Tawana & Mitchell
Wedding Party
Tawana Johnson
Bride
Your friendly neighborhood plant enthusiast with a name that's as unforgettable as your favourite munchie! Tawana is a content creator who specializes in short form and long form videos by blending fashion with sophisticated accessories while educating her audience on safe consumption methods. Her love for visual art, fashion and cannabis extends to every element that contributes to her appreciation for life. She loves to be surrounded by her family and close friends and always lives life to the fullest. Tawana's favourite quotes: " You miss 100% of the shots you don't take" " YOLO = You only live once" " Can't shame the shameless"
Mitchell Harrison
Groom
Mitchell is 31 years old and is currently employed as a teacher at Dakota Collegiate. In many ways, his life has been defined by football. The lessons on work ethic, resiliency, and competitive drive he learned from his parents, teachers, and coaches while progressing through his playing career at the North Winnipeg Nomads, Sisler Spartans, and Manitoba Bisons, has led him to become the man he is today. Mitchell has a deep passion for learning, which he was able to turn into two degrees from the University of Manitoba, and 5 straight Academic All-Canadian awards during his university career. Mitchell has dedicated his career to giving back to the community, utilizing his sense of humour, extroverted personality, and communication skills to help lead young people towards their goals. Recently Mitchell was able to lead the Dakota Lancer’s football team to their first ever Provincial Championship, while receiving two Coach of the Year awards in 2023. Mitchell is a social butterfly who is rarely seen without a smile on his face. Mitchell’s favourite quotes “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra” – Vince Lombardi “B*tch don’t kill my vibe” – Kendrick Lamar
Katya Harkavyi
Maid of Honor
Katya and the bride have been friends since grade 1 and have been inseparable ever since. In grade 1 the two were classmates and instantly became friends. They continued to be classmates every year up until graduating high school in 2014. The two accumulated a life time of amazing memories as their friendship only strengthens over 20+ years. It was a shock when Katya decided to move to Toronto a couple years ago but it's no surprise that Katya deserves more than what a small city like Winnipeg has to offer. Katya's confidence, courage, heart, talent and free spirit attitude are the qualities you'd be so lucky to be around.
Ryan Verot
Best Man
Ryan and the groom first met in the first grade. Mitchell was new to the school, and on his first day, Ryan was selected to show him around the building. Little did the teacher know that she was starting a friendship that would last a lifetime. While the two had some different hobbies throughout elementary, high school, and beyond – they share a sense of humour and love of sports that has allowed the friendship to grow and flourish into adulthood. While they’ve lived in different provinces for years, the time they spent together as roommates has led to an inseparable bond. Ryan is a police officer with the Saanich Police Department in Victoria, BC.
Kyla Hazell
Bridesmaid
Introducing Kyla, an award winning matchmaker. Tawana and Kyla met in 2016, where the two worked as hosts at the Tavern United Pub located in downtown Winnipeg. When two 5'5, thick thigh, brown eyed women meet for the first time, its like meeting a twin flame. It wasn't long until the two exchanged phone numbers and made plans to hangout every weekend. The two can spend hours talking and laughing over anything and everything. It's a blessing Tawana and Kyla didn't grow up as classmates because lord knows they'd get in trouble for disrupting the class. If Kyla and Tawana had a theme song to describe their friendship it would be "Young, Wild & Free" by Wiz Khalifa. The two would go to parties together and in fact, Tawana and Mitchell met for the first time in 2016, at a party Kyla invited Tawana to. Long story short Kyla is the glue that put this whole thing together <3
Jayden Mckoy
Best Man
Jayden and Mitchell have been friends since Jayden joined the Bisons football team in 2013. The two grew from boys to men together through their shared experiences throughout university. Living together, playing football with one another, and sharing a deep passion for learning new things has lead to a friendship that resembles a brotherhood. Jayden is a computer engineer who has made massive contributions towards the building of satellites and other exciting projects. Currently the two coach football together at Dakota Collegiate and helped lead the program to the school’s first provincial title in 2023.
Micah Parayaoan
Maid of Honor
Micah is Tawana's best friend since grade 3. Micah and Tawana have watched each other grow through multiple stages of life and their friendship continues to strengthen. The two and Katya became the almighty trifecta that no one could mess with. A true and authentic bond between 3 different backgrounds coming together and forming unconditional love and respect for one another. From the beginning, Micah has taught Tawana the value of friendship, through her thoughtfulness, generous and kind heart. Micah is a young entrepreneur with a mindset of gold. If you don't have a wedding planner as a best friend.....I feel sorry for you.
Kaithlyn Dayao
Bridesmaid
Kaithlyn and Tawana's origin story didn't begin so sweet. In fact the two first met in their grade 6 classroom where Tawana was not only intimidated but also afraid of talking to Kaithlyn because of her force in the classroom. Eventually the two bonded over something stupid and stayed best friends ever since. Have you ever had a best friend you can be your true authentic self with? Tawana and Kaithlyn's relationship consists of being transparent and honest, a true friendship goal many don't experience with their own besties. Although their relationship had it's challenges, no matter what, Tawana and Kaithlyn can confidently express themselves and can overcome any disagreement that comes their way. "Dear Kaithlyn, I cherish our relationship and find comfort in battling our mental illness’ head on together." - Tawana
Brett Harrison
Groomsman
Brett is Mitchell’s younger brother. Growing up the boys shared a love for being active, playing video games, and hanging out with friends. Brett is only a year and half younger than Mitchell, so they were able to foster a close relationship between themselves and their friend groups growing up. On multiple occasions Brett and Mitchell were able to play on the same football teams. Brett was an explosive, dynamic, and resilient athlete – and the boys were able to win the first championship in either of their athletic careers when they took home a Championship with Sisler’s A team in the 2007 season. The brothers were also able to coach football together at Sisler, one of the proudest moments of Mitchell’s coaching career.
Jayda Cohn
Bridesmaid
As the younger cousin of the bride, Jayda has the privilege to observe and learn from her older cousins mistakes and acts accordingly 😂 All jokes aside, growing up, Jayda and Tawana were obsessed with watching movies on repeat every weekend. Some of their fav movies growing up were Mean Girls, Bratz Genie Magic, Shark Boy & Lava Girl and the list goes on. Jayda is the little sister Tawana never had. No matter how much time the two go without speaking, as soon as they get together it's like nothings ever changed. They still continue to exchange funny facial expressions and both have a similar sense of humour which results in a good ol laughing session every time they're together. "Dear Jayda, I'm so happy for you and it's so delightful to see how you've grown into the smart, loving and master chef you are today. So blessed and thankful to be your cousin!" - Tawana
Riley Harrison
Groomsman
Riley is Mitchell’s youngest brother. While they are 4 years apart in age, the brothers were nevertheless close growing up. The brothers were lucky enough to play 2 seasons together with Bison Football, where they both had successful and productive careers. The passion they both share for football, training for peak performance, and the genuine love for competition has carried over into their post-football lives. The brothers regularly golf together during the summers, allowing them to foster their shared love of competition. Riley has two young boys, Ridley and Rhodes, who are the newest additions to the growing family.
