Wedding Party
Kim Lakes
Mother of the Bride
When I count my blessings I always start with my mom! I’m blessed to call this ageless beauty my mommy & my friend! My mom has taught me what it is to be a Good Woman amongst other things! As a young girl growing up she taught me the importance of commitment, patience and the meaning of family which has stuck with me. For every stumble I’ve had in life she has been there to help me pick up the pieces. She’s been my cheerleader for every goal I’ve set an crushed. She continues to show me the true meaning of Strength, Courage and Selflessness! It is because of her strength & perseverance I am the woman that I am today!
Stephanie Melton
Mother of the Groom
My mom, friend and back bone. She raised me to be the best man I can be. She is always there for me no matter what I’m going thru. Even though I knew she wasn’t a huge fan of me going into the Marines and moving away I know I have made her proud. She has always been a telephone call away and a open ear for me. She has supported me throughout my career in the Marines and been there for me thru thick and thin. She was very excited to hear that Summer and I got engaged and she has accepted Summer as a daughter.
Joe Lakes
Father of the Bride
My daddy, my best friend & now my angel! To know me is to know that I’ve always been a daddy’s girl! My love for music & entertaining came from my dad! We’d spend hours just listening to oldies. He was by far the best father a girl could ask for! He taught me the true meaning of strength and courage! Most of my work ethics and drive comes from my dad! He fought a good fight with Cancer for more than seven years but God called him home July 4, 2018. My heart aches knowing that he has been robbed of the opportunity to walk me down the isle! I know that he’s up in heaven smiling down on us and I will not be sad! I will celebrate knowing that he’s with me!
Asberry Fortson
Father of the Groom
My dad. There isn’t a party that he wasn’t down to go to and have a good time. He has taught us all the meaning of strength. He knows how to welcome people with open arms. There’s never been a time where people didn’t enjoy his company. Growing up he always made sure his boys stuck together and were a team. He has been an outstanding father to us all.
Amber Lakes
Maid of Honor
There’s no better friend than a sister, and no better sister than mine! Although she’s my little sister, sometimes I forget that I’m older. Whenever I get into a bind or need help she’s always just a phone call away. She reminds me so much of my dad & she’s wise beyond her years! As her big sister we’ve been through everything together! We’ve partied, car clubbed, double dated, traveled & more importantly we’ve supported one another through it all! We are two completely different flowers from the same garden! She’s a touch of Country & Ghetto & some may say I’m Bougie! Being complete opposites of course we don’t always agree but that’s okay because she’s the Louise to my Thelma! We might fight amongst each other. But I promise you this: we'll ride for each other!
Braylon Fortson
Best Man
My oldest son & my first blessing. He is the most loving and caring young man that I know. I’ve had a front row seat to his growth and I have learned a lot of things from him. He is a hard worker and always takes care of his business. His grades are his top priority! He doesn’t ask for much and never complains about anything. When I told him I was getting married he said straight up he wanted to be the best man and he would be happy to have Summer as his step mom. I’m honored to have my first born standing next to me as we join families!
Tiffany Medrano
Matron of Honor
My Childhood friend. We’ve been friends almost as long as we’ve been on this earth! I loved spending weekends at Pat’s (My grandma). Tiffany, Brandi & I were inseparable with Amber & Jaron tagging along for all of our adventures through the streets of Long Beach. Who knew we would both move to Rialto and end up at the same middle school where we picked up right where we left off. You are more than a friend you are my sister. I’ve watched you grow from a girl to a woman! You blessed me with my God Kids; 3 of my biggest blessings. Like most siblings we may not always agree but the bond we have cannot be broken. Our friendship has taught me so much & most importantly I’ve learned that true friendship continues to grow, even with distance between us. I love every call & wait for every visit!
