Groom
Darryl is the brightest light in all rooms. As quiet and observant as he can selectively be, he is my voice of reason, my safe place and the joy that I never knew I would find in this life. He is my friend, my confidant, and protector in all ways, and has taught me the meaning of true love. Darryl has been the catalyst to all things I knew I dreamed of but never imagined I would have in this life. The piece that has unlocked all the spectacular places I hoped to travel. Everything I prayed for, but hoped I was deserving of. My husband. My friend. My partner in life. I love you bigger than the sky and beyond that.
Bride
There are so many words to say about my baby. Super intelligent, passionate, loving, loyal, dedicated and persistent. The moment I laid eyes on her, “Let me tell you.” The most stunning woman I had ever seen. That beautiful smile that gains attention from the masses & when she talks you are immediately mesmerized. Everyday I feel like I’m in a life masterclass. If you ask her, she would brush it off and say, “I’m just being me.” But no, in my eyes I grow and fall in love with her each and everyday. She is my other half because the days she’s not around there is this organic void. Which speaks to who she is as a person, woman and my soon to be wife! I love her with all my heart. My baby TK!
Father of the Groom
My dude, Batman, Superman & The Incredible Hulk. First thing that comes to my mind when I think of pops, “The Ultimate Teacher.” When he talks, I listen! When he’s not talking, you best believe I’m watching the way he moves through any room he’s in. I’m constantly picking up gems on how to carry myself as a man, father and friend. He’s always preached being a high character man. Always taught me to be giving and treat people right. You do that on a consistent basis, love will be reciprocated. Don’t be the person to offer good deeds because you want something in return, do it because you have a pure heart. Pops is the best! How he treats others, friends, family and most importantly his wife. He’s the real OG! 40+ years of marriage, Whew! That, to many is a real man that consistently keeps a home together. Those are the things I watch, and pray I can become 1/2 of that. Love you pops.
Father of the Bride
The man that taught me to be loved. He showed me to be powerful, confident, sure of myself and poised. He pushed me towards greatness with the most gentle nudge. I was allowed to be me and empowered to be as I am in all spaces. He infused a love for jazz, coupled with an appreciation for art that has shaped me to be the well-rounded woman I am today. My protector, and perspective in the best way possible. None of this is possible without you, I am not me, without-you.
Mother of the Groom
This lady right here is next level! My #1 supporter and #1 protector. Right or wrong, momma HUD always got my back. But let’s tap in! When I’m wrong, trust me I’m never off the hook. She’s going to let me have it, but at the same time talk, navigate and explain “How Not” to make the same mistakes twice. Mom has always been the educator in the household. Pushing your mind to boundaries you never thought was capable. Her things is, “Why not learn more and add more tools to your educational bag.” Her expression of love is pushing you towards greatness, telling the truth, execution and also being a giver. Everyone respects Momma HUD, the straight shooter. No games on her end. Mom showed me the definition of unconditional love. She locked in with her family and there is nothing you can do to cut that cord. My superwoman, Momma HUD!
Mother of the Bride
Karebear, taught me how to love. She showed me to be kind, and caring but fierce. She taught me to own all of who I am in every room, and provided a safety net and love that made me feel as though I could take on any mountain. The softest most caring soul I know, her sacrifice is why I feel limitless in all my pursuits. My ability to be patient, and consistent is a product of how I was loved and raised along the way.
Best Man
Rob Moved down from NJ to Belleville. I immediately took to him, and we did EVERYTHING together. Movies, workouts, car rides you name it. A fond memory I have is coming back from Howard over the Holiday break, and while stopping by Belleville, the first thing Rob wanted to do was get in the gym and show me what he had been working on. He might have slightly sprained his ankle that day. LOL! My dude for life. My best man, and I wouldn't have written our journey any other way.
Maid of Honor
My sister, my hero, my built in best friend. People often ask why we're so close, but aside from being Irish twins we truly did grow up experiencing life together as a duo. I can't imagine doing this day without you. Safe to say you had a hand in me finding Darryl, and I am forever grateful for you facilitating such a major blessing in my life.
