Meet Our Wedding Party

Yodani

Bride

JJ (Jimmy Jr.)

Groom

Ashley-Loren

Maid of Honor

During my first year in law school, I was "randomly" paired with this sweet lady as part of a mentoring program. I had no idea that during our first meeting, I would find one of the best women I have ever known! She's incredibly kind, brilliant, and always keeps me laughing!! AshleyLoren has been by my side ever since we first met and I could not imagine experiencing a day this special without her in my corner.

Bryan

Best Man

It all began when a couple of two-year-old kids started talking between the planks of a wooden fence. Bryan has been through all of life with me, sans a few years during middle school when my family moved away, but we don't talk about those years. Bryan and I grew up as neighbors. Our earliest interactions included tossing toys to one another over a shared fence and waving to one another as I swan in my family's pool and he stood at his bedroom window. I don't think anyone realized the level of friendship and bromance that was on the horizon for us. Bickering quickly became a pass-time, which got us labeled as "an old married couple." We took that title and RAN with it. Life has taken us in two different directions, but despite that, Bryan remains the best friend a guy could ask for.

Daniel

Bridesman

Daniel and I met during our time at Regent Law. (Apparently law school has gifted me with some wonderful friends!) We were a part of the same first-year section and also became a part of the same study group. Spending hours in a room studying together will really fortify your friendships! We also discovered we had similar tastes in movies and off-beat humor. Plus I now know more about Tennessee sports than I ever planned to know. #GoVols Thankfully, regardless of location, we have been able to stay solid friends over the years, and his advice and prayers through some of my most difficult years will always mean the world to me.

Shelly

Groomswoman

I never understood why siblings didn't get along or why they argued frequently because Shelly and I have always been so close. I was definitely a little punk to her sometimes when we were younger, but Shelly has always remained by my side, no matter what. Living in deep Chesapeake for a few years brought us closer than ever, and if that is the only thing that we got out of those three long years (and it is), than it was 100% worth it. When we are with one another for long enough we will inevitably end up laughing until we cry and will start unintentionally saying things in sync. As a result we have been dubbed "twins" by our older siblings more than once. Shelly is absolutely one of my best friends, and she is always there for me if I need to get out a solid rant and Vice-Versa.

Kara

Bridesmaid

Good friends understand you, pray for you, check in on you...but great friends make you amazing buffalo chicken dip. Kara and I are kindred souls because we think and process the world so much alike (which makes her a great person to help keep me in check. We met in law school. She was 2 years ahead of me and even from those days, I so much appreciate the way that we sharpen each other. She's been so encouraging in my relationship with JJ all the way back before I was sure of what was going on!!

Bradley

Groomsman

Bradley and I had met our freshman year of Ocean Lakes High School and had seen each other a few times over the years, but it wasn't until Physics in our senior year at Ocean Lakes that we really started talking regularly as friends. We were always in the same group for lab and we started playing the videogame 'Heroes of the Storm' religiously with our good-friend, David. After high-school graduation, Bradley and I stayed local and started hanging out more frequently in-person, and he quickly became one of my best-friends. He is always there for me when I need help and quick to bring comic-relief to a situation when it is needed. I had the honor of witnessing his relationship with Alexis blossom into a marriage, and I am so excited to share this big day with him as well.

Marisella

Bridesmaid

If you were to ask her how we know each other, she'd immediately reply with "I'm her sister"... and true to form that is how she has always acted. According to the hospital papers though, she's actually my cousin but that's only a semantic. I've known her my entire life and have shared so many key memories with her. It will be exciting to add another awesome memory to the list!

Jeremy

Groomsman

This guy actually belongs to the bride, but with a quickness I know he'll be on #TEAMGROOM every single chance he can get!! I (Yodani) have consistently been trying to be a loving cousin/little sister to this guy, but it's been a bumpy road. (He put me out on the side of the road one day, but it's likely I am the only one who remembers that.) Either way, a day of celebration wouldn't be complete without his style, smile, and laugh.

Carrie

Bridesmaid

It's hard to believe that I knew her father before anyone else in the family. I met Carrie through her parents. While I was in law school, they became a second family to me always having me over for meals and holiday fun. When Carrie came back from school in Kansas, we hit it off and she's been my faithful friend ever since. I've seen her go from PA, to wife, to mom with such a giant heart and always making room for me in her life.

