Anthony Jerome & Gabrielle Yameese
Party People!
Gabrielle Galloway
Bride
Hey Ya'll! It's Me! I feel incredibly blessed to be able to invite you all to come and celebrate with us as we take this next step towards becoming husband and wife! I am from the big city of Winnabow, NC. I've had a couple of careers before now (a teaching assistant in Europe, an Administrator at a Dentist Office) but the most rewarding has been in my current role. I have been a Surgical Technologist (I work in the operating room assisting in surgeries) since 2017 and have been traveling with my girl, Tarynn since 2019 and it has allowed me to travel many places. In many of these places I have met some of the most incredible people who I still keep in touch with (and will hopefully see at the wedding). This career has also led me to my favorite assignment thus far, my snookiebear, Anthony!
Anthony Brown
Groom
Look at this chocolatey, handsome goodness that's all MINE! But I'm going to let him introduce himself to ya'll...take it away, boo ;) Hey everybody! I'm Anthony, of course. While we have recently made Richmond, VA our home, my roots are from Chicago, Illinois (Chi-Town stand up). Currently I work as a Machine Operator, but in my free time (or when she has a couple of tasks to complete around the house--hint, hint AMAZON BOXES), I like to work with my hands whether it's upgrading things in our home, building and assembling all of her, I mean OUR, Wayfair/Amazon purchases, working on our vehicles and working outside in the yard to keep up with our neighbor, Mr. Gary. While I don't myself to be a master of everything, if I can't figure it out, YOUTUBE will teach me! Besides the fact the fact that I enjoy working with my hands, it's the smile on her face when I call her in to see what I have done that makes it all worthwhile.
Jasmine Harris
Matron of Honor
This...right here....is MY sista-cuzin and I will act up over her! As I've stated once before I'm the Solange to her Beyonce in the elevator and I meant every word of it! Whether on Franklin street waiting in the lines (lol), or now in our adulthood, there's not much I wouldn't do for her! My decision to go to Carolina MAY or MAY NOT have been heavily influenced by me wanting to be where she was after attending my first UNC homecoming, lol. Either way, look where it has taken us! I might be an only child but that's my big sis, Jamin' and I love me some her---PERIODT. We have grown up like sisters, fought like sisters, acted up like sisters, and LOVED like sisters! I am so glad that she will be standing by my side on our big day as she has helped me so much with this journey and listened to me whine just about any and everything. She has checked on me time and time again throughout this process (because Lord knows, lol). I am so grateful for her words of encouragement, suggestions, push and making sure I was okay! That's my dawg right there!
Etelka Vann
Maid of Honor
As quiet as she's kept, don't let it fool you! This right here is my other ACE! I met her the same time as Crystal and I feel she balances us all out! On the one side of me there is Crystal's outgoing personality, ready to take on the world and have all the Friday shindigs when our schedules allow. On my other side there's Etelka, with her laid back and chill demeanor....adding just enough to know she's there, but don't get carried away, lol! She is quiet until she isn't. For instance, picture it, 2008, study rooms in UNC's library. I'm in there trying to work and end up wrestling for my life! Like Yin and Yang, they each balance me out in their own way! She's been there for me for the best and worst of times and even when life took us all in different directions, she always pops in and makes sure we're good! Now, you may rarely catch her in a photo, but her presence is always known and always appreciated! That's why we're tighter than some cowboy blue jeans and I'm glad she agreed to be a part of this day (even if it's gonna cost me my first born)!
Crystal Massenburg
Best Woman
Just what the title holds--the best! This is one of my ACES right here! One of the original one-thirds (you had to be there). I met Crystal that one HOT, sweaty day at UNC-Chapel Hill in August of 2006. It took no time for us to become the best of friends that we are today! I've known her for going on 18 years now and she's proven to be one of the truest, honest, caring friend I've been fortunate enough to have! We've been holding it down like 4 flats on a Cadillac. One thing about it, two things for sure, she has ALWAYS been there for me (good and bad) and no matter where life takes us, we are always ready to pick up where we left off like nothing has changed. That my people is what makes a good friend. "You better get you one of these"! It's only right that she be my best woman!
