Tamara & Derick
Wedding Party
RaShaye Crochran
Maid of Honor
I’ve known Tamara since birth—she’s my older sister, so I’ve had the privilege of growing up with her. One of my favorite memories with her would be the mornings I spent cooking breakfast for all of her friends when she was in high school. Tamara and I have this unique bond where we just "get" each other. Whether we’re reminiscing about the past or sharing a funny story, we can’t help but laugh until our sides hurt. Basketball is my favorite sport. There’s something about the game that I’ve always loved—it’s exciting, fast-paced, and always keeps me on my toes!
Tyeal Duncan
Maid of Honor
Tamara is my sister-cousin! I have no clue when we met but we've been family for life. Born three days apart, we share so much in common. One of my favorite memories with her and Derick is when he surprised her for her birthday by flying me in from Atlanta to North Carolina. She was totally shocked when I walked into the hotel room! I spent the weekend with them and their friends at an Airbnb, and it was such a fun time. Derick’s thoughtfulness made it extra special. My favorite games are spades, UNO, and Clue.
Rell Smith
Best Man
I met Derick in 5th grade at Brentwood Elementary in Jacksonville, Florida. We became best friends through bathroom brawls, hallway wrestling, and mischief. In middle school, we dominated Brain Brawl competitions, and by high school, we were involved in Student Council, National Honor Society, and the Rainesmen Brotherhood. One of my favorite memories is when Derick released his first book in 2019 and he gave me a signed copy. I was so proud of him for pursuing his passion for writing. Derick has been a constant source of support and inspiration, and I’m lucky to call him a brother. My favorite games are Destiny 2, basketball, and Spades.
Jonathan Echols
Best Man
I met Derick back in high school, but we really became close in college, and now he's my best friend. My favorite memory has to be the engagement in Charlotte—such a special moment! I’ll never forget the excitement, all the emotions, and just being part of such an amazing time. It was one of those memories that really sticks with you. My favorite games are Sorry, Super Smash Bros gets super competitive, and I love basketball too. There’s just something about being on the court or watching a game with friends that makes it feel like the perfect hangout!
Amy Martin
Bridesmaid
I met Tamara in 2017 at Wright Patt AFB and we've shared many great memories since. Some of my favorites include working out together, where she was my motivation and accountability partner, biking over 15 miles around the base, as well as running in the Air Force Marathon 10K with her. I also remember meeting Derick for the first time when he visited us in Florida. He was just as kind and genuine as Tamara described, and I could immediately see how perfect they were for each other. I’m grateful to have both of them in my life. I do not have a favorite board game, but I do enjoy playing games. I do not play any video games, but I like random phone games. I get hooked easily.
Malik Johnson
Groomsman
Derick started as my fraternity brother, but over the years, he’s become one of my best friends. My favorite memories with Derick were during the 10 months we spent as roommates in Newport News, VA in the surge COVID. We had our share of good times, challenges, and a whole lot of laughs. It was a unique experience that really solidified our bond. When we lived together that is also when I met Tamara. Seeing him and Tamara together now, it’s clear they’re a perfect match. As for me, I’m all about football—nothing beats the excitement of a great game!
Arden Lehman
Bridesmaid
The bride is my cousin! We grew up together and share so much of our childhood memories—sleepovers at our grandparents’ house, staying up late laughing, and early mornings getting ready for school. I couldn’t imagine those moments without her by my side! My favorite game to play is hands down spades
Art Ross
Groomsman
Derick is my line brother. He and I joined Alpha Phi Alpha together at Christopher Newport University, Fall 2013. One of my favorite memories is Derick's On The Way poetry show where he proposed to Tamara. It had all the hallmarks of a D-Lee production: thoughtful, intentional, fire bars... My favorite game is Dungeons & Dragons. Improv, fantasy, collaboration - what's better than that?
Daysha Myles
Bridesmaid
I met the bride at WFN child development center. We worked in the preschool program together. My favorite memory with the bride was traveling to Vegas. Our trip was so fun and full of laughter. That’s all you get because what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. My favorite sport is baseball/softball. My favorite sport to watch is football. My favorite board/card game is UNO.
Daesean Stephenson
Groomsman
I met Derick on a dark and stormy night in Jacksonville, Florida. I was at the bus stop waiting for my ride and he pulled up in his 2006 Honda Avalon. Derick said to me “you need a ride”. From that moment, we’ve been brothers ever since. My favorite memory is the entire summer of 2014, just living life with no regards for others. My favorite video game is Mortal Kombat.
Jaclyn Williams
Bridesmaid
I met the bride through my child - she was his teacher! From there she became one of my closest friends who I can go to anything for. My favorite memory with the bride was when I came to NC with the kids and we hung out at the beach! My favorite games are Twister & UNO.
