Terence & Shawnika
Wedding Party
Dasha Giger
Maid of Honor
Dasha, Nika’s sister, has known her for 27 years now. There are too many amazing memories to name so here’s just one to depict how amazing of a sister & friend Nika is: Dasha had just had surgery & Nika was a sophomore in college. Nika managed to discuss a plan with her professors so that she could be home for the surgery. After the procedure, she spent her entire winter break playing nurse & taking care of Dasha. That expression of support, care & love meant so much. It’s partially why Dasha is incredibly excited to serve as Maid of Honor & to make many more memories with both Nika & Terence.
DaShon Williams
Best Man
DaShon is Terence’s best friend, classmate, frat brother, and former roommate. They've been on numerous adventures together in college and in Atlanta. He even accompanied Terence to the party bus on the fateful day the couple met. He has enjoyed watching Terence and Shawnika’s relationship grow and flourish and has been on several trips with the couple both domestically and internationally.
Renae McPherson
Bridesmaid
Renae met Terence on bright Wednesday morning, February 22, 1989 when he decided to “emerge” at their family home. From that moment on, neither of their lives would ever be the same. She doesn’t know what life would be like without her little-big brother and is happy that he’s found a partner to share the rest of his life with.
Colin Anderson
Groomsman
Colin is a sophomore at Villanova University and the brother of Terence. Since adult Terence is seemingly in a new part of the world every month, Colin's most clear memories of Terence are his obligatory big-brother terrorizing in their younger years. But aside from those moments, Terence has been an inspiration to Colin in several aspects of life, and he wishes Terence and Shawnika nothing but love going forward.
Tiecia Ayers
Bridesmaid
Nika & Tiecia have literally been best friends since diapers. Their mothers were childhood friends who gave birth to them a few months apart & they’ve been inseparable ever since. Although they’ve lived in separate cities for many years, they’ve never missed a beat. Uncle Terence got his first babysitting experience during July of 2017 when he & Auntie Nika kept Tiecia’s son while she studied for the bar exam. Terence & Nika are real life MVPs and Tiecia is ecstatic to be an MVP on their wedding day!
David Giger II
Groomsman
David is the brother of Shawnika. In his childhood days he was a big Yu-Gi-Oh fan, and owned all the cards and products. One of the things he remembers about his sister is how, even though she was a lot older, she would always take some time to learn the game and challenge him. Present day, David and Terence are all about that One Punch Man [comic book] life and enjoy having in-depth discussions about what’s happening in the series.
Montoya Hawthorne
Bridesmaid
Montoya first met Nika when she interviewed her at their first job out of college. After Montoya didn't remember Nika when seeing her at the mall following said interview then subsequently stealing her lunch (accidentally!), the ladies landed on the same team & realized that despite their rocky start, their friendship was meant to be. Through all the life changes that come between 22 & 30, they have been "work besties turned life besties" & Montoya is excited to be part of the kickoff to Nika & Terence's next chapter!
Brian Allison
Groomsman
Brian first met Terence at UNC-Chapel Hill over a decade ago where they became line brothers, friends and frequent “Uncle Luke” study break partners. Since graduating from UNC, he's traveled the country doing political work (and residing for weeks on end at Terence's residence, most times unannounced). Brian first knew Terence had met his match with Nika when the three of them bonded in Sacramento over salmon and sophisticated yet ratchet YouTube videos.
Candace Johnson
Bridesmaid
Shawnika and Candace met at Notre Dame freshman orientation in 2006 and have been attached at the hip ever since. They share a love of mac & cheese, The Dallas Cowboys, and 90s R&B. In their spare time, you can find them embarking upon bestie adventures in Rome, Barcelona, or Bali and frequently hitting the gym to preserve their sexy. Candace is ecstatic Nika has truly found her soulmate, Terence, and can't wait to witness their nuptials!
Omar Glover
Groomsman
Omar first met Terence during the arduous process of becoming an Alphaman in the fall of 2009. Initially he thought "what impact could a comic book loving, ghost riding fanatic, and ThunderCat-tatted young man have on my life?" Yet over time, Terence inspired Omar to become the polished dentist he is today. Omar's heart swells with joy as Terence and Nika have chosen to spend every sunrise and sunset together.
Flannery Audebrand
Bridesmaid
Flan met Nika freshman year at Notre Dame, when they were matched as roomies in a "Quint" in Pangborn Hall. Five 18-year olds, an incorrectly assembled futon, & a priest as a neighbor, could have all led to disaster. As they learned each other’s quirks, they slowly became besties who would stay up all night clowning on Facebook, creating music videos & talking about life. Since graduation, they've followed each other's adventures and visited each other in different corners of the world. Flan is pumped that Nika found a guy as kind & hilarious as Terence, and can't wait to stand up with her when she says I do!
Jared O'Garro-Moore
Groomsman
Jared first met Terence on a cold night in December 2008 when they both participated in an event at UNC to show their interest in pledging the same fraternity. Since then, Terence has been one of his best friends. They often argue about extremely important issues, such as Terence's ridiculous tattoos and who the best member of the Ying Yang Twins is. Jared first had the pleasure of hanging out with Shawnika in Philly when Terence visited in 2016, where she has become a great friend to Jared as well.
Christie Sithiphone
Bridesmaid
Christie & Nika connected in 2012 through a mutual friend & met for the first time at the infamous Lenox Square Grill in ATL! Although the restaurant has since closed, their friendship continued to blossom. Rarely can you find that friend who can turn up with you, support you in every way, & serve as a sounding board whenever needed! They talk almost daily, whether it's about friends, family, work, travels, politics, etc. Christie is proud to say she was on that party bus where Nika first met Terence & looks forward to bringing in this new chapter with her!
Lev Pogosov
Groomsman
Lev met Terence (and Nika a few days later) at a scholarship orientation where their propensity for Chappelle's Show quotes and obscure hip-hop references bonded them instantly. Their friendship solidified through the years over deep philosophical conversations and crude jokes. Living in different time zones hasn’t stopped them from holding regular catchups and celebrating their success. Some say Terence and Nika should name their first kid after Lev...
Sarah Watson
Bridesmaid
Sarah & Nika first became friends in 5th grade. Since there weren't many young girls who looked like them in their school, they quickly began to depend on each other for that validation so many young women seek. Even though they haven't lived near each other in over 8 years, distance means little whether it's meeting up in Miami, Ghana, or New Orleans. Throughout the years of middle school, high school, university & beyond, they have remained close friends who always make time for that monthly catch up call.
Sean Segears
Groomsman
Sean first met Terence at a UNC admitted students event in DC where they arranged to be roommates. Ever since then they have grown to become not just friends, but brothers. They can (and will) often finish each others' sentences. Sean met Nika in 2016 and knew immediately that Terence had found his perfect match; he could just hear the piano intro to K-Ci and JoJo' s "All My Life" when Terence and Nika shared a precious inside joke.
Brynn Outlaw
Flower Girl
Brynn is Shawnika’s little cousin who has always welcomed Terence with open arms. She loves Hello Kitty, tutus, and her dance classes and is so excited to be in the wedding!
Taj Outlaw
Bell Ringer
Taj is Shawnika’s little cousin who loves when the two love birds come to South Bend and stay at “his house” during visits. He loves video games, super heroes, and singing Drake songs and has been looking forward to the wedding since the engagement dinner!