Marlena Brown
Bridesmaid
This right here is my sister girl! From the first day I met her (as nervous as I was), she has made it CLEAR that she doesn't play about Anthony...and I LOVE THAT! Yet, she has always been kind to me, included me and made me feel like family---even if that meant coming for me lol. I knew I was in there like swimwear when she gave me all those nail polishes! But I'm so glad to have her in my wedding and on MY SIDE *big grin*! I am so happy to be gaining a sister like Mar(t)lena! I know I'll never ever have to dread going to see her or dreading when it time for her to come to see us because she is always about a good time and good vibes. That's why I always keep a jar of peaches for her when she comes to VA! Ain't that right, sus!? ;)
Tarynn Williams
Bridesmaid
My first encounter with Tarynn was during a working interview at Duke. It was during lunchtime and the manager opened the breakroom door to introduce me to the staff. She and the rest of the people looked up at me, mumbled hey, and went back to eating. I thought "HOW RUDE", lol. Little did I know, you need the full 30 minutes plus some to eat lunch! Somehow, some way, we ended up going to play tennis, going to Chipotle, going to a Chris Brown concert and now we've been traveling together for the last 4 years. It's safe to say that's my DAWG! She also swears she's an honorary Galloway just because she's been to a few ( well, a LOT) of our family functions and now people say "TEAR EM UP" when they see her--she might be, lol. We probably pick and laugh way more and louder than a normal person at work would, but that's what makes traveling fun and why the people love us! She gets on my nerves almost every day, but I think our most shared past times makes us as tight as we are: NAPS AND FOOD!!! #wherewebouttoeatat
Santha Galloway
Bridesmaid
Santha is my second cousin (big families, ya'll know the vibes), but we are lucky enough to be close enough in age to have grown up together. I'm talking every summer playing, me tricking her to go ask for more popsicles, VBS, riding home to and from school everyday (racing to get there on time, lol) once I could drive. We of course played together getting off the bus at her and Muh's house. But it must've been that one fateful evening at her house while playing near the table in the living room that we became closer. Or was it that time near the screen door? There are probably way too many stories to tell, but I just consider them "bonding moments", lol. Either way, that's my Cheetah print-loving, Beyonce's #1 Fan, Golden Girl, we shouldn't have watched Beloved, cousin! I'm elated to have her standing by my side! P.S. I've got some songs lined up for you and I need for you to show them WHY you are B's #1, ok :D
Kandice Galloway
Bridesmaid
Kandy-Kam (as uncle Peanut says)! Kandice is also my sista-cuzin! We've spent plenty of summers playing in the yard (falling in mud), running from dogs (well you riding and left us, lol), running from snakes, dropping sweet potato pies (well knocking it out her hand---sorry, Kandy!), drawing cartoons on my pink barbie clubhouse walls, and busting out our grandma's room window (isn't that right, Kandice, lol). I was always so excited to go get her on the weekends from Wilmington so that we could play, watch movies, laugh with and at grandma dancing to your working out barbie CD, and eating all those steaks that summer. I was never alone with my sista cousin around. She is even more fun as an adult (as I recently learned), dancing the night away. We are both shy, but when we get around each other, we cut loose! I love me some her and I'm ecstatic that she has agreed to be by my side on such a big day! Sista-cuzins REUNITE *holds fist up in a cheesy way*
Nathan Palmore
Best Man
My big brother. "Nate" has taught me many things, both good and bad. Things that I would say helped me not only while growing up in Chicago, but here in Richmond where I have planted new roots. One thing about my big brother is that he holds back for no one, he is true to himself and will speak his mind no matter where he is or what he is doing. Even if that included putting me in my place and correcting me when I was out of line. The main thing I remember learning from him is to always be myself, speak my mind, and never let anyone change who I am. Even when we don't always agree, I think it goes without saying that we will ALWAYS have each others back and I'm glad he will have mine too on such a big day.
Demetrius Haden
Groomsman
Well...the first person I met when I first moved to Virginia was this dude right here. He has always been there when I needed him, all it takes is a phone call, a little "YO YO" and he's had my back just like I have his. Anyone who sees us together knows that we are cutting up. Doesn't matter if it's at work or at the house, just know---it's going down! He has shown me what it means to be a true friend/brother these past few years. I couldn't imagine not having him by my side on this big day! I know we're about to have a good time
Colby Minter
Groomsman
This here is my nephew, but I consider him more like a brother. He has always shown the utmost respect towards me and the people he loves. He has a drive like none other and when he goes after what he wants, you can believe he's gonna achieve it. I'm proud to watch him recently go after something he's pushed so hard for. A true inspiration and definition of a go getter. He keeps it 100 with me even when I'm wrong, or I may not want to hear it. I consider it a great honor to have him up here with me on this very important day.