Darius Green
Groomsman
I know the groom because I am one of Derick’s younger brothers. My favorite memory is the game nights we have had together! My favorite sport is basketball and my favorite board games are Monopoly and Taboo.
Jasmin Romo
Bridesmaid
I met Tamara while working at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Tamara was very welcoming when I was training. From the very beginning I knew she was someone I could see myself forming a lasting friendship with. One of my favorite memories with Tamara is when we went out to the Oregon District. The fact that we all were singing Moana songs at the top of our lungs while people tried to talk to us was too funny. So many good memories with our FFF group. My favorite video game would have to be Mario Party or Mario Kart. My favorite board game is Lotería.
Dontae Stephenson
Groomsman
The groom is my great brother. I actually met the lovely bride, Tamara, through him. One of my favorite memories with them was attending the On The Way show together. It was such a special event, and I loved seeing so many friends and family come together to celebrate. There’s something about being surrounded by loved ones that makes moments like those unforgettable. As for my favorite game, I’d have to say Monopoly. It’s a mix of real-life strategy and good old-fashioned fun—it gets competitive, but that’s what makes it so enjoyable!
Jazzmyne Stephenson
Bridesmaid
I’m Derick’s favorite sister 💅🏾🤣, and I met Tamara during their visit to Tallahassee back in 2020. I remember seeing them on my couch, reading a book together, and immediately thinking that it was strange behavior. Now Tamara has swindled me in to her book club that I absolutely love. My favorite memory with the couple is when we spent hours learning how to make the perfect rolls and shapes during our sushi night. We were able to stretch last grain of rice to make just enough for every one. When I was younger I loved to play Tetris Attack on the Super Nintendo, and it’s still a game that has my heart. In my college years I enjoyed playing Terraria on Xbox One, and I also like to catch a football game every once in a while.
Edward Benton III
Groomsman
I met Derick during "Welcome Week" in college we were adversaries on an outdoor basketball court. Being two tall players, we were matched up against each other. I had no idea, then, that our relationship would lead us to work together, live together, travel across the country for one another, and write poetry together. One of my favorite memories is from the Summer of 2018 when Derick helped me secure an internship and welcomed me into his home as a roommate. We spent nights on the porch talking about everything—from politics to freestyle rapping. Derick became more than a fraternity brother; he’s a true brother. I’m lucky to have him as a friend, mentor, and creative partner. My favorite games are Scrabble, CoD Modern Warfare 2, and basketball
Katelynn Parks
Bridesmaid
Tamara and I grew up in Urbana, Ohio, and became closest in high school through sports. I’ll never forget her 13th birthday she invited me to, where her family tricked me into eating something that looked like kitty litter during a game of fear factor. When Derick and Tamara visited Ohio last year, I got to meet Derick, and we had a blast introducing them to Sequence. Tamara and I won, but Derick’s competitive spirit got them hooked on the game. One of my favorite memories with Tamara is horseback riding in Jamaica. My favorite sport is volleyball, and I love Euchre.
Calvin Stanford Jr.
Groomsman
I first met Derick at a Christopher Newport University Alpha Phi Alpha interest meeting, but our brotherhood truly grew when he joined the fraternity. It is a blessing that Black Greek life led me to one of my best friends and a brother. One of my favorite memories is the time we spent planning fraternity events together—especially during summers in the Office of Admission, where we combined creativity to enhance campus culture. Derick has been a key part of so many meaningful experiences. As for games, my favorite is Nintendo 64 Mario Party—a classic that brought together nostalgia, competition, and fun.
Timoshanae Rainey
Bridesmaid
I first met Tamara virtually through a shared organization and was immediately drawn to her energy, not realizing we’d develop such a strong friendship and sisterhood despite the distance. Every time we met in person, we naturally became partners in some way, and we later discovered our significant others had already met and got along—definitely a bond meant to be. One unforgettable memory is when we stayed up for hours after a long day, helping out at an event. We were exhausted and salty, but I’ll always remember that night. My favorite board game is Trouble, video game NBA2K, and my favorite sport is basketball.
Darren Rainey Sr.
Groomsman
I met Derick in 2019 when we attended our first Impact Leader Retreat with Profound Gentlemen at the HQ in Charlotte. We shared our story of selves at the playground outside of the PG HQ. My favorite memory would have to be the PG Summer retreat in Arizona. That was the time we got some tickets for the Diamondbacks game. That was a good time. Because of that, I see games in most of the cities I travel to now. My favorite board game is Monopoly, my favorite video game is Madden, and my favorite sport is football.