Wedding Party

Ashley Allen

Maid of Honor

Jasmine is my only sister so I’ve known her all of her life . One of my favorite memories of Jasmine is her visiting me when I was in college. My mom would put her on the bus from Milwaukee to Madison (it’s kind of wild to thinking about that now ) and she would spend the weekend with me. My relationship with my sister means so much to me because I have been able to watch Jasmine grow and thrive over the years. From being a tiny toddler who followed me around all the time into the beautiful young lady she has blossomed into. A relationship with a sister is a bond that transcends words. It is built on shared history, unconditional love, and a unique understanding that only siblings can possess.

Tanaia Clark

Bridesmaid

Jasmine and I have been rocking since the 5th grade. It’s funny we bonded over a girl who was annoying us in Spanish class. We have been inseparable ever since. My favorite day of the week was Friday since the next day was Saturday which meant that I would be gone for the weekend at Jasmine’s house. We would sing Neyo and Chris Brown the whole weekend. While preparing for a Top Teens of America Conference, we were the dynamic duo. We won every award possible. We have watched each other grow and evolve into amazing women. She has always been there for me and encouraged me to pursue my passion. Having her as a best friend has been a blessing . I’m so grateful for her. I am so happy for you and Desmond .

Jessica Switzer

Bridesmaid

I’m Jasmine’s mild turn up cousin that will pull up on you and tell you like it is. My little cousin! I remember Jasmine’s little round glasses and bobos always in her hair. We’ve known each other our whole lives and the love and support has always been mutual and felt!! One of my favorite memories is when Jasmine and our other cousin Kayla would play with American Girl Dolls and read the books. One year when we were kids, she played Addie at a show near my parents’ house. I remember going to watch and being sooo proud to know her and to be able to say that my cousin was in a show!!! Jasmine is my blood cousin, but even if she wasn’t, she is part of my chosen family. I appreciate the love, honesty and realness that we have in our relationship and that has only been magnified as we’ve gotten older. I know I can count on her and I hope she knows she can count on me for any and everything. As we age, my hope is to stay close and get closer. It means the world to me to be able to share things with you, to spend time with you and always feel zero judgment. Thank you for being such a consistent and loving person in my life!!!!

Kacie Sias-Chaney

Bridesmaid

JJ and I played on the same summer league basketball team in 7th grade summer. We lost contact with one another subsequent to the summer but reunited in the hallways of Milwaukee Lutheran High School in 2009. Most of my funny stories are of me laughing uncontrollably at JJ falling because she is ALWAYS falling or tripping . But my favorite memory is the trip she and I took to Chicago and on the Amtrak for a concert in 2011. It was my first train ride and she was an expert by this time. So in order for me not to get lost or kidnapped I just followed her directions. We are friends through divine purpose, which has become undoubtedly clear to me as I reminisce on our journey. We also balance each other out. She’s the extrovert and I’m the introvert. I think the rest goes without saying. This friendship has been brewing for 16 years and counting, and I look forward to cultivating new memories with her as she embarks on the next phase of her life.

Kionna Henderson

Bridesmaid

I met Jas in 2013 during UAPB’s STEM Summer program. We were both fresh out of high school figuring out life as Chemistry majors. It wasn’t until sophomore year when our bond grew from subtle strangers to sisters ! We pledged the Spring ’16 Delta Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. As faith would have it, we both applied to and attended post -secondary schools in New Orleans, LA.. We had a time almost every night for 2 years straight in NOLA! One of the funniest memories I have is the night of Halloween 2018. I fell at least seven times in the party, strolling or even just dancing. As we left the party, I said that my feet were hurting so Jas offered to put me on her back. She stepped into a crack and we immediately fell backwards. We both laughed and kept it pushing to the car. What I love about Jas is that you will get the same person, no matter the setting. She was true to herself in STEM, on line, and during pharmacy school. She had a plan, trusted her gut, and did what she felt was right for her, always! I love that we can joke and play around as well as turn up and kick it, but most importantly, we have hour conversations to catch up and have heart to heart convos. She isn’t judgmental or bias, she is herself.. listening, assessing and telling you how it is, no matter how you feel I guess I love the bluntness! I am so happy that we have created this friendship and experiencing Nola together.

Cassidy Wright

Bridesmaid

Jasmine and I met through basketball at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The first time we met each other was on the first week of school during our open gym 5 on 5 games. We had two freshmen that year Molly and Jasmine. The moment we had our first conversation, I knew we were going to be good friends. We created a bond on and off the court. We bonded being two Midwestern girls who moved down south to go to school in the country. The number of funny stories is too many to count. The best ones involved our weekly singing/rapping of Future and Drake songs in the car. What a hilarious time!! We got into everything, whether it was going to the yard for mingling, driving to Sonic for half off slurries, or planning when to go to the cafeteria for catfish Fridays. Let’s just say there is never a dull moment with us two. Not only are we women from the Midwest , we both are determined to have a good time and make sure we eat well. Our friendship has grown with life changes and experiences. Most importantly, we have always been there for each other. Whether I flew into her city for just a day, she still managed to come to see me and hang out. Even though we are miles apart, we always seem to never skip a beat. I’m excited about your new chapter and can’t wait to see what an amazing wife you will be. Love you always!!!!

Kayla Williams

Bridesmaid

Jasmine first came into my life when I was very young But was there for me when I started college. I had a roommate who took an item of mine. I called Jas, and she basically calmed me down and immediately had my back. I remember not liking this roommate, and I never explained why I didn’t like her to Jas, but in that moment she said “so and so is the girl WE don’t like.” Jas understood that if I didn’t like her, then she wasn’t going to either. No matter if you’re going through something good or bad, Jas is dependable, non-judgmental and thoughtful. I’m glad Des chose Jas considering how that dude is not dependable” kidding” But seriously, I watched Des mentor his players as a coach and admired him for it, and it is the same thing he is doing as my brother. Jas is one of the nicest people in my life. And I’m fortunate to know you.

