Shani & Terrance
Wedding Party
Claire Bard
Bride Tribe
CURRENT CITY: Long Island, NY HOW WE MET: We kept bumping into each other during freshman year and eventually bonded over a movie night w/ Shanel. I was always struck by her open vibe and genuine friendliness, especially in our competitive school atmosphere. FAVORITE MEMORY: Shani came to visit me at home in Long Island. We made a quick stop at Dollar Tree, and I lost her and my little brother in the store. Moments later, I discovered her in goofy glasses sword-fighting (using pool noodles) down the aisles with him. I was so touched seeing her bond with my little brother, not being too cool to play ball or pirates in a dollar store with him. HER SONG: Golden by Jill Scott. Nothing gets in Shani’s way as she’s chasing her happiness and she’s always ready to include you on the ride, too.
Je'nique Harewood
Bride Tribe
CURRENT CITY: Chapel Hill, NC HOW WE MET: We met at THE illustrious Howard University and have been friends ever since. Our relationship blossomed from being friends to becoming family. FAVORITE MEMORY: The memories are endless – attending music festivals, galas, vacations and most importantly, Howard University Homecoming (HUHC). My favorite memory of Shani was our trip to LA. She had the entire trip planned down to the minute, and I immediately knew we would be friends for life. We bonded over brussels sprouts at Nobu, had conversations about goals for the future and knew that we had a genuine love and sisterhood for each other. HER SONG: Diva by Beyonce. Shani likes what she likes and will not hesitate to let you know. We all love that about her.
Nichole Bestman
Bride Tribe
CURRENT CITY: Monrovia, Liberia HOW WE MET: We met as Sophomores at Howard. She's the girl that has a 'home sweet home' welcome mat (complete with holiday lights) - the only neighbor to do so. She's also the girl that, with her signature high-pitched voice and matching smile, will politely but firmly check you and voice her dissent. I was reminded of this recently when she started with, "Nichole, I don't like what you're doing..." I laughed because that's Shani for you! FAVORITE MEMORY: We have frolicked all over France, DC, and New York together; and with birthdays days apart, we have hosted many joint birthday celebrations. Chief among these memories though was seeing Shani and Terrance's faces in the sea of strangers at my first major pitch for my company.
Shanel Tate
Bride Tribe
CURRENT CITY: Austin, TX HOW WE MET: We met on Freshman move-in day in August 2007 at the illustrious Howard University (you know!). Shani happened to be standing behind me as we checked into our dorms for room assignments. And the rest is history :) Frequently mistaken for sisters, we’ve been roommates, teammates, and friends for 14 years. FAVORITE MEMORY: The memories are plentiful, from summers spent at music festivals, vacations from Miami to Chicago, and most importantly, her undying optimism and determination to spread love and positivity. HER SONG: Bad and Boujee by Migos. Shani has always been both strong and fabulous!
Talon McKinney
Groomsman
CURRENT CITY: Chicago, IL HOW WE MET: I remember seeing him shortly after he came out the womb. I’m pretty sure he’s the same guy 😉 Terrance was the final member needed to create the 3T’s. We actually had a 3-piece band back in the day! FAVORITE MEMORY: One would have to be street performing downtown Chicago on Michigan Ave back in the day. We made some beautiful music together! HIS SONG: Walk It Talk It by Migos ft. Drake. If Terrance says he’ll do something, he’ll do just that.
Terrell McKinney
Best Man
CURRENT CITY: Chicago, IL HOW WE MET: We're brothers - one year apart. We’ve been through everything from diapers to scuba diving in Thailand. As kids, we fought nearly every day on the bunkbed we shared, only to settle our differences and become roommates (and the best of friends) as adults. FAVORITE MEMORIES: 1) At 10 and 11, we got in trouble for fighting at Disney World; as punishment we had to hold hands for an entire day. 2) At the end of a long trek through Medellin, the forest we were hoping to visit was inaccessible without paying for a guided tour. Terrance walked around the entry to a door that said Staff Only and continued the hike because "Nature is free." HIS SONG: Look at Me Now. Chosen because of that time Terrance rapped Busta Rhymne's whole verse on a grocery run.
Cynthia Saulter Carter
Mother of the Bride
Current City: Durham, NC
Cynthia Morris
Mother of the Groom
Current City: Chicago, IL