Johnathan Carter "Moe"
Groomsman
This brother from another mother right here....oh man, where do I begin. It seems like I've known Moe since forever. From riding bikes through the neighborhood as kids, to mapping out our own paths in adulthood, we have always maintained a strong friendship and for that I am grateful. No matter the distance, or time that has past, we always find a way to reconnect and when we do, it's like we just saw each other yesterday. So I feel it's only right to have him standing and witnessing this next great moment in my life.
Shaheed Tamir
Groom
It's hard to find a place to start when I talk about my friend, Shaheed, not because there isn't anything to say but because we have so much history and I'm trying to keep it brief. From the "keep it real sessions" between him, myself and Jonathan holding each other accountable, to encouraging us to keep an open mind when trying new things. He has always been the more adventurous type and it was nothing for him to scoop us up to ride to Atlanta for a weekend. He knows how to plan a good time and is the life of the party. I can't wait to see how he will step out on my big day, just like I know him to do.
Anthony Massenburg
Groomsman
I (Gabrielle) have known Ant M. as long as I've known Crystal! And while I've known him the longest, the newest introduction of Ant to Ant has well---made me almost like chopped liver, lol! You would think he and Anthony B. have known each other forever the way they cut up and get along so well (awww, makes my heart smile). But Ant has been looking out for everyone (as an old man should) since I can remember. From college up until now planning all of our yearly trips (#GLOBETROTTERS), he makes sure that everyone has a good time! No matter how much he gets on my nerves, one thing he is going to do is make sure EVERYONE is straight! He knows NO STRANGER!
Ked Cox
Groom
With a bond like Ked and mine, you would have thought that we grew up in the very same household---but we didn't. In fact, we grew up many states away from each other. Although he grew up in Atlanta, whenever he made his way to Chicago, you can better believe that we were hanging out every chance that we had. Since meeting, I have never had to question his loyalty to me as a true and honest friend because he never had any problem confronting me when things just don't sit right with him. As hard as it is to have friendships that make it into adulthood, I'm glad to have Ked still riding with me to this day and grateful that he'll be by my side while entering this next journey in my life.
Marnikka "Meeka" Young
Flower person
I met Marnikka BEFORE I met Anthony, but let her tell it he is HER cousin and they act like they've know each other since forever, lol. Anywho, is she my blood cousin?---NOPE! While Marnikka is technically Crystal's cousin, she became my cousin (I mean OUR cousin) when I met Crystal and rode home to the country with her during our time spent at Carolina. Since then, it's been nothing but history and good times since then! Marnikka is one of the chillest, laid-back, but always ready to turn up, people I know and if you entertain her with a good beer or cider, you've already won a friend in her, lol!
Jace Massenburg
Bell Ringer
Jace is my "nephew" (ya'll already know how we do). He is a up and coming Tik-Tok star and a great performer. You'll always catch him with a smile whether he's telling you about his new obsession, what he's doing in school these days or what he'd like for you to get him next. He is one of those old souls I would say as upon meeting him you'd surely think he's been here before!
Elijah Galloway
Ring Bearer
Look at him! What more can you say!? Elijah my little cousin and boy do I love me some him (I think the feeling is mutual though!). He is so sweet and kind, gentle and smart, yet he will let you know when he is NOT having it! If you ask him about any dinosaur, prepare to have your socks knocked clean off because his knowledge, love and vocabulary is sure to take you by surprise (ask me how I know when he corrected me about the Pterodactyl)!
Brianna Galloway
Junior Bridesmaid
Brianna is Elijah's big sister but she is also a great dancer, avid reader and one smart cookie (it must be those Galloway girl genes) ! Brianna lives in Kentucky with her family and loves to read---her recent achievements in school shows just how much of hard worker she is and how much of an effort she puts into her academia! It must be a G-thang and we can't wait to see where she'll go! I'm so excited that my little cousins will be sharing in such a big day with us!
Zara Harris
Flower Child
Zara is as bubbly and cheerful as she is cute! She loves to sing her ABC's (on repeat), count, zoom call and smile with her family and she loves to dance! She's got all the moves and could definitely teach you a thing or two! Zara is always on the go whether its her dance class, or just out and about with her momma! You can definitely catch her sporting a cute bow and some fashionable sun glasses!
Ka'Mya Turk
Flower Child
Just look at her! How could you say no to that adorable smile! That's how she gets all of her aunties and loved ones to melt right into her little, soft hands. Give her a little while to warm up to you and you'll soon learn how feisty and serious she can get!