Wedding Party

Ashley Johnson

Bride

Giaberto Vanzant

Groom

Kellye Moran

Maid of Honor

Ashley and I met in the 7th grade and we’ve inseparable since then! Everything about our friendship is genuine. I think that’s why connected so deeply. We had each other’s back regardless of whatever outcome. I’m so glad that God brought my soul sista to my life. Through achievements, blessings, heartaches and life events Ashley has always been my ace. She’s a wonderful spirit who is a friend to the end. I’m so glad to join on our wedding day!

Sherquita Banks

Matron of Honor

Let’s see, where do I begin? With our fathers being brothers, we have spent our entire lives together and have shared a plethora of fond memories. From traveling around the world in the Winnebago when we were kids, family reunions, countless summers back and forth from Mississippi to Texas, birthdays, anniversaries, cruises, pregnancy, and now marriage. I dare not mention some others lol. My version of the more recent (I’m sure that my husband mentioned it as well) is the day we met Gio. I’m sure his first impression of us was not great. I was so excited to meet him and hang out. You know the story, remember when someone decided to show their true colors, which in turn led me to behave out of character. Gio expressed that he did not want to die on 59 and we lived happily ever after.

Brandon Smith

Best Man

What to say?! My brother and i met in a fraternal capacity. We were in college attempting to cross for Upsilon Phi Upsilon. There were 5 of us. Carl. J.R. Him. Frank. And me. All of us of different backgrounds and experiences and yet, brothers. From crossing the burning sands, we formed a unique bond. We actually had many questionable experiences that could have easily ended our relationship, on both of our accounts. We both had to learn how to be men and mature. We laughed together. Cried together. Won together. Loss together. Left each other. And yet, every time we came into each other's presence, we were brothers that never missed a beat. Giaberto Vanzant is a man. A well-layered man. A man of distinction, discernment, discipline, accountability, forgiveness, kindness, and love.

Jordan Cameron

Groomsman

How we met - Jean Gordon Elementary School EST 1992. Favorite Memory - Giaberto Vanzant stole my solo in elementary school choir. I was supposed to sing lead on the “I believe I can fly class song” but instead Giaberto came in last minute and the choir director let him sing lead instead of me.

Brittany Riley

Bridesmaid

Well...it wasn’t fate that me and Ashley met. We’re family and I couldn’t have asked for a more loving, fun, and beautiful cousin! My favorite memories of us, as kids, are at our annual family reunions and as adults, our crazy outings of kicking it and having a great time. I know I’m good when I’m with Ashley and she knows that she’s good when she’s with me. I WILL NOT play about this one!! Period. Anyhow, I am so very happy for her and Gio and I wish them a lifetime of happiness!! I love you cousin!! Let’s have a freaking wedding!! #Vows2Vanzant2021

Arthur "James" Johnson

Groomsman

​Giaberto and I met the summer of 2018 at our annual family reunion in Jackson, MS where we had a few private conversation. Through those open and honest conversations, we built the foundation of a really good friendship. Over the next few years that friendship turned into an unbreakable brotherly bond. Because I have a brother, I'll always have a friend.

Lisa Johnson

Bridesmaid

I met Ashley about 15 years ago at one of the family reunions in TX. I had just started dating her cousin James and Ashley was one of the people I met first. If you know Ashley, you know she doesn't play when it comes to James. Ashley's facial expressions and personality says alot and to get the "oh I like her" stamp of approval by the end of the weekend meant and still means the world to me. Ashley, has a heart of gold and I am so happy to have her in my life. Plus have you seen her walk in flip flops?

Andrew Thomas

Groomsman

How we met: We family I’ve know him all my life Favorite memory you have of us: My mama ain’t raise no snitch just know it’s a few good ones

Stephanie Davis

Bridesmaid

Interesting enough, I met Ashley in 2008 when I was looking for an apartment. I moved to a whole different side of Houston, was getting my first real apartment as a single mom & she was the 1st person I met. She asked what my sign was & handed me a book about horoscopes, told me it would help with dating & to see who I was compatible with. After that, we became instant friends, & sisters. Our kids called us "Yogi & BooBoo" because it's always an adventure! From Vegas to Jamaica to the Houston streets, here's to many more adventures & blessings!

Hiram Smith

Groomsman

Hiram H. Smith (Uncle)is the CEO and owner of HiramStyle INC, a professional event production and management company specializing in the creation of top-tier celebrity presentations for a diverse group of individual, corporate and organizational clients in the Greater Houston Area and throughout the country. Giaberto Vanzant, my nephew/son, ride or die brother who I admire and also so very proud of the man he has become. He's mouth almighty, a big bad wolf, with a heart of gold. My best times with him is Everytime We Are Together, you never know what to expect. I know God has blessed this union and now that Ashley has cracked a whip, "Watch Out World" it's about to be a Vanzant Take Over. BOOM!

