Wedding Party
Shaniya & Gerardric
Bride & Groom
Ashley Gilyard
Matron of Honor
Shaniya is my little cousin, more like the little sister I never had. I remember being so excited that we would have a little girl in the family. I spent countless late nights coming by to visit her after being out with my friends. We would play with her all her toys until the early hours of the morning while her mom slept. I spent years supporting her in all her activities and watching her grow into a beautiful young lady. Rod was very quiet when I first met him but somehow, he and I have created a relationship full of banter but it's all in love. It wouldn't be the same without him, and I love the relationship that the two of them have built. Wishing them a lifetime of happiness!
Jayna Mitchell
Maid of Honor
Shaniya & I grew up together from arm babies all the way to graduating high school. We did everything together! All of our classes were quite literally almost the same, we cheered together for 4 years, sang together on the church choir, experienced many things in between and created memories to last a lifetime. I’m so happy and excited that Shaniya has found her forever love with Rod! I pray and wish them all the best in their new chapter!
Shuron Burt
Best Man
Rod and I have been best friends, more like brothers, since childhood.
Marion Goins
Bridesmaid
I was blessed to meet Shy and Rod around the same time at Claflin. They were both my close friends but Shy and I took basically every class together, spent a lot of time together on the field/in the bullpen, and still hung out in our free time. We have had so many great memories and a lot of them were at 660. If you know you know. I love that I got to see your relationship from day one and now on your wedding day! I am beyond proud of y’all and excited to be apart of such a special moment in your lives.
Aubrai Brailey
Bridesmaid
Shaniya was my roommate at Palmetto Girl State during the summer of our senior year in high school. She, then, came to Claflin for college in my hometown and we’ve been inseparable since! Rod has become a brother to me and uncle to my daughter, Avé.
Alexis Green
Bridesmaid
I will always say that I will have a piece of Shaniya with me everywhere I go because when we were in elementary school we were on the playground. She swears I wasn't the one looking (but it was really her) but she ran straight into me, and she busted my eyebrow open. I had to get stitches, and I will always have a scar above my eyebrow. So, when people ask me about it, I tell them about her.
Grace Morgan
Bridesmaid
We met because I’m dating your bestie. I had to make the cut with you before I made it in frfr. Some special memories would be the times we hung out a during and after bush league games, or the family vacations we’ve been on so far.
Olivia Montgomery
Bridesmaid
We were teammates at Claflin.
Jana Osei-Tutu
Junior Bridesmaid
Avé King
Flower Girl
Keati "KB" Buchanan
Groomsman
I met the groom because we’re cousins, but we grew up more like brothers than anything else. We’ve shared countless memories, but one that always stands out is when we all stayed together during college. Those times really showed the bond we built over the years and how tight we’ve always been.
Taylor Merriweather
Groomsman
We met since we were little kids, always playing sports together, staying the night etc. It followed all the way through high school. Always been solid from day 1. Love ya boy 🤞🏾
Keyon Smith
Groomsman
We met on the diamond LITERALLY. My freshman year we (VSU) played at Claflin and met some softball players in Chick-fil-a drive through. I took it upon myself to introduce myself next thing you know Claflin softball hung out with VSU baseball that night. So, my sophomore year I was trying to keep the tradition going & DM'd a couple softball players “do y'all play tomorrow?” What’s crazy is Shy was one of them. So, we are playing Claflin and I steal 2B. Rod came to the base after the play and was like “you dm my girl bro”. I just told him the tradition, and we laughed and became cool. Couple months later we teamed up & that’s when I realized I got me a brother and not a friend. Love y’all much bro n sis ❤️
Alex Miller
Groomsman
We didn’t formally meet the first time, but I first peeped you around when you came to the softball game in Newberry and I thought we were gone have to get straight to business. But you my brother for life man. Love you dude 💪🏽
Justin Brockington
Groomsman
Rod and I met as teammates in the Dirty Dale. We then became roommates and a brotherhood was formed. From fussing over dishes and laundry, to fine-tuning our skills, and getting free meals at El Jardin 🤣. We've grown as men and so has our bond. All love to you and Shy in your marriage!
Trey Kinard
Groomsman
Met at Salkehatchie in 2017.
Brayden Gilyard
Junior Groomsman
Tylen Linton
Ring Bearer
Karsen Davis
Ring Bearer