Wedding Party

Shameika and I met when we were 7 years old in the 2nd grade while living in Iowa. When my family moved to North Carolina, we did not allow even states to come between us. We quickly became real-life “pen pals” (yes, actual hand-written letters back and forth). Born only 13 days apart, it is so funny how we have lived parallel lives in many ways — from taking piano lessons as children to going to graduate school. Being the only scientist I know, she is the smartest chick I have ever met. I enjoy both our intellectual and funny talks! No matter how busy our lives get, when we connect on the phone it is as though we never missed a beat. I am truly grateful to have a life-long bestie like Shameika.

Polo has been a part of my life since 2008 when he was only 12 weeks old. Polo and I have a bond that I will always cherish. He became my first friend when I transitioned from college to a brand new city to begin my career. Over the last 11 years, he has happily exchanged a listening ear for belly rubs. I especially enjoy our quick shopping trips to Home Depot or long road trips when he sticks his head out the window as his signature Mohawk (or Afro depending on the season) blows freely in the wind, lol. He has been the greatest constant in my life – being my confidant and companion through all these years. His loyalty has taught me the essence of unconditional love. I love you Polo Wolo.

I had no idea when I moved to a new state on the first day of 6th grade, I would be approached by Anita — the most lively, resilient, outgoing girl in class. Being a more reserved 11 year old, I was certainly taken back and could not understand why she would not leave me alone! Looking back on all the years, I am so glad she did not. She has talked me into things I would never have the courage to do – good and bad! There is no topic of conversation off limits between us, which has allowed us to be curators of all things good, sad and often just plain weird. I am truly thankful Anita has been able to keep her childhood promise (or one might say directive) to being in my wedding by my side. 

Marie has been my girl since 2015 when I was fairly new to Atlanta. When we first met, I thought to myself, “This girl is too reserved, we won’t ever have much to talk about since I’m reserved too.” Boy, was I wrong! Marie is funny without effort and cracks me up with her stories about work and life. I appreciate how she’s always a good sport about being my subject matter to improve my amateur photography skills. It’s funny how my beautiful Deutschland friend gracefully holds in a laugh when I break out a southern, “Guten Tag!” (my German translation of “hey girl, hey!”) With her nails always on point, Marie can take a “Girl’s Night” to another level! Whether it’s a spa day, meeting up at Bahama Breeze, bringing in the New Year or celebrating a birthday at a celebrity’s restaurant, I always enjoy hanging out with Marie!

I originally met Brandon at a Leadership conference in Spartanburg, South Carolina called Boys State during my junior year of high school. We were roommates at the conference and really hit it off because of similar interest in basketball, music, etc. We kept in touch after the conference and although we started at different colleges, ended up transferring to North Carolina A&T simultaneously and becoming roommates and then best friends.  Even after I moved to Atlanta and he to South Carolina, Brandon would often drive up to Atlanta for basketball leagues and tournaments where we both played. Brandon is just one those guys you can call up anytime and he is always there. We are just two Carolina Boys that knows the meaning of friendship. 

I met Jordan back in 2003 when I moved to Atlanta. We met through a mutual friend during one of his visit to Atlanta during his service in the military. Jordan is one of those guys that you can count on and brings a lot of good vibes and positive energy to the table. After transitioning out of the military, he decided to move to Atlanta for good and we soon became roommates for a few years before I relocated to Texas. As one-third of the “Da Starters” crew, I can tell you there has never been a dull moment with Jordan during any function and outing he was present. This guy has a great heart and will go out his way to help anyone. I am thankful to have Jordan as a key partner in crime.

Charlton and I met back in 2003 when I first moved to Atlanta after graduating from college. He was a part of a group of fellas that I had initially met, and who were all new to Atlanta. He is also a one-third member of a sub crew we coined, “Da Starters,” which includes him, myself, and another friend Jordan.  If you were looking to have a good time with good people, you could always count on one or all of us to make it happen. Over the years, Charlton has become a true brother to me. Outside of the fun, we share great advice with each other and I appreciate how he has been there for me since day one. There are many people who talk about being a friend, and then there are those few who actually go out of the way to do it. Charlton is among those strong few. I’ve known him for 16+ years, and it truly feels like we grew up together. To sum it up, Charlton is a true to form, “brother from another mother.”

Despite the short amount of time I’ve known Jeff, it feels like I’ve known him for years. Often time grooms would be nervous around their future in-laws, but that has never been the case with Jeff.  It doesn’t hurt that we share being a part of the greatest fraternity in the world (Alpha Phi Alpha), where we both pledged at North Carolina HBCUs: me at North Carolina A&T and he at Fayetteville State University. During his visits to Atlanta, I always have a good time showing him a piece of ATL. Jeff is the ultimate cool, funny guy and I look forward to more good times yet to come with him as a family.