Bride
As many of you know my name is Vanessa. I am originally from Queens, NY. I am a mom, daughter, sister, aunt, friend and now a fiancée. I am passionate about my family and close friends. Those relationships are very important to me and I try to nurture them as much as possible. Benjamin and I met by both deciding to swipe right👉🏾. When we met, we were two people who were both divorced and had almost given up on meeting that special person. We both decided to “ just see how things go “ with no pressure and no expectations. Surprisingly, our relationship evolved into a beautiful storybook love story. Benjamin was exactly what I never knew I needed. God is always on time.
Groom
My name is Benjamin L. Sanders, III. I am originally from Camden, New Jersey. I am an U.S. Navy Veteran and served as a United States Navy Ceremonial Guard. I am a proud father of two young men, Spencer Sanders and Elijah Sanders. I am also the grandfather of two beautiful children, Sage and Amira Sanders. I am a proud brother and uncle …. And now Fiancé! I am very excited to enter into this new chapter of my life with Vanessa and cannot wait to get to spend forever with my Boo! Oh…… I am the biggest Philadelphia Eagles Fan EVER!!! GO BIRDS 🦅 🦅🦅
Bridesmaid
Joy has been a source of comfort and happiness in the life of the bride for close to 40 years. She is an amazing daughter, aunt, sister and mother to two beautiful daughters. She is a very nurturing and loving person. I chose Joy as one of my bridesmaids because she is creative, upbeat and caring. I consider her to be my sister from another mother. Blessed to have her in my life.
Bridesmaid
Marla has been one of the bride’s closest confidants in the last 40 years and I was grateful to call her my sister. She was a pillar of strength and beauty, defying all odds and never missed a beat. She was the mother of two beautiful daughters and a handsome son with one of the most respected careers in the world…. A world class nurse. She was what I loved to refer to as my personal real life Bratz Doll. On May 23, 2024 Marla succumbed to Cancer related complications and illnesses. She is and will always be my sister. She is my posthumous bridesmaid and will always be with us in spirit. I was blessed to have her in my life.
Bridesmaid
Keisha and the bride have known each other for 40 years now. They attended elementary, junior and high school together. We have been friends since childhood and hold each other dear to our hearts. Keisha is a phenomenal teacher and mother to three daughters. She is a wonderful friend and I love everything about her. She is dependable and loyal, simply an amazing woman. I am proud to call her my sister. Blessed to have her in my life.
Bridesmaid
Brianna is the niece of the bride. She is a very articulate and intelligent young lady. She is also very artsy, creative, funny and inquisitive. Some of her favorite pastimes include creating awesome social media content videos, participating in various school activities including student government, cheerleading and volleyball. Brianna is super excited to be able to support us during this exciting new beginning.
Best Man
Dorsey Watkins, Sr. is the father and best man of the groom, Benjamin L. Sanders, III. Dorsey is originally from Washington D.C. Dorsey is an Army Veteran with 21 years of honorable of service. He has been married to his beautiful wife, Christine Watkins for over 40 years. Dorsey is also a devoted father, grandfather, brother and uncle that is passionate about his family and friends that are close to him. We were honored when he agreed to be apart of our special day.
Groomsman
Shaheed is the bride’s first born son. He has a magnetic personality. He is a millennial who is forging his own path in life. He is passionate about his career and his family life. Shaheed currently lives in Houston, TX. He is living and loving his best life.
Groomsman
Jayden is the second born son to the bride. Jayden is a very inquisitive, intelligent, and talented young man. Jayden enjoys spending his time accepting new challenges via his favorite pastime…. Madden NFL. Jayden is passionate about playing basketball, traveling and spending time with his family and friends.