Brianna Williams

Bridesmaid

I met Jasmine when I was a little girl, while they were at my parents' house watching jumping the broom. As I got older, she welcomed me with her open arms and impressed me with her grace and kindness. Jasmine is a sweet, caring and loving person that I grown to admire. I appreciate her generosity and kindness. My favorite memory with Jasmine was when she came over to play a game called “New Phone Who Dis.” We had a lot of fun and laughing moments. I can see why they are good for each other because they have similar personality traits. Throughout the years, Desmond has been giving great advice and with the addition of Jasmine, the advice will continue now that I have another person to lean on. The date of the wedding our families will blend. She will be my sister and forever my friend. It’s just the beginning of our brand new life.

Camille Virgil

Flower Girl

Montana Carroll

Ring Bearer

Evan Allen

Ring Security

Kareem Crawford

Best Man

I met Des my freshman year in college playing basketball. What started as basketball conversation led to us finding out that we had a similar interest in wrestling, and we have been friends since. I have several great memories with Des. The first memory being him teaching me how play 2k on Play station. Secondly, we won our National Tournament at Ohio State while being shorthanded and we essentially won the game for our team. We dreamed about sharing the sideline as a coaching tandem and had our chance and hopefully we’ll get to do it again. If not ,I am grateful that we got to live this out and cross it off the list. Des and I are friends because we really are essentially the same person. We grew up together in college from relationship stuff, leaving our parents homes and dealing with real life. We have shared experiences, dreams and everything life has to offer. We really have been each other's crutch since day 1 at the gym. That’s my brother, that’s my dawg, that’s my boy #thirdsforever

Collin Griffin

Best Man

We played each other when Desmond was at SPI and I was at Mt. Calvary but we officially met at Milwaukee Lutheran High School. My favorite memory is you coming back to Milwaukee all trained up in basketball and shredding our friend group. We are friends because there was never any reason for us not to be. We talk ball, share different life experiences based off what each other is going through, struggling with or maybe just helpful tips.

James Dills

Groomsman

I met Desmond from our 7th grade basketball rivalry. I played his team (St. Peter Immanuel) twice and my team loss both times. I remember Desmond being a solid basketball player, but I don’t remember him doing anything spectacular. Fast forward to freshman year of high-school at Milwaukee Lutheran. That’s when I really got to understand how special Desmond was as an athlete and most important a human. Desmond is a special athlete, there’s nothing he can’t do. He was a successful basketball player and a football player. As a human, Desmond has always been there for me and has been a very caring and reliable friend. If I call him at 2:00 am he might not answer but I’ll get a text message from him and if he says he will call back at 8 am, I will get a call at 7:59 am. Desmond is a special person, and I’m so happy he has found an equally special person in his bride, Jasmine. I am so proud of them and what they become, and I know God will continue to shower his blessings on them.

James Ezell

Groomsman

I met my big little sister when I was around 9 from what I can remember at skating. We didn’t grow up together but as we have gotten older we’ve built a bond that seems like we did. The funniest memory I have is Grandpa giving us coal don’t think I could ever forget that. Yes James T Griffin invited his grandkids over and very excited to give them coal. Jas and I came over with the impression we’re getting gifts sike. Jas and I relationship means a lot because we never grew up in the same home, but we sure make sure we stay in contact and because we both understand our stories. It just means a lot. She is someone who I can talk to about whatever. I can’t even believe she getting married she just had micros and glasses lol.

Jaylon Carroll

Groomsman

My Favorite memory with Desmond would be the time we were 8 and 12 walking to the movie theater to see X-men 3 with another cousin and moving hopping to multiple theaters. Desmond’s and I relationship means a lot to me because he is one of my favorite cousins and growing up I looked at him like an older brother. I really use to enjoy going over his house and spending time together.

Jaquell Lewis

Groomsman

We met in the Pembroke’s Aux gym. I watched Desmond kill our club basketball assist coach Ace 1 on 1 and I was like “why he bully that lil kid.” I thought In my head “He is not going to kill me like that” but our first game proved me wrong because he ended up “skunking” me and handed me the ball to play again. The reason we are friends is because the moment after that it was an instant mutual respect. We battled each other, which only made us both better like Goku and Vegeta. Desmond always kept it real with me no matter what. And anybody that does get the pleasure to rock with him will be gaining a genuine friend / brother.

Donte Pitt

Groomsman

Des and I met one afternoon in the back gym at college. Kareem and I were playing a pick up game when I saw Des absolutely cooking somebody, so I started shooting around with him and have been friends ever since. I remember a time Des was playing basketball and was giving his opponent the majority of the points and the opponent was quite for the rest of the day. Des and I are friends because ever since we’ve met there hasn’t been a down time with my boy. Two hoopers who enjoy the same stuff off the court, and can laugh at about anything at any time. We can count on each other to be there if needed… a real brother.

Dupree Potter

Groomsman

I met Desmond on the day we had club tryouts. Des is a true competitor and his fight and tenacity made me more of a competitor. It has been a very long friendship that we have. We have been though a lot of things in life together. My funniest memory however, was when I heard Des tell someone at school he will give him 40 points in intermural team and will count backwards. I was in NY, I called him and he told me they stopped the game cause his squad was up by 20+ but he had 37 and counted backwards. It was funny because the face he made, he was super serious. I am extremely happy for him and proud of him too. I love you brother and you are my brother for life.