Amara & Marcus
Wedding Party
April Heard 1/2
Mother of the Bride
April Heard is the mother of Amara Jannine Heard. She is married to the love of her life, James, whom she affectionately calls “Mr”. Wherever you may encounter them you will hear Mr say, “I’ve had her for 35 years!” As a Pastor’s wife of 18 years, April and her husband have counseled numerous couples with the hope of navigating them to reconciliation. April has been an employee of Ameren for over 37 years. At an early age she taught her daughter the proper etiquette of how to eat at the dinner table. However, Amara was only interested in eating the butter, not the bread and butter.
April Heard 2/2
Mother of the Bride
Always eager to learn, and at an early age her mother watched her develop from a little three-year old girl reciting poems in daycare; to performing on a praise team in elementary school; her high school dance team and campus ministry team. Wherever her daughter’s interests in life carried her, her mother was always there to support and give encouragement. Witnessing the graduation of her doctorate degree in medicine has been a life-changing event for Amara’s entire family. Her mother and father are so grateful that God has positioned Marcus in her life, and they look forward to their next chapter together as husband and wife.
James Heard 1/4
Father of the Bride
James Heard operates under many titles like Mister, Daddy, Pastor, Bishop and Field Office Director for the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. As the Director of HUD, he speaks to a national audience regarding Federal programs to vitalize communities. He is the Overseer of the New Destiny Ministries in which he inspires his congregation to live an exceptional Christian life. James’ achievements consist of a Bachelor’s Degree in Business; Master’s Degree in Business and Gerontology; specialized studies from the University of Portland in Community Development; a Physician Assistant’s license and a Doctorate Degree in Theology.
James Heard 2/4
Father of the Bride
James is the husband of April with whom he has committed to love and please their 35 years of marriage. James first laid eyes on April while watching her father move her luggage into her dorm in college and he immediately said, “I’m going to get her!” He never would have imagined that statement spoken 40 years ago would unite their “destiny”! To this predestined union their baby girl, Amara Jannine Heard was conceived. It seems only like yesterday that James was standing at her kindergarten room door listening to her brag to her classmates of how strong and how big her daddy’s muscles were! Not to mention, she was rocking one of James’ famous hairstyles. Yes, he combed and braided her hair into two “puff balls” with a big part right down the center of her head; well something like that.
James Heard 3/4
Father of the Bride
It seemed like only yesterday when he danced with her at a Debutante Fashionetta Cotillion. Amara was looking so radiant and beautiful while he was nervous, hoping not to trip over her dress. Oh wow, where has the time gone! In the pursuit of excellence, James knew a 3.96 grade point average wasn’t good enough for his baby girl. She wanted a perfect 4.0! With the resolve of excellence, her parents knew she would do exceptionally well in her field of study. They were so proud of her accomplishment graduating from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Six-Year Medical Program with her Doctorate Degree. They knew this was her purpose in life! Anything less would have been a failure, and failure is not an option in her life.
James Heard 4/4
Father of the Bride
A high-achieving woman must have an equally-high achieving mate. With that said, James has spent his life praying and trying to model the image of the “right” man for his daughter. He would take her on daddy and daughter dates to show her how a king should treat his queen. God sent her Marcus and she was receptive enough to notice the qualities of a good man as taught by her father. Thanks be to God for a man like Marcus whom I believe is sent by God to you and you to Him. So, we are not done in making more great memories! I’m expecting great things from this Holy-Power-Couple! Because, I see in both of you, failure is not an option. Love Dad!
Joan Williams 1/3
Mother of the Groom
Hello my name is Joan and I am the mother of the groom. Marcus is my oldest and only son. I remember like it was just yesterday when Marcus was born. I raised him as a single parent, while pursuing my career as a police officer and an Army Reservist. At the age of 40 I decided to enroll in college to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. I graduated from Columbia College during Marcus’ freshman year of College. I wanted my children to know that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams that you can do anything that you set your mind to do. Marcus was taught to be responsible and took care of business at a very young age. From making airline to hotel reservations at the age of 13, I knew that I was raising a respectful and caring young man.
