John & Aspen
Wedding Party
Elaida Dimwamwa
Maid of Honor
Elaida and Aspen met at UPenn a couple weeks before school started. Aspen invited Elaida to hang out and she reluctantly agreed, since she didn't know anyone else, and they have been best friends ever since! In college they were always a package deal and even were referred to as "Elaspen." They even made a joint twitter that they gave up on after 2 weeks and 4 tweets. Elaida is always there whether you need to be hyped up or humbled. She is driven and focused, working towards her PhD at Georgia Tech, but still knows how to balance work with a social life. Getting a text from Elaida saying "Hey. We're going to *insert random city here*" is not a uncommon at all. No matter how much stress Elaida brings into Aspen's life (and vice versa), she would not be able to survive without her.
Dom Stokes
Best Man
Dom told John that he liked his shoes freshman year and that started everything. From sharing almost all classes freshman year to getting married just over a month apart from each other, John and Dom have shared so many experiences that have solidified their bond over eight years. Dom is the type of person that finds joy in everything in life, including people, making him a great hype man - making his role in the wedding very fitting. They share a bond over continuous improvement and always being a learner. Whether that was optimization problems in Calculus 1 ("One of the MOST HARDEST problems on the exam") to how to break cycles to build and sustain wealth beyond our lifetimes. They continuously push each other to be better people - which is why Dom is definitely the Best Man.
Brysan Porterfield
Bridesmaid
Brysan and Aspen have been best friends since as long as they can remember. Ever since they were 5 years old, Brysan's house was Aspen's second home. They would spend every minute together if they had the chance. For a few years, they spent hours every day making songs and dances up for their soon-to-be-famous girl group called SWA. They still remember their hit single about Brysan's little sister Tylan. Even after Aspen moved away at 13 years old, they still kept in touch and visit each other regularly. When they meet up it's like they were never apart. Brysan is a true ride or die.
Marcus Jordan
Groomsman
A true ride-or-die who is riding until the wheels fall off. John and Marcus have been roommates, served as leaders in student organizations together, and most importantly have been friends for over seven years. They have made road trips together and they are always willing to let the other know how to break into their house should they need a place to crash (true story). Marcus and John share a bond over deep thought, striving to be better, music, and sometimes being a little reckless, albeit often in different ways. Marcus' sense of humor and levity provides a great catalyst for the wedding party with respect to enjoying the time spent together.
Nadjia Motley
Bridesmaid
Nadjia and Aspen met in college through the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). They served on the same regional board, and although they did not go to the same school, they became fast friends (even though Nadjia originally thought Aspen was "lame"). Now, they live in California together and have gotten even closer over the years. Nadjia even helped plan, execute, and photograph the proposal with John! Nadjia is such a giving, free spirit, and is always there to support you no matter what the situation is. Even though she stays busy working on her PhD at UCI, having Nadjia nearby has been life changing.
Jacob Walker
Groomsman
As John's younger brother, it is safe to say that John has known Jacob for literally Jacob's entire life. When you have shared a room, bike rides, four wheeler adventures, and blood, you tend to have a deep connection that is hard to break. John went from being Jacob's big brother to his older, little brother as Jacob shot up during adolescence. Jacob is loyal and will do whatever is necessary to help someone out. Even if that means giving up his shorts for one day to put a suit on for his older brother's wedding. As Jacob moves, often in silence, he provides a calmness to the wedding party that is definitely needed in times of high energy and high stress.
Corrine Hoyt
Bridesmaid
Corrine and Aspen have been best friends since the first day of freshman year in high school. Aspen just moved to Michigan the day before school started, so she didn't know a soul. While at her locker, Corrine walked up, all 4'11" of her, and basically said "Hey, let's be friends." Since then, they spent hours watching Mean Girls, baking cakes, choreographing dances, and going to school events. Corrine is such a passionate, supportive person. It was an honor for Aspen to stand next to Corrine when she got married in 2017, so it is so meaningful for Corrine to be a part of Aspen's bridal party as well in 2020.
Zach Walker
Groomsman
Although Zach and John share the same last name, there is no relation...yet. Zach is Aspen's younger (but big) brother. Him and John first met when Aspen introduced John to her family over breakfast at Sabrina's Cafe in Philly. He sat there excitedly watching his parents grill Aspen's new boyfriend. This is followed by one of their dad's favorite pictures - Zach standing between Aspen and John while staring John down. Since then, they have bonded over their shared affection of making fun of Aspen. Together, they are able to "attack" her from both sides, leaving her nowhere to run.
Amber Walker
Bridesmaid
Amber is John's little sister, unfortunately, so she gets picked on quite a bit. John's favorite thing to do is throw all his weight on Amber without any warning and she's just supposed to know to catch him. (Yes, he's evil) Aspen loves visiting Amber because then John has to split his time irritating us both in half. Amber has a very genuine soul and her and Aspen get along already! They both only have brothers and have grown up being picked on constantly. So, they're both excited to get their first sister in 2020!
Macy McCollum
Groomswoman
John first met Macy when she was a Resident Assistant in Dom's dorm. John took one of the round pieces of lounge furniture, turned it on it's side and walked on it as if he were "log rolling". He log rolled out of the elevator to find Macy standing there, confused, and trying to figure what was going on. Since then, they have shared years of memories and experiences, with many more to come. She is one of the trusted people that John turns to when things aren't always going well and she always provides sound judgment and advice.