Terrance Sykes
Groomsman
This is my road dawg and fellow Marine!! Sykes & I checked into 1st ANGLICO together. He was coming from 29 palms and I was coming from Va. We immediately clicked on the first day. Even though he is a huge Kobe fan we have had many debates about how great he is. In 2011 we deployed to Afghanistan together. We also lived in Japan together for a couple of years. Once we both got back from Japan we both went different paths. I was honored when he reached out to me to be a part of his wedding. And I know it would be a honor for him to be a part of mine. We have been in touch ever since then. Any time I needed something he was always there to help me out. I was honored to stand with him at his wedding and I can’t wait for him to be there for me in mine!
Ivory Martin
Matron of Honor
I have literally known Mookie my entire life! Not only is she my blood family, shes like a sister and my Best Friend by choice! Of course a party wasn’t a party without Ivory & Summer. Partying is in our blood! So Naturally when we formed PYT we joined forces and united friends! We had so much fun planning and attending parties every weekend...just enjoying life! We were inseparable in our teens and early twenties! We’ve partied, went on double dates and worked together. Growing up we always talked about our wedding days and having a family! Of course as a nurturer Ivory beat me to the punch! I was blessed to be a part of her BIG events and watch her family blossom over the years. I’m thankful to have her by my side for my BIG day and to start my new journey!
Taurean Fortson
Groomsman
My younger brother and best friend. As teenagers, we were together every single weekend. It was always him, Jason and I; we were 3 peas in a pod. We called each other every Friday night to figure out who’s house we were going to stay at for the weekend. Every time I came home he was excited to see me because he became my going out partner. We have a strong bond that remains the same until this day. Every single time we talk on the phone or see each other we always have a good laugh. The bond we have, can never be broken and I’m happy he is a part of my wedding along side our other brother Warren. We started off as little boys together and now we have grown ass men. I hope we never forget the memories we have made.
Nieya Livingston
Bridesmaid
Thank God Ivory introduced us my Freshman year in High school. It was thru the union of P.Y.T. that our friendship started. You’ve always been the sensible and level headed one in the group! Who knew valuable life lessons could come from a great night with shots of Yukon Jack followed by taking shifts to keep a friend alive lol! During our 20’s, we grew apart but growing apart didn’t change the fact that for a long time we grew side by side; & our roots would always be tangled. I'm glad for that & thankful that life brought us back together to continue to grow together! She has been a staple in my life for so many years! Her genuine soul & tell it like it is personality is what I love about her! No matter the distance if I call Nieya she is always there!
Warren Fortson
Groomsman
One of my oldest brother’s and a guy I look up to the most. Since childhood he would always look out for us younger siblings. He is a very wise man beyond his years. Rather he was giving me a haircut or playing basketball on the court, he was always teaching us life lessons and he still continues to teach today. We have all evolved together as men since I left for the Marines. When I joined the Marines he was extremely proud of me. Every time I came home he would always make it a point to acknowledge me as his brother in the Marines and was always ready to go and do something. He always knows how to take care of his younger brothers. It’s a huge honor for him to be a part of our wedding.
Lesley Brown
Bridesmaid
We met at Ike in ‘99 in Coach Rob’ class and formed a friendship over our Magic Mountain trip with Maine draped in overalls. As a fellow Cancer you get me like no other, it’s like talking to the mirror. You have warm & loving spirit, a light up a room personality, a hilarious sense of humor, tell it like it is attitude and I’m a try to kill you but did you die in the gym! Who knew back at IKE that you would be one of my lifetime friends? If it weren’t for you convincing me to go to Tilted Kilt on a school night that night I would have never met Demetrice. We would have missed out on quite the adventure. You ran out of your boots and I had a near death experience. Most importantly Demetrice & I have an interesting how we met story!