Joan Williams 2/3
Mother of the Groom
Marcus went to Paris, France for his 25th birthday and fell in love with the Country. He was excited to tell me about the trip and that he had looked into the culinary program in Paris. After doing research, he was very adamant about becoming a French Chef. He told me that he was going to start a go fund me account. I told him that whatever he was short of, I would fund him the rest. He had everything set up from housing to his airline ticket. He purchased a round trip by way of Cancun, to attend a mutual friend’s wedding a year later, before returning to the United States.
Joan Williams 3/3
Mother of the Groom
Marcus arrived home and told me that he met someone in Cancun and asked me not to say anything because he didn’t have her number but he gave her his number. After being home for about a week he received a call from the young lady he met in Cancun. I asked when could I meet her and he told me it was too soon. So I waited impatiently. Lol. I finally got to meet her about a month later and instantly fell in love with her as if she was my daughter. She was so sweet and had the prettiest smile. I couldn’t have asked for a better daughter in law.
Gary Stittum 1/3
Father of the Groom
I am Gary Eugene-Anthony Stittum Sr. A person and product of the Saint Louis Metropolitan City. The eldest of three siblings who were reared in the West End of the City by grandparents as a result of an early death of a young mother, and too numerous job relocations of a father. The formal years were productive, graduating from Soldan High School and was a recipient of a bachelor’s degree in Communications/ Television and Radio Broadcasting from the Columbia School of Broadcasting. In the late 60’s early 70’s, I was hired by two prominent black owned R&B radio stations, namely KWK AM 1380 and WESL AM 1490.
Gary Stittum 2/3
Father of the Groom
During those tenures I was voted Disc Jockey of The Year twice subsequent to being recognized and awarded by the Black National Radio Hall of Fame and St. Louis History Museum for many contributions to the broadcast industry. I concluded my career in radio in the late 70’s and was employed by Anheuser Busch Incorporated (St. Louis). After a brief period of employment, I sought a position with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. I remained with this agency for thirty-three years before retiring in 2011.
Gary Stittum 3/3
Father of the Groom
During my tenure I attained the rank of Sergeant of Police and Detective Sergeant, having served eighteen years as a Homicide investigator/Supervisor, and fifteen years as a patrolman/Field Supervisor, additionally, a Hostage Response (SWAT) Team member for nine years honorably. At the present I am highly inspired in writing a book about my encounters as a homicide detective.
Lonnie 1/2
Son of the Bride and Groom
I came into the home of the bride after being purchased from a shelter. She never envisioned having a small dog but I quickly won her over with big sad eyes and boyish charm. I don't remember much of my old life but I know things got a lot better for me in her care. We have spent countless nights and days even sleeping in bed, one of my favorite things to do. I remember the first time I met Marcus. I always get excited when people come over, and to my surprise what did I see walk in my home, another male. I defended myself the best way I knew how, by barking and hiding behind my mother.
Lonnie 2/2
Son of the Bride and Groom
Now that I've come to know him he hasn't been that bad. He's usually the first one home to take me on walks and always feeds me snacks off his plate. We have a love hate relationship. He loves me a lot and I hate him most days when mom is around, and show it daily by growling at him when he gives me kisses. All in all I love my mom and dad and there's no place I'd rather be than sleeping between them and leaving no space uncovered.
Randy "R dot" Wiley 1/4
Best Man
Randy and Marcus met in middle school, participating in various school programs together. Throughout our youth years, we developed a unique relationship, providing each other support in our journey of becoming better men. During this time, it was evident our friendship was different from others. This would later lead to us becoming college roommates at Missouri State University; which was vital to our success in striving for our degrees. Our friendship is based off a few characteristics: honesty, accountability, growth and elevation. One of the biggest reasons our friendship continues to evolve is due to the transparent honesty we hold each other to maintain.