Groomsman
Although Kaza is the youngest, I have witnessed through my fiancé's eyes that he is the representation of wisdom beyond his years. Kaza at first was the brother I knew existed, but never saw due to his professional playing career overseas. I never had a brother, but I realized that Kaza and I could easily talk for hours about our experiences and shared a passion for basketball that I don't often see in others. I am grateful to have a bonus sibling that I can trust his court vision, and could be in my 5 for OG runs at the Y lol
Bridesmaid
My BONUS sister! With a personality that reminds me so much of my brother, it is amazing to have someone so driven, leveled, and insightful by my side. Her welcoming of me into the family was one that I am beyond grateful to have been taken in with such open, and welcoming arms. I admire her hustle, independence and drive and I am proud to call her family.
Groomsman
Alex and I were always super competitive growing up. One thing about Alex, is that he taught me that win or lose we are brothers and we leave all things on the court. I always admired that he knew how to prioritize and separate basketball from life. (I didn't quite understand that in my younger years) Maturity beyond his years, and always a call away, business, life, family, or just simply an ear, I am grateful to have such a friend be a part of such a special moment.
Bridesmaid
My baby cousin who grew up to be a major form of inspiration! Life milestones, Colleen took on with a grace I aspire to have. Her poise, her gentle demeanor, patience, and thoughtful choice of words have always reminded me that family is a blessing from God for a divine reason.
Groomsman
The definition of true friendship is when you haven't spoken in days, weeks or even years and it never feels like you've missed a beat. We can instantly snap back into our childhood days of running around Michigan playing pickup with whoever wanted the smoke lol! I remember meeting Ryan at AAU practice and thinking I could use my size as my advantage. Safe to say Ryan put me on skates that day. A handshake, a "good move bro" got us a here.
Bridesmaid
Although we were rivals on the basketball court, we instantly connected and knew that we would be friends for life! 20+ years of friendship, love and support I couldn't imagine doing a day as big as my wedding without her! My Virgo, my DJ, and my comedic relief, Lindsay is a 1 of 1 and simply put, my chosen family.
Groomsman
Growing up as a kid, I didn't have a younger brother, and by choice didn't take on many friends. What I did have was a little God-Brother. Extremely talented, could play any sport, recite any song, and extremely mature for his age. Me and Los kicked it all through high school and college. Obviously as you get older life happens and things get busy, but to this day Carlos remains loyal and is always the first person to make everyone laugh.
Bridesmaid
My chosen family, I can't imagine a holiday or celebration without her. A bonus friend turned into a sister, Aleshia's loving nature, and caring personality brings a light to our lives that is unlike any other. My stylist, and my hype-woman and one of the sweetest souls I know.
Groomsman
My friend who would give his last. Reddick is the type of person that no matter what, you pick up the phone he's there, and one thing you can know for sure is that if you need him he will find a way. We met later in life, and as hesitant as I can be when it comes to unfamiliar faces, his character and loyalty was and still is second to none. Hands down one of the greatest human beings I know.
Bridesmaid
My teammate, instantly turned into my sister. My artistic soul, the calm and supportive friend that I needed through college and life after. The most free-spirited person I know, Janelle is beautifully unique, courageous and the example of everything I hope to be and love witnessing in others.
Grandmother of the Groom
The hardest worker I know. Scheduled, detailed, and always on time. I watched and heard the stories of you getting up at 5am to head to General Motors to work. You kept your head up, consistently put in hours and proved to people that a woman can handle a "Man's Job." You always told me, never take no for an answer. No is just the delay of someone eventually saying yes! The optimism, the grit and persistence is beautifully inspiring. You are my rock, and we are a fusion of all the lessons you've instilled in us along the way.
Grandmother of the Bride
The matriarch of our family. All of her prayers have gotten us all safely, and perfectly to where we are today. A courageous woman who took a leap of faith, and brought her hopes and dreams to a country that blessed us with the lives we have today. Eternally grateful, highly favored and extremely blessed.
Heavenly Grandmother of the Groom
Granny Diane, I know you aren't here physically, but let me tell you there isn't a day that doesn't go by without thinking about you. I can hear you "That's my boy (@#$%)" I remember sitting in your living room chair and you said this day would come. You must of been a prophet because look Granny, I found my wife. You taught me how important it is to be myself. Be goofy, tell stories that bring laughter, and to never take myself too seriously. The key is how many times a day you can make people laugh. I tell Takima often that I wish she could have met you, and I know your presence will be felt. I love you, I miss you, and we celebrate with and for you on such a special day.