Cedric McKenzie
Groomsman
This is my first ace boon coon. I met him when we were working in Virginia. We bonded over our dedication for our home state football teams. Every year we’d argue about the Arkansas vs Alabama games and the conversations never changed. When we were deployed to Afghanistan we worked tirelessly in the hot, dry sun; it was just him and I putting in a lot of hard work while also having each other’s backs. Once we were back in Cali, we reunited and picked up right where we left off. Even when he lived all the way in Long Beach I would make weekend trips to hang out with him and eventually we became roommates in Oceanside! Ced has always supported me through the good & bad times and I am thankful for our brotherhood!
Shaunda Hill
Bridesmaid
My “little” big cousin! Growing up I always looked up to you. It was at our first sleepover that our friendship bloomed when you introduced me to the “Doo Doo Brown” And insisted that I learn the popular dance! Who knew that you would’ve created a monster & I would continue to learn so much from you! Cousins are one of Gods greatest gifts, together we celebrate many of life’s greatest moments, they have front row seats to watch you grow up and they are there to help you get through life’s difficult times. Blood makes us family but were friends by choice! Your strength never ceases to amazes me! One of the first lessons my granny taught me is that, “Family isn’t an Important Thing, it is Everything” and you exemplify that in everything you do.
Jay Weaver
Groomsman
My boy Jay Weezy. I met him through a really good friend of mine and we just continued our friendship from there. This guy is a stand out guy that has always been a good friend. He is always down to hang out with the crew. Even though we haven’t known each other for a long time I know this guy has a really good heart. Any time someone needed something he would be there to help out as much as he could. When I asked him to be apart of my wedding he didn’t hesitate to say yes. This guy has a good head on his shoulders and I’m happy that he is a part of this wedding.
LaShanda Williams
Bridesmaid
Thank God Ivory introduced us my Freshman Year in High school. We didn’t get off to the best start because of my love for candy, but I promise to always share my candy with you. LOL It was thru the union of P.Y.T. that our friendship flourished. You couldn’t tell us we weren’t the ISH in High school. Everyone in Rialto went to a PYT Party in 1999-2000. Throughout high school you were my partner in crime (it’s a wonder we made it to adulthood). Over the years we grew apart but I Thank God for returning you to my life and it’s like we never skipped a beat. I’m thankful for our memories, your sisterhood and your encouraging & positive words.
Lamar Jones
Groomsman
Maine is Summer’s best friend & bro so it’s only fitting that he became my bro too! We first met at a game night at our house where he took the time to get to know me & hear me out. At every function, Maine & his family have always taken the time to make me feel like family! Maine has been supportive since day one! He’s so genuine and down to earth! He’s shown me what it is to have a friend that’s loyal & supportive but he’s no “yes” man by any means! He tells us like it is, brutally honest, but always from a good place. So naturally when it came time to plan our proposal I reached out to Maine to bounce around some ideas! I am truly thankful for the friendship Summer & Maine have. So of course I’d have him stand with me, as my support, on my big day!
Kristle Scott
Bridesmaid
Cousins are people that are ready made friends, you have laughs with them and remember good times from a young age, you have fights with them but you always know you love each other. Cousins are a better thing than brothers and sisters and friends cause there all pieced together as one. Although we grew up close as cousins we formed a friendship while car clubin...Big Tymerz tearing up the streets of Long Beach, LA & Compton in the weee hours of the morning every weekend! Like all good things car clubin came to an end which I’m sure our parents were happy about but the memories will last a lifetime! I was blessed to be a part of your BIG Days & I’m blessed to have you by my side for my BIG day.
David Dew
Groomsman
My boot camp buddy!! David and I met on the very first journey of our Marine Corps career. It isn’t instinctual for me to become friends with someone I don’t know but he and I instantly clicked. We were stuck together for the first six months of our career. We were in boot camp together, then went to Marine Combat training together, then we went to the same job school. After several years apart we reconnected, while we were at one of our job schools. The friendship that we had many years ago picked up where we left off and now we get to do recruiting together. Once I asked him about being a part of our wedding he quickly answered with a yes. It is an honor to have you a part of our day.
