Melissa & Justin
Wedding Party
Aldavina Dos Santos
Maid of Honor
This is my BEST FRIEND. I truly cannot tell yall how much I love this woman here. She is my inspiration and my support system at the same time. Alda and I became close at a really crazy time in both of our lives. A long list of "Saturdates", a master's degree on my part and a law degree on hers' later; she's still my #1. Always ready with a listening ear, a prayer and a word of encouragement; I truly don't know where I would be without her. (And chicken nugget is my fave kid in the whole world).
Rejena Whiting-Pamphile
Matron of Honor
Rej!!!! Rej is the sweetest person I have ever met in my entire life. Seriously. Her Thursday jokes carried me through undergrad and her love for me and Amira is unmatched. From being the last minute babysitter, to being one of my fave drinking buddies, to making sure Amira's social and educational development is on point. She's always there with advice, love, and lame jokes and I appreciate her so much for it! (And she's also like the best psychologist ever).
Rachel Swauncy-Gray
Bridesmaid
The bestest big sister in the whole widest world! Rachel is one of those people that ALWAYS comes through. From helping me with my school projects in grade school, to throwing the BEST themed birthday's for Amira every year; she truly has been a life saver since the day I was born!
Latoyia Swauncy
Bridesmaid
Toy! My absolute FAVE! My fellow country music lover and book worm! Out of all the Swauncy siblings, Toy is definitely the sweetest. Her love for us knows no bounds and she is ALWAYS there when any of us need her. Growing up, she was FOREVER my favorite person to jack books and movies from. And since adulthood has come, she is THE best auntie any of the kids could ask for. I couldn't imagine walking down the isle without her at my side!
Keiya Garrett
Flower Ambiance Enhancer :)
When Justin and I first started dating he told me (and I quote) that he had "the best sister in the world". Now that I've actually met her, I have to say I agree with him. Keiya is THE best. I think you have to experience it for yourself to get it but she genuinely brings joy to every room she enters without even trying. She's an amazing person to be around and you know that anything she is involved in will be FUN (Hence her title as Flower Ambience Enhancer!)
Kimel Fryer
Bridesmaid
KO! (As much time as I spend bothering this woman I have no idea how we don't have any pictures togther) Kimel started off as a podcast cohost and became one of my closest friends. The MINUTE I got engaged she was READY and has been so invaluable to the planning process. Beyond that, she always has my back from mom advice to life advice to venting sessions and I'm so grateful for our friendship. Best thing that came out of the podcast was Kimel being in my life (seriously).
Keturah Brown
Bridesmaid
Kady B! I really have no idea where to start. This girl right here is AMAZING in so many ways. She's been one of my biggest champions for almost a decade now (Jesus we are OLD). She held my hand all through my pregnancy with Amira (She used to have pizzas delivered to my apartment and text me like "You said you weren't hungry but I paid for pizza so you have to eat it"), Ever since sophomore year of undergrad she's had a beyond special place in my heart. (I even dress Amira like her for the first day of school). Forever one of my biggest supporters and I love her!
Sosha Duysker
Bridesmaid
Sos! She probably doesn't realize this BUT I actually count Sosha as my first real best friend. Because her dad and my mom are twins and we're close to the same age, we were pretty much always lumped together since birth. Even though we didn't really choose it, it turned out awesome and amazing anyway and I know that if I HAD had a choice, I would have chosen her. Some of my happiest summer memories of all time involve Sos, from mini play back shows to playing "Go Fish" in the tent way past bedtime; she's definitely more of a sister than a cousin to me despite the distance. (She also introduced me to The Sims which is still my stress relief like 20 years later)
Lauren Duysker
Bridesmaid
Laupie! Another member of Maudi & Tjark's "Gremlins". Lauren is truly one of the most supportive people in my family . She is consistently there and also a huge part of most of my favorite childhood memories. As the oldest of the four youngings, she's always had all of our backs without fail. From singing on the boat to demanding we play "Pump Me Up" on repeat from the trunk of the car to walking through the rain with me because I was determined to get a Dutch flag to hang in my dorm room; I can't imagine a time without her so this wouldn't be my day without her!
Esther Duysker
Bridesmaid
Es Bes! One of the greatest and most sincere people out here! I cannot TELL yall how many of Esther's summers we interrupted because we HAD to spend weeks in Groetebroek (Imagine being a teenager and spending your summers with four little sisters instead of two lmbo). She took it all in stride though and really was a great big sister. From indulging us with the (lowkey terrible) plays we wrote to playing board games with us and saving us from trouble with Oom Tjark and Tante Shanti when we KNEW we had done wrong. To this day I'm forever grateful for everything and it wouldn't be a wedding without her!
Brandi Phillips
Bridesmaid
Brandi! The best lunch date ever! Brandi and I have been friends for several years now (I really can't remember how long at this point lol). When I was living in Memphis, lunch dates with Brandi were like my favorite part of life. No matter how stressful the day or week, I could ALWAYS count on Brandi for some encouragement and laughs. She's shown up and shown out consistently and I love her so much for it.
