Wedding Party

Sylissa Rains

Matron of Honor

When Oliver proposed I knew immediately that I wanted Sylissa to stand by my side. Her strength, kindness, and laughter are only part of what makes her so amazing. She will stand next to me on my special day in honor of her mother, my big sister, who we lost over ten years ago.

Jacqueline Brewer

Bridesmaid

This beautiful woman is someone I met through Oliver. They have been close friends for many years now and met when they were both learning to Swing Out Dance. I heard so much about Jackie WAY before I got to meet her and she was just as great as Oliver described her! When we discussed people we wanted to be by our sides on our special day, Oliver wanted Jackie up there with us. I couldn’t agree more. She welcomed me into their dance group and has been such a kind friend. Her beauty on the outside is nothing compared to her beauty on the inside.

Yvette Thompson

Bridesmaid

Days after Oliver proposed, he had a list of woman he wanted in the wedding party as my bridesmaids. His two sisters were at the top of that list. I lost my sweet sister years ago and feel so lucky to be gaining not one, but two sisters in this marriage. Yvette is oftentimes soft spoken but has such a strong spirit. I have not had to get advice yet, but I bet she will be a solid sounding board if I ever need one. She is a gorgeous woman, wife, sister, daughter, and mother and we are so happy she will stand next to us as we say our vows.

Kelly Nelson

Bridesmaid

Kelly was the first person I told that we were getting married and that was BEFORE Oliver even proposed. We were driving to work one morning and I told her we had a long discussion about it and before I could finish the sentence stating we were going to definitely get married, she started squealing, clapping, and bouncing in her seat. It was exactly the response I was hoping for and in that moment I knew she needed to be right next to me on our special day. Kelly is married to our Best Man, Rob, and she is a wonderful woman.

Rob Nelson

Best Man

The first week I met Oliver I heard about two family members that I knew had a close place in Oliver’s life, Rob was one of them. I knew of the “cousins”, but I also knew that if I made a good impression with Rob, it was game over. Lol! We have traveled with Rob and his family, partied with them, celebrated many occasions with him by our side. Oliver loves him, respects him, and wanted him as his Best Man. Rob is special to both of us and we trust him to have our backs and best intentions at heart. Did I mention he is so much fun!!!!!

Brian Lockwood

Groomsman

Brian is my older brother and a gentle soul. I am not sure I’ve ever met a more committed husband and father, and I consider myself blessed to be marrying a man that gives him a run for his money in these characteristics. Oliver and Brian have bonded in the oddest ways - their equal love of music and saltwater fish tanks. IT. IS. A. WHOLE. THING. They have probably spoken more in the past two years than Brian ever spoke to my ex in the 19 years I was married. HA!!!! They text almost daily and have so much in common. It warms my heart to see them get along.

Edmond Benton

Groomsman

Edmond has a special place in my heart because the Sunday I met him, he gave me the nick name “Sister In Law”. Family know him as Gebo, but I will always call him by his “proper” name. He is kind, a great babysitter, such a hard worker, and my drinking buddy. We have been put on permanent restrictions on the amount we can drink together because we get out of control. I love Edmond and I am so thankful I am gaining another big brother. Don’t mess with me or I’ll call him.

Mitchell Brunner

Groomsman

I knew this man was special because he shares the same name as my first born son. Oliver and Mitchell served in the military together and became close friends. One thing I have learned about Oliver is that he does not allow very many people into his life. When he calls someone “friend” it is an honor, a special place. He shared so much of their past shenanigans (ironically they seem to like and SHARE woman with my name…Sherri 😉), but more importantly they were single dads together. They synced up weekends when they both had their kids and spent time being fathers. Mitchell is a walking party, a big light of kindness, and a super friendly soul and I LOVE that about him. He’s single and amazing so you ladies go easy on him. We love you Mitchell.

Herman McKinney

Groomsman

Herman is one of Oliver’s cousins and he played a special role in the early years of Oliver’s new found “single” life. At a family reunion, Oliver learned of Herman’s Swing Out dance lessons and decided he needed something to do, in order to meet people and get out of the house. On that journey, Oliver met so many great people. Herman is a gentle giant and one of the softest spoken people I have ever met. He is selfless and kind. He is a damn good dancer, a great husband, and even better cook. Oliver wanted Herman next to him on the day we at our vows. I couldn’t agree more.

Sherri McDearmon

Bride

Verlon Oliver

Groom

LaQuinn Oliver

Bridesmaid

Where do I even begin! Quinn is a force, not someone to trifle with, but also, a kind, welcoming, and friendly woman! If you ever go to her home you leave with arms full of gifts - candles, paper towels, disinfectants, you name it! She cannot help herself. She is a selfless and STRONG woman. I am so excited to have her as a sister, an ally, and by my side should I need wisdom or advice. Oliver loves her so much and has such admiration for her. We cannot wait to have her stand with us on our wedding day.

Shawn & Daphine McGhee

Officiant

These two are very special to Oliver and myself. Oliver really wanted Daphine in the wedding party and we decided that having her and her husband officiate the wedding was the perfect role. Oliver and Daphine are so close. She was the other cousin that I knew I needed to make a good impression with! We love these two.