Keich Willis
Bridesmaid
My soon to be Sister-in-Law and friend! From my very first trip to Dallas she welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like part of the family! She has been super encouraging and nothing short of supportive of my relationship with her brother from day 1! We’ve bonded over my visits to Dallas and your trip to California. I’m forever grateful for every call & text when my dad was in the hospital. She is an AMAZING Woman of God and her spirit is just as contagious as her laughter! I’m thankful to have gained not just a sister whom I adore but also a friend!
Christy Harris
Bridesmaid
Since the first day I sat by you at First Providence Missionary Baptist church we’ve been inseparable. You helped me navigate thru my first church retreat & welcomed me into your family with open arms! You have shown me that Family is not always blood. You are my sister in Christ, my friend, my travel partner and my prayer warrior. Along the way we didn't realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun. We’ve seen each other thru good & bad times, thru career changes & moves. I’ve watched you grow as a woman & as a wife & now I’m blessed to have you by my side to support me as I become a wife!
Omar Sanda
Groomsman
My good friend Omar. I met him around the same time I met Jason in the Corp. We immediately clicked. Omar and I both have son’s the same age who have also formed a bond with each other. He has always been there to give me advice and has been a great friend to me. Since I’ve moved to Chicago, he has been one of the few friends that I continue to stay in touch with. We often talk just to shoot the shit and catch up on anything that’s going on. I’m very impressed with his wide span of knowledge and I always lean on him when I’m having a tough time with something. He’s always just a phone call away & I appreciate him for that. I look forward to what our friendship has in store for us & I’m happy to have him as a part of our day.
Harmonee Tarver
Jr Bridesmaid
You will always be TT’s Baby no matter how old you get! God made no mistakes when he blessed us with you! You are sweet as pie with a slice of feisty. The moment you were born I gained a new understanding of the true meaning of LOVE! I live for TT Time and our bunkbed chronicles! You are not just my niece or my god daughter, you are my favorite little friend!
Demetrice Fortson Jr
Jr Groomsman
My youngest son and my mini me. He is a pain at times but I love this little guy with all my heart. Ever since the day he was born we had a unbreakable connection. the more he grows the more I learn from him. Even with the distance and not being able to see him all the time we continue to stay connected. I look forward to his phone calls just to see what I’m doing or to ask when the next family FaceTime is scheduled. Lil Dee and Braylon are my heart and soul And I love them with every ounce of me. I can’t wait to have him and Braylon there standing next to me on my wedding day.
Miracle Collins
Usher
Bride’s big girl & My bonus niece! Not only is she a blessing but the true definition of a Miracle!
Jordan Allen
Usher
Bride’s first godchild and only god son! I fell in love with Jordan the first time I heard his heart beat!
Malaysia Scott
Usher
Brides little cousin & Bridesmaid Kristle Scott youngest daughter
Meloni Medrano
Bridal Forerunner
Bride’s oldest God Daughter!
Kiera Martin
Bridal Forerunner
Aunties Baby & Maid of Honor Ivory Martin’s oldest daughter
Raevyn Medrano
Flower Girl
Brides Youngest God Daughter!
Emery Martin
Flower Girl
Auntie’s Baby Maid of Honor Ivory Martin’s youngest daughter
Maleiyah Scott
Flower Girl
Bride’s Cousin & Bridesmaid Kristle Scott youngest daughter
Dakota Williams
Flower Girl
Kota Bear! Brides little cousin!
Dalton Martin Jr
Ring Bearer
Aunties Baby
Randy Woodard
Bride Escort
Uncle Woody is what we call him! My dad’s brother! My uncle has watch me grow from a girl to a woman! Over the years he has watched over me, prayed for me & always offered advice. Since the passing of my dad my uncle has stepped up in ways I’d never imagined! No one could ever take my dad’s place! I’m thankful for my uncle and the role he’s plaid in my life and I’m thankful that he accepted the role of walking me down the isle as I start the next chapter of womanhood!