Randy "R dot" Wiley 2/4
Best Man
With honesty and integrity, our friendship developed into a true brotherhood. There are not too many people in today’s age who has a genuine heart, and will “tell it like it is”. Through many “truth talks”, we have laughed, cried, and pondered on our goals and aspirations in life. With Marcus, you never have to guess what he is thinking, and I love him for that. In May 2015, Marcus gave us the honor of being my Best Man, in my wedding. Needless to say, he was not only the “Best Man” on my special day, but has continued to be the “Best Man” in my life. Marcus is a great example of someone you can always look to in going after your dreams, regardless of the odds against you.
Randy "R dot" Wiley 3/4
Best Man
When Marcus decided to venture out and follow his dreams of going to France for a year, I gained so much respect for him. He taught me to step out on faith, and believe in a Higher Purpose for his life. He showed me in order to elevate and grow, a true man will learn to trust in his heart and “go for it all”. When Marcus returned to the U.S., it was evident his drive, confidence, and ambitions were higher than ever. In addition, this was also around the time he and Amara came into each other lives. Upon meeting Amara, I knew she was different—she was someone who’s spirit was filled with love and care. At that moment, I knew it was something special about their relationship.
Randy "R dot" Wiley 4/4
Best Man
In March, 2017, me and my wife were blessed to have our son, Bryson Wiley. Marcus and Amara have a special place in my heart, because of the love and affection they’ve shown him since he was born. As his God-parents, these two have supported him and looked out for him as their own. As a father, this the biggest reason Amara won my heart. As we continue this journey of life continues, Marcus will continue to be a cornerstone in my life. With the addition to Amara, I am looking forward to the growth and maturity we will provide in each other’s lives—as we aspire to become the best versions of ourselves.
Walter Thomas 1/4
Groomsman
I am Walter, the big brother of the group. It’s hard to say when we actually met because it feels like we’ve known each other for ages. I came to Missouri State University a couple years before the rest of the group. It was Que who introduced Marcus and Randy to me, and like Kool Aid, water, ice, and sugar, we just blended perfectly. We brought out the best in one another. Now of course, Marcus was the most self sufficient of the three. I mean they were like a three-headed monster, all the same, yet all so different. Marcus was driven, determined, goal oriented, and poised, to the point I saw myself seeking his advice and and guidance on various matters.
Walter Thomas 2/4
Groomsman
Many of these talks came over nights where we would sit at the table and just beat the brakes off each other in spades. Usually my team won. But in all seriousness, this was “bros time.”We share. We laughed. We learned. We grew. It was a brotherhood. Something I didn’t have growing up. My brother is 10 years younger than myself. My grandmother actually filled that void of an older “brother” giving guidance and advice the many summers and weekends I spent with her growing up. Marcus will be the first to tell you, he keeps a small circle. So if you are in that circle, it’s something special. Over the years I’ve talked with Marcus about so many different things; my family, my wife, my goals, my failures.
Walter Thomas 3/4
Groomsman
He provides that reassuring ear and proper amount of spiritual context that I no longer receive from my late grandmother. And Marcus cooks, just not better than granny. Que told me Marcus had, and I quote, “A BEAUTIFUL CHOCOLATE DOCTOR”. Knowing Que, she had to be something special. He’s over the top with everything he describes, and to use those choice words, I knew it was something amazing. Randy was the first to say “he’s going to marry Amara”. Marcus being Marcus, poised and cool, just laughed and smile, never refuting that claim. And then I met her...as he introduced her his eyes lit up. I knew then he had found his queen. Someone to put up with his picky self. So I gave him that brother head nod, silly grin and ask “so when’s the wedding?”
Walter Thomas 4/4
Groomsman
Again poised and cool, he just laughed and smile. We’ve been on this journey together for almost a decade now and I don’t see it ending anytime soon.