Justin

Groomsman

Justin and I attend the same church, Trinity Church, and we met at a Bible study that was advertised at church and that met on Tuesday nights. From the start I appreciated Justin's knowledge of the Bible and the heart and passion that you could hear in his voice as he spoke about it. I had the honor of being at his marriage to Sarah-Beth. Justin pulled me aside after Bible Study one Tuesday and asked me if I wanted to grab coffee sometime. I was quick to take him up on that offer and it was on the Saturday at 'Cold Pressed' that we became prayer partners. Justin is a reliable friend and I am so blessed to have him in my spiritual corner.

Amanda

Bridesmaid

Her NC accent is what first drew me to Amanda. We had assigned seats during our very first law school class, but the moment I heard her talk, I knew I was going to sit near her in the next class. Luckily for me when I did meet her she was SO cool! We have spent countless hours studying together, staying up late watching movies with her showing me all things nerdy! This girl is crazy talented and we are never together where there isn't good food, plenty of laughs, and maybe a musical or two! I love that she's pro-villain, pro-Dark Side, and proudly represents the house of Slytherin. I cannot be more thankful to have her in my corner on the big day!!

Andrew

Groomsman

I met Andrew back in 2016 the way all great friendships start: Playing videogames. Andrew, Alessandra (Andrew's girlfriend) and I were all part of Old Dominion University's "Heroes of the Dorm" E-Sports team. I would see them regularly at team practices, but it wasn't long before we started hanging out outside of the normally scheduled practices. We would often get together for board game nights, to stream Blizzcon, a videogame convention, together, and I was able to introduce them to Dungeons and Dragons, which we still play together today. I can always count on Andrew to be there for me, whether I am looking for someone to see a movie with, looking for home/computer advice, moving to a new home or anything in between.

Sarah

Bridesmaid

This sweet lady and I met in college (Liberty University). Although I don't remember the details of when we first met, I do know we have a ton a memories laughing all over campus, taking pics in the on the Macs in the computer lab, or just sitting in the dorm late at night talking about all the random things of life. In the time since Liberty, she's been a great supporter and encourager even from a distance. I'm so blessed to have this gal in my life and I can't wait to hear her angelic voice on the big day!!! Also, don't forget to check out her incredible cakes at @SarahMcBakes!

David

Groomsman

When David and I were first introduced, we didn't immediately hit it off. We were introduced online by a mutual friend, and we both happened to be competitive individuals. But in our senior year at Ocean Lakes High School, David and I happened to have the same time period off of school, and it was then that David offered to give me a ride to school after those periods. That was the start of a really great friendship. David and I quickly realized we had a lot in common. 'Super Smash Brothers' was near the top of that list, and David was pretty great at it. After he spent time helping me fine-tune my skills, I turned into a pretty good sparring partner if I do say so myself. My trips with some high school friends to visit David at Virginia Tech became some of my fondest college memories.

Loretta

Bridesmaid

Sometimes when you least expect it, great people enter your life! I was at work and randomly decided to attend a Toastmasters meeting... well 5-6 years later one of the coolest blessings I got from that club was my friendship with Loretta. Someone who has always been a great leader decided to also be a great friend. She's always been supportive and kind and such an encourager believing that I really could succeed at anything I wanted to try. Once JJ came along, she instantly took to him (they are kindred HP spirits) and it's been great having her support in our relationship! So grateful to have this Ravenclaw there with me!

Luke

Groomsman

A friend and accountability partner, Some friendships are really orchestrated by God. They are a picture of support and community and sharpening one another for greatness... This guy Luke is that guy to this couple! Luke is one of the most genuine and kind guys you will ever meet, JJ and Yodani immediately took a liking to him and he has quickly become a really great friend of theirs. Luke is the Student Pastor at Trinity Church, and it all started when he emailed Yodani and asked her if she would be willing to help out with with the students program at the Downtown Norfolk campus. Thankfully she said yes, and now both JJ and Yodani serve in Trinity Students in addition to serving with Luke on the worship team on many Sunday mornings. Luke and JJ even attend a D&D session together.

Harmony

Flower Girl

Harmony, or H$ (Pronounced "H-Money") as I have come to call her, is my youngest niece and is always quick to smile, laugh and bring joy into the room with her, just like her momma, my sister: Katie. I am really blessed to have and have had such a loving and supporting family my whole life.

Isaiah

Ring Bearer

This sweetheart is the son of my cousin, Shanikqua and is destined to do great things one day! Do you see the swag of this kid?? I have already conceded the fact that this fly little dude will be the star of the show. Maybe I can get him to teach me some lessons before the big day? ;-)