Sade Watson
Bridesmaid
Sade! Sade and I became friends way back when freshman year of college. She's definitely the feistiest of the group but she also has one of the most caring and genuine hearts. I used to drive all the way to Memphis from Murfreesboro to kidnap her on the weekends because I really enjoyed kicking it with her THAT much. Along with being my favorite fellow Sims lover, she's also a constant supporter and encourager!
Dennis Coleman
Best Man
My big brother ! He said he wanted to squish me as a newborn when I first arrived from the hospital. I'm sure glad he didn't! Little did we know he would go above and beyond to protect his little brother. He made my childhood so much fun. We wrestled, played basketball, video games, pecan throwing wars (sorry mom), and any other random childish games we could think of. I am grateful to have him and I and so proud to call him my brother.
Cameron Canady
Best Man
Met this fella in 7th grade. He gave me the oddest nickname "Cole-cheese" and I still don't know why this makes any sense to him. Anyways we became friends and yet we are nearly complete opposites. He's tall, loud, gregarious, and a math whiz and well.....I'm not. He's also goofy and a very loyal friend so I guess we both share that. He is successful in the business world and a great family man. His positivity and passion for life is infectious (No Covid) and I am so glad to call him my friend.
Al Garrett
Groomsman
He is my brother-in-law, but such a title does little to describe how great my brother is. His name may sound familiar because he has worked pretty much everywhere in the Mid-South lol. I knew he would be around for a while when he got me my very first job at 14. My sister thought it was nice too. Yea I see what you did there Al. He treats my sister like a queen. What more could I ask for? Well, he has been nothing but kind, encouraging, and supportive towards me. There has never been a time I needed something and he didn't go out of his way to either do it, or find someone that could. I'm thankful for you bro!
Tony Swauncy Jr
Groomsman
Melissa's bro. Before meeting him I was nervous meeting the big brother. I was sure he'd size me up and ask what my plans would be with his sister. Luckily, we had already moved to Massachusetts so he couldn't keep her away from me, whew! Luckily that worry went away when he treated me like family the first time we met. He loves his family and would do anything for them. My new brother, I respect that and I also know you have guns. Your sister is safe with me and I'll keep her happy bro!
Anthony Jeffries
Groomsman
Melissa's bro. Met him and allllll the family at Melissa's undergrad graduation. He was very chill. I knew we'd get along because we both can remain expressionless amongst the crowd of thousands in Melissa's family. From his family of hoopers to his multiple business ventures to remain as humble as he is I applaud him. It is an honor to have him as a groomsman and now a brother.
Jeremy Roberson
Groomsman
He is my most seasoned friend. I've known Jeremy since elementary. Although, he has a vague memory of this, but I don't care. We were friends and that's that. We were both bench-riders on the football team, mediocre students, worked at the same job twice, and ended up graduating only a semester apart in college. We're oddly similar in a lot of ways so I guess that why it works. Oh, yea I forgot, he's a Washington Football (Redskins) team fan and I'm a Cowboys fan for life! As a matter of fact we are different. I'm right he's wrong. I'm good and he's bad. He probably likes salt & vinegar chips or something. Well you get the just of it. Who does this guy think he is? Ahh well, it's too late now to change. See you at the wedding bro!
Kelvin Wright
Groomsman
If you would like to know if you smell like the back of a tv. He's your guy. He can roast you and will leave you wanting to hear more. This man is hilarious! It is always a joy when I get my cousin. He is what hard work and having a positive attitude can get you. He's great family man and is career driven. He has kept me on my toes and helped my learn to always have a good check in my pocket just in case you gotta embarrass somebody real quick. Preciate you cuzzo!
Clifton Purnell II
Groomsman
We grew up on the same street a few houses apart. It took me years to realize his actual name. He was quite reserved and and never would initiate a conversation. He has only been referred to as "Sneak." A very fitting name I think. Even my my mom calls him that. My dad calls him Snoop but I think that's close enough. We'd play basketball for hours working on our craft knowing full well our lack of athleticism would get us only nosebleed seats in the stands Seats he hooked me up with a couple times for Grizzlies :-).
Billy Wesley
Groomsman
Got dam Billy.
Willem Pennings
Groomsman
He is as energetic as Amira. I'm sorry ya'll had to deal with this lol. He is so loved and appreciated by many and I had to have him as a groomsman. Melissa can do nothing but smile as she reminisces about her childhood with you. With you being the apparent "life of the party", I need you to bring it because I heard about you at your wedding and I gotta see it!
Denzel Arnold
Groomsman
Denzel is gonna be the next best music producer/ engineer. I'm calling it. I spit hot fire! We met a Melissa's birthday shindig and he was real cool. Melissa told me how much of an impact you had in her life at MTSU. A dedicated friend and your the DJ for the wedding. What is your DJ name? You better have one before the wedding or I'll make up one on the spot.
Primus Pamphile
Groomsman
He wanted to have the Avengers theme song play at his own wedding. I respect it. Just a little glimpse at his personality. He is a real hero being a firefighter and all. If you are having a bad day, he can make you see it in a whole new and positive way. Everyone needs a friend like that in their life. I am honored to have that friend as a groomsman.