Quavondre "Q" May 1/2
Groomsman
I feel as if I meet Marcus for the first time at various periods throughout our lives. The young leadership driven boy with the black sweat pants and grey T-shirt that simply enjoyed a taco salad with me at lunch focused on motivating me to expect more from life after high school. Only to a few short weeks after graduation become a new young man, one eager to take complete advantage of the new freedom we had gained by moving out of our respective homes. Witnessing him embrace college with pride, starting organizations on campus, and growing to a young man. I encountered him once more after college graduation, frustrated with his entry level job, a young man ready to grasp self-fulfillment and see new things, go new places, Paris to be exact.
Quavondre "Q" May 2/2
Groomsman
Marcus became a classically trained French culinarian, the refinement he gained, which only elevated all the attributes that over the years has made him wise beyond his years, are now headlined with the word Chef. I most recently stumbled across Chef Marcus A. Stittum accompanied by a luminous, loving, beautiful, enigmatic, intelligent woman, that was hand crafted by the Most High and given to the most deserving. I can tell the legend, I have heard the myths, but I thank God to have known the man for the last 15 years and there is much more to come.
Briana "Bree" McDonald 1/2
Maid of Honor
Maid of Honor is what she asked me to be and of course I screamed YES!!!!!! My name is Briana McDonald and I’m 28 yrs old. I met Amara when I was 15 years old during our freshman year of high school. Amara and I both were members of our high schools dance team. Although we were on the same team, we had never said two words to each other. We began talking because I was trying to hook her up with somebody, Amara said “I didn't think I was gone like you because you looked mean”. She gave our friendship and chance and she has become more that a friend to me; she is me and I am her. Calling her best friend is not enough, I believe her to be my sister.
Briana "Bree" McDonald 2/2
Maid of Honor
Fast forward 10 plus years and she met Marcus. She brought Marcus to my house to meet me for the first time a couple years back. At the time I was staying in south city of Saint Louis, Henrietta was my street. They get to the house and as soon as Marcus sits on my couch Amara says, “ Well, Marcus said all ghetto people stay Henrietta, and I was like well this her street.” Y’all I laughed so hard because he was like damn you gone throw me under the bus like that. At that moment I knew he was the one cause he’s just as crazy as her. I love y’all with all my heart. I hope and pray the best for your marriage, make it last forever. Forever my sister and now forever my brother.
Chanel "Nelly" Maddox 1/4
Bridesmaid
I was not blessed with a biological sister, but God granted me something greater. Amara, my chosen kin, has been my sister in my days when I am most undone, when gravity has striped me of my high, and when it felt as if my insecurities would not cease. We’ve encouraged one another, soothed each other through many vulnerabilities, and prayed together. I’m thankful that God has brought you into my life and now, Marcus, who I can call my family.
Chanel "Nelly" Maddox 2/4
Bridesmaid
Our sisterhood began early in our college years, and since the day that I saw myself in you, I made a promise to never forsake our bond. You and I have soared many highs and lows, accomplished much together and individually, but what I appreciate most is our timeless effort to demonstrate the affections of a sisterhood that is unshakable. And I’m most thankful that I get to see a royal reflection of who I am through you.
Chanel "Nelly" Maddox 3/4
Bridesmaid
Watching you and Marcus, grow in Christ and in love, since the beginning has been nothing short of a craft from God. There are no words to describe how proud I am of you and Marcus. You’ve inspired me and many others around you, and just know I will always pray with you and for both of you. You both are the family I prayed God would surround me with and I cannot wait to build on many memories with you two. But before we give you away to a man who is nothing short of blessed to have you, I want to remind you as I always have:
Chanel "Nelly" Maddox 4/4
Bridesmaid
I promise to carry you when you need it and share in laughter and love always. I may not share your blood, but I share your vulnerabilities, aspirations, and dreams. We, my sister, are cut from the same soul, simply placed into different patterns, worn by the ones who can nurture and mend it the most. I promise to carry you, when you can no longer carry yourself. But let me insist, that I pray that time never comes. I will continue to be there to see you soar, I will continue to be there to see you rise, and I will continue to love you as you’ve loved my child and me. Where there is you, there is me. I’m elated to be rejoicing in this day with you. May God bless you both abundantly.
