Wedding Party
Ricky Philibert
Best Man
I met Ricky when Meritsa first introduced me to her family. I was nervous about meeting her ...'big brother'..., but after realizing that we both liked anime and hated racism, we quickly became great friends. From being my co-host on BLC to someone I can talk to about anything, I know I can count on him to listen and care. I call Ricky "illustrious" because he's a man of many talents and is someone I admire and respect. I am blessed to have gained a new business partner, a new brother, and a new friend all in one. I am proud to have him stand with me as my best man.
Miranda Alvarez-Guillen
Matron of Honor
Miranda and I met summer of 2016 during L.E.G.I.T. Camp because I was dying to know her curly hair routine! From curly girl to curly girl we stuck together like glue after that. She’s that “iron sharpens iron” friend down to a T. She’s the ear you need in hard times, and the push you need in the uncertain times. Intentional in friendship, she didn’t shy away from the big questions that brought clarity on even the hardest of storms. A woman of many talents who took our engagement photos; I’m proud to have her stand by my side as my Matron of Honor.
Joel Velez
Groomsman
JC Velez, the man, the myth, the legend. It is very difficult not to have a good time with Joel. This man embodies positivity. Without him, I could not have survived the late nights of studying organic chemistry in college. Whenever I doubted my abilities, he quickly shut that down and encouraged me to be the best version of myself. Joel is among the most brilliant people I know, and I am excited to see what the future has in store for him. I cannot wait to have his positive energy with me on my wedding day.
Ciera Ismail
Bridesmaid
From kindergarten telling people we were “cousins” coloring everything in pink & blue, to high school sports & college Applebees dates, Ciera has been my forever friend! The way she cares for her people is like no other. The day she met Deuce it was an automatic “Hey bro!”, because let’s be honest, she can always sense if something is gonna be good, or bad! Ciera has seen it all and has been there for it all, therefore there is no better place for her than alongside me on my wedding day.
Shawn Singh
Groomsman
Shawn and I met in high school and quickly bonded over the fact that our melanin count was very different from that of our classmates. As an adult, I am more than glad we kept our friendship over the years. He has always been an inspiration that practices what he preaches. In search of new opportunities, lessons, and experiences, Shawn has traveled the globe and earned the name "The Most Interesting Man in the World". Definitely, a good person to have up there with me!
Celesta Babb
Bridesmaid
Well, they say “don’t live with your best friend”, big OOPS! Celesta and I didn’t start out as besties, but it quickly went in that direction! We started as college roommates in Michigan to sisters staying connected in life. She is the friend who when she says “how are you doing?”, you better not give her the “I’m fine” response. She’s asking because she cares about you deeply. Her heart for people is grand and that’s why we became family, oh and sleeping on her family couch every weekend after Sabbath lunch too! Celesta has prayed and cared over our relationship from the beginning, and that support is a treasure I’ll cherish as my sweet Cele stands next to me on our wedding day.
Quashan Wayne
Groomsman
Quashan is less of a baby cousin and more of a baby brother to me. We have been close ever since we were little kids. Wreaking havoc on my grandpa's house by eating all of the ice pops and playing video games "illegally" on the "Big TV" are some of my favorite memories. Sometimes I forget how similar we are from mannerisms to appearances. Quashan is one of the few people to beat me out for having a bubbly and goofy personality. It is literally impossible not to smile around him. Watching him grow from a little kid to a father who cares for his family has been a blessing. I cannot wait to have his goofy personality up there with me (sorry in advance if he makes me laugh).
Jada Logan
Bridesmaid
By far the coolest Gen Z out there. Jada is the one who keeps us on our toes! From holding it down in Disney as if she was a tour guide herself, to giving us perspective when we didn’t think that far ahead. She’s the little sister and friend I’m blessed to gain, and by that, I’m winning big time! Our #1 fan from the beginning, I’m honored to have her by my side.
Chris Federici
Groomsman
I met Chris during football practice in Highshool, and one of the earliest things I noticed from him was his intentionality. Even when we were in high school, he was the most intentional person that I knew. His patience toward people is unrivaled. I still cannot believe he listened to my hair-brained scheme of starting a band and took it seriously (well, not the 1st time I asked, the third or fifth time). Being young and learning to work as a team was more difficult than we bargained for, but he was always there to ensure everyone and everything was good. Everyone needs a friend like him. Everyone needs a teammate like him. I genuinely would be a completely different person if I never met him. From teammate to bandmate, excited to have him be a grooms-mate.
Lorna Guzman
Bridesmaid
Just when we thought we met at the wrong time, God’s timing is always perfect! Lorna and I met at 8th grade graduation practice while plotting to throw skittles when they announced “Class of 2010!!”. Good thing we didn’t! We kept in contact over that summer on a whim of hopefully reconnecting that fall in high school and well, our whim worked out! We became the hermanas no one could break up. She’s the friend that will have you belly laughing for hours over nothing just because you need it & who knew such big hugs could come from such a small frame! Lorni is a gem of a friend watching me go from rags to riches, and she’ll keep cheering me on from that altar.
Chris Diehl
Groomsman
I call Chris "Cool Chris." Not for his fashion sense but more so for his embodying what it means to be a calm and kind soul. No one spends more time helping others than him. The first day I met him, he even bought me dominos (the peace offering of choice for college students). After a stressful day in college, my favorite thing was walking back to the dorm room and seeing that Chris already loaded up Smash Brothers with an expression saying, "Yeah, I know." To this day, I can call Chris at 2 am, and he would be there to help me at 2:15. Many of my college experiences outside of the dorm were because of him. He always invited me to everything, and I would have met fewer people and done fewer things if not for him. He's just the cool soul I need on my wedding day.
Ericka Asare-Darkwah
Bridesmaid
To have a sister is to have a friend forever, and Ericka is just that, my ride-or-die bestie for the resties! She learned hard so I could live a bit easier and was always the first to do it. She’d throw a joke and a kiss at me all in the same fell swoop, but that’s what big sisters are for right? She was the first friend to see me after Deuce proposed and literally screamed her head off in excitement, everyone thought she was injured. But that’s who Ericka has been, celebrating my wins as if they were her own. Big sister bestie, you were always there & always will be, thank you for affirming I made the right choice by standing next to me as I marry the man of my prayers.
Marvin Graham
Officiant
Pastor Marvin has been the head of "Grace Today Church" for many years. His faith is infectious, and he never gives up on outreach. He has always followed his saying, " I just want to love you and see you grow." I am excited to have him co-officiate our wedding.
Javier Mendez
Officiant
Pastor Javi has been a mentor and friend to me since I started volunteering at L.E.G.I.T Kids summer camp back in 2014. He leads, molds, and checks in on us like no other. I am so grateful for him to co-officiate our special day!
Carter Pitters-Lowery
Ring Bearer
Meet my baby cousin Carter! I doubt you'll find another kid as cool, funny, and smart as him!
Feat. Remington Philibert As
Ring Bearer
What a guy! Our favorite God-Son, sing-a-long buddy, and avid milk enthusiast, meet one of our ring bearers, Remington!
Juliana Pierre
Flower Girl
This sweet and spunky girl is one of a kind! Juliana is my first God-Daughter and “head” flower girl in our wedding.
Aviyana Wayne
Flower Girl
She is just a young girl and has already blessed her family with her light. She always greets everyone and everything with a smile! My God-Daughter Aviyana will continue to bless us as a flower girl!
Raina Philibert
Flower Girl
The best niece in the whole wide world who keeps us laughing all the time is, Raina, our flower girl!