Jessica & Taj
Wedding Party
Angela Arand
Maid of Honor
My younger sister is a neurological ICU nurse living in Cleveland, Ohio. She was an essential worker during COVID and worked on a COVID floor for the majority of the pandemic. She has always had the biggest heart and selfless personality. She always keeps me humble and grounded.
Kennedy Ovenseri
Best Man
Kennedy, formally know as Dr. Ovenseri met me fresh out of high school the summer before starting at the University of Dayton. Our bond formed immediately when I asked where he was from and he boasted "Im from the Bronx". Time and time again he has challenged me to be a better man and has had my back through the entire journey. I consider this man my best friend and its been without question that I am blessed to be able to say that.
Hahna Kunkel
Bridesmaid
Hahna was my floormate our freshmnan year of college. We hit it off right away and lived together every year after that until we graduated. She joined the Air Force as a nurse and was stationed in San Antonio, TX. She recently moved back to Cincinnati and is finishing up her Masters in Nursing.
Roy Morris
Groomsman
Sam, my oldest childhood road dog. A1 since day one. From the time I was a child to me as a man, we have watched each other have successes, make mistakes, experience new things and ultimately continue to grow in life. This is family and one thing about Sam is that he has always valued his family. He is always making sure I remember that staying close to and in contact to family is of the upmost importance. He keeps me grounded in making sure I remember where we came from and encourages me constantly. I am very proud of the man he has become.
Coreena Besecker
Bridesmaid
Coreena and I meet while working at Don Pablo's. We became instant friends and roomed together our senior year of College. She moved to Chicago, Illinois after we graduated but always makes time for her friends while balancing her crazy work schedule.
Kelechi Abakporo
Groomsman
Kel, another great friend who I met coming into UD as a freshman. One the of the most humble, laid-back guys I have ever met. Although you might see his enormous stature and think otherwise, this dude has always had a huge heart and would give you the shirt off of his back. He also takes the title as the chef of the group. Theres no platter safe when the young bull is in the kitchen. He has always taken his own path and quick to come with a new idea. If you need a random fact, this man is someone you need to know. It has been a pleasure having such.a genuine friend.
Kristen Kemp
Bridesmaid
Kristen moved in my sophomore dorm because her and my other roommate were friends and from the same soroity. Kristin and I ended up being close friends after that and continued to live together that summer. Kristin recently finished her Doctorate in Psychology and works in a VA in Ashville, North Carolina. Congrats Dr. Kemp!
Kadeem Clarke
Groomsman
Deem, always sure to be fresh. I met him at the same time I met my best man. My guy had the New York swag dripping off of him and I knew right away we were all three going to be good friends. This guy right here is the most fashion forward dude I know and by far takes the title as the sneaker king of the group. Always spiffy, he is a professional at heart and has grown his career with vigorous pride. He is always ready for a good time but will not hesitate to break down the refined details of a manufacturing process. Always there to listen and give feedback, I have appreciated having him a friend.
Keandra Tyus
Bridesmaid
Kiki and I meet at Texas Roadhouse where we both worked for 5 years. Then we both moved to Columbus where we worked at Condados together. Kiki also shares my love for the gym and eating healthy. We take monthly Costco trips together and she plans our workouts since she will be going to PT school in the fall.
Corey Kemp
Groomsman
C Kemp my brother from another. We met when I was a freshman in high school riding the same school bus. He will always tell you a story about how I threw a house party and forgot to invite him. Even though he won't let me live it down, it never deterred him from being a solid friend throughout the years. His house has always been the gathering location from freshman year in high school to grown men in life and he has graciously hosted endless celebrations. Our friendship can be traced back to high school basement wagers on The Giants vs the cowboys and those roots still hold strong today. Always taking neutral approach and I always look forward to hearing his perspective.
Lauren Jencen
Bridesmaid
Lauren and I met in Middle School where we played volleyball together. We grew closer as we entered into High School and I was at her house almost every day. Lauren has remained a close friend throughout the years and always makes time to see her friends when we are in town. Lauren is the life of a party and I always have a good time when we get together.
Seth Taylor
Groomsman
Seth T, another great man I met when I was in high school. He came in as a transfer from another school and was ready to compete in whatever activity there was available. We ultimately met playing basketball in the back gym at GLHS and bonded over our love for competition and refusal to back down from any challenges.. That same competitive drive that has allowed Seth to blossom into a successful electrician, a loving father and the most loyal friend. A guy who has become my brother through countless conversations and an unwavering commitment to both our journeys to being successful men. Always quick to remind me that he has my back, I cannot wait to see what future challenges he will take on.
Kathrine Garcia
Bridesmaid
Katherine and I meet when we worked at Don Pablo's together. Katherine and her now husband then moved in to the same apartment complex where Taj and I lived. The four of us became good friends, where we shared so many memories together. We worked out together, had birthday celebrations together, went shopping together, and vacationed together. Even though Katherine and Jeff moved to Florida we still keep up with each other and visit as often as we can.
Andrew Spirk
Groomsman
Andrew is a guy who I essentially met by accident in a college dorm my freshmen year.. I was walking another close friend of mine back to his dorm room after "one of those nights" as a new freshmen eager to have fun. Realizing I couldn't get into my buddies room because his roommate had locked him out, I randomly dropped him off at the first open dorm room on his floor. That open door belonged to Andrew and I never imagined that would lead to the friendship we share today. Another man with a huge heart. Bigger than he himself can even handle at times. One of the most positive men I have ever encountered and will always leave you in a better mood than before you spoke to him. He has always been there for me without hesitation and I am glad he left his door open that fateful night.
Staghe Hicks
Bridesmaid
Staghe and I met at the University of Dayton. I think it was her vibrate personality that drew me towards her. Staghe was always there for me through hard times in school and was always there to hype me up. We have since worked multiple jobs together, lived together, and been too competitive together during an intramural volleyball league. I really appreciate her energy and her determination, whatever she sets her mind on, will get accomplished.
Shaq Tensley
Groomsman
SHAQuille, but just Shaq to you. We met through mutual friends at UD and he quickly became apart of my band of brothers. This is a man that will go out and have a drink with you but also ask you a mind numbing question that can leave you thinking for hours. He has always been quick to encourage and inspire the people around him. He has taken that same passion with him throughout life and now offers that same encouragement to the youth through his involvement in youth programs; all while maintaining his stature as a successful engineer. No matter the destination and no matter the time frame this guy is infamous for pulling up to any event he is invited to. Its that punctual demeanor that makes him a solid friend to rely on.
Mandi Stegemiller
Bridesmaid
Mandi was a college floormate my freshman and sophomore year. We lived together a couple summer's during college. Mandi was always ready to go to the pool, get our nails done, or just walk to get food. Mandi is now a Physician's Assistant working in Dayton, OH. Her husband and her recently bought their first house in Springboro.