert Williams
Groomsman
The groom's next door neighbor, best friend, cousin, God brother, etc. When Domonic's family moved from Long Beach to Riverside, Robert was the first person he met and they hit it off immediately as friends. Since then, Robert has become a part of Domonic’s family. He's super nice at dominos but can't hoop to save his life.