LaTonya "T" Meeks 1/4
Bridesmaid
I met Amara in 2012 on campus at UMKC. Both involved, not only within our individual sororities but also within the campus community, we crossed paths first as passer-bys in the student Gospel Choir. I remember lol not even knowing her, we were singing in the Alto section, she leaned over to me and said “you can really sing.” I thought, ‘this pretty girl with smooth skin is so nice’, I don’t know why I never asked her name then. Months later we bumped into one another looking for equality and inclusion on campus within the Greek Community. Through a week long protest of campus events, we finally introduced ourselves to one another and then teamed up with three others in running for campus Student Government.
LaTonya "T" Meeks 2/4
Bridesmaid
Throughout this entire journey over that first year, we did what any blossoming friendship would do, we grew. Years later, I personally feel, the moment I discovered she was not only my friend but my sister was through her experiences in Medical School. She faced so many obstacles in which she would confide in me about pushing on and praying harder...she returned the very same love and support along with our third buddy Chanel, when I had to struggle through health issues in regards to having a child of my own. Those two chapters in our lives, among many life changing others such as my wedding, our graduations, etc., we cried, we loved one another harder and exposed our deepest and at times lowest moments with one another.
LaTonya "T" Meeks 3/4
Bridesmaid
How can one not carry on a relationship, that remains permanent, after showing the other their soul and not receiving judgement but genuine, nurturing care? The rest has been history. I met Marcus once they were dating for a few months. With gentle tone and touch, Marcus doesn’t hide the fact he is a romantic and a lover, which in my eyes is perfect for Mara and all that she carried transitioning from Medical School and starting Residency. The stresses that comes with that, the stresses that come with the occupation of caring for others, God sent Marcus to care for my sister at the perfect time He knew she would need it.
LaTonya "T" Meeks 4/4
Bridesmaid
It was a flawless transition from us as her friends having her heart, to Marcus coming and sharing it….Marcus is the example of a ‘God send’ and through him, his gentleness and his warmth that he shows my husband and I every single time we visit, I am confident and feel so blessed that my girl Mara is marrying Marcus, who I have come to now know as, my brother.
Alea Little
Junior Bridesmaid
My name is Alea. I'm the baby sister of the groom. I'm a certified Phlebotomist, currently in school to complete my associates in science. When I first met Amara I was stunned by her hair, I love her hair. It's so thick and long. She is full of light and her smile brightens up a room. I love Amara, the sister I've always wanted. I enjoy our blended family holidays, her parents are so full of love. I love how their laughs are the exact same now, so loud and annoying lol. I love my Brother. I'm glad he found someone to love him for a lifetime. I admit I was jealous at first because I didn't want to share my brother's hugs and kisses but like I said I love Amara with all my heart. She held my hand when I needed it the most. Her and Marcus complement each other. They make each other whole.
Kristopher Heard 1/2
Brother of the Bride
Kristopher J. Heard is jack of all trades. Kristopher is an eager learner and motivated to get to the next level. Kristopher has earned two degrees, Bachelors in Business Administration and double Masters degree in Business Administration with concentration of Marketing. With these degrees, Kristopher has established two companies Kris Heard Photography and Streetmuzik Media LLC. Not only is Kristopher a business man but a family man. Kristopher has learned how to share his busy work life with his wife (Khea) and his four children (Kris II, Kenley, Kristian, and Kingston).
Kristopher Heard 2/2
Brother of the Bride
Kristopher is the older brother of Amara Heard. Kristopher is the true definition of a big brother. Growing up, Kristopher would tease and pester Amara to no end. However, if you messed with his baby sister, there would be severe consequences. Kristopher is a firm believer of protecting Amara. When Kristopher found out about Marcus, he would ask his wife for details, every detail. When Kris found out Marcus was a chef and could cook seafood, Kristopher was ready to meet Marcus. When Kris met Marcus at Thanksgiving dinner, he knew this was the one he could trust with his "Mara". From that day on Kristopher knew God blessed Amara with someone who would protect her as much as Kristopher protected Amara.