Shana Bennett

Bridesmaid

To my baby sister At first it was me and mommy.13years later you came into the world, my real life baby doll. As you grew and started walking I took you everywhere I went (some time by choice sometime by force… lol). I will never forget I took you to the park and you fell, oh boy mamma had fit.(I think you still have that scar today lol… I love you sister and I'm so proud of the woman you have become. I'm so excited that you have found someone to spend the rest of your life with. As you start a new chapter in your life I wish you both many blessings, good wishes, and a prosperous life!!!! Being your sister is a joy and I just want you to know I am here for you always. I will always LOVE you more then you realize LOVE you always sister, Shana

Eddie Banks

Groomsman

Where do I start or how do I begin? There have been so many memories in a short span of time. Spring break of 2019 was the first time I met Mr. Giaberto Vanzant. Ashley introduced us in person at the Toyota Center, the Rockets vs. Warriors game. I had already heard so much about you from Ashley and Trice talking on the phone all the time about her new boo lol. Hi, my name is GIO in a strong creole New Orleans drawn accent. If you had judge a person off of introduction, he was good in my book. He shook my hand firmly and spoke with respect. Later on that week, if I’m not mistaken Saturday night we went to a bar crawl, and ended up at Davenports where I had a drink called “SKITTLES”. The night ended with Gio saying, “I don’t want to die on 59” lol.

Mikaylah Evans

Bridesmaid

I love my mom so much and I am so glad that she a found someone to makes her as happy as I do. She always tries to make me a better person and has dedicated her life to mine, So now since I am older she is able to focus on her happiness. God sent her Mr. Gio and I am so happy he is in our lives I love you mom-Mikaylah

Janice Johnson

Mother of the Bride

To my beautiful daughter Ashley and her handsome fiancé Giaberto.I send you my heartfelt congratulations on your engagement and your up coming nuptials. I wish you guys nothing but the best.And as I sit here writing this I realize I'm not losing my daughter but gaining a son.I'm so proud of the two of you,the way you've handled dilemma's that have come up thus far. Stay focused on each and your family Be on purpose and most of all keep God first in all that you do. You are a beautiful couple. I send blessings your way my sweets. Love you both. Mom

Charles Johnson

Father of the Bride

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the union you have given to Ashley and Giaberto and thank you for all of their wonderful qualities. Lord I pray that you will be their light, their shield, their hope and their sight. Help them to look for the good in each other. Guide their future to glorify you and keep them healthy. Help them to approach each other with humility and respect. Deepen their communication so that their relationship is forever stronger. In Jesus’ name, amen!

Delecia Vanzant

Mother of the Groom

💙Giaberto, Watching you blossom over the years has been this mother's greatest joy and pleasure. Continue son to embrace every opportunity, maximize the full potential you have in you already, and seize this blessed moment to love, live, and laugh with my soon to be daughter, Ashley, forever and always. You are my son in whom I am well pleased. Love your mother, Delecia S. Vanzant

Brielle Smith

Flower Girl

I am here for the C-A-K-E too!

Kayden McLaurin

Ring Bearer

I’m just here for the C-A-K-E!!

Seth Vanzant

Ring Security

Dr. Semaj Vanzant

Officiant

I have had the chance to know you the longest after our parents. I have seen you grow and develop from the boy you were to the man you continue to become. At every stage of life lived thus far I have been and continue to be proud of you! I watch how you operate with compassion, laughter, generosity, and love. You make better whereever and whomever you are with. You are light! I know as you bring YOU into your marriage, you will be the priest, husBAE, provider, and presence Ashley needs and the world will admire! Proverbs 18:22 reads, “A man who finds a wife finds a good thing AND obtains favor from the Lord.” (HCSB) You are the man AND you have found a beautiful wife in my soon to be sister. My hope and prayer for both of you is that you now and forever walk in the FAVOR of the Lord!

Brandi Bennett

Escort

Ashley, from the beginning I always wanted to follow you around and be up under you because you were always my fave. Being 4 years apart from each other made you more like my big sister. Whenever I needed you, you were always there and I’m happy that you now have somebody that will always be there for you. Gio you’re a good man and I’m happy to be able to call you an Uncle. Love you guys and congratulations.

Daniel Brown

Escort

Semaj Vanzant Jr

Bible Bearer