Maid of Honor
Ruth is my Sister and my Maid of Honor aka "My Main Squeeze". She is corky, shy at times, fun, and exceptionally charming. She enjoys traveling, She is brilliant, adventurous and super down to earth. If I need some tough love, a reality check or someone to take off and go with, she is my girl. She is the best friend a girl could ask for, and did I say she has a killer voice. She can SING and will make you do a double take. If you ever want to strike a conversation with her, here are some tips: know your anime, be flirtatious, fun, charming and whatever you do, don't ask about her names!
Best Man
Mike is my Best Man. WATTBA. How awesome is it to have my "little" brother at the forefront of the most exciting day up to this day in my life! 30 years later it's still as if I remember being able to pick on you...my, my, how the tides have turned. You're gentle, genuine, and keep me grounded when I would prefer to go off the rails...or you fuel it (same difference). I guess to echo what my soon to be stated about her Maid of Honor: If you want to gain points with him, strike up a conversation about worthless information, video games, or social awkwardness.
Bridesmaid
Tangee is my Bridesmaid aka "My Ride or Die." Tangee and I have known each other for over 10 years now through work, and we clicked after getting to know each other's fun loving side. She is the life of the party, she is confident, extremely funny and underneath all that big persona is a sweet lovely woman. Tangee enjoys outings with friends and she is always there for me when I need her. You just don't want to bore her and you better be funny to impress this one of a kind lady, and don't forget to compliment her all the time.
Groomsman
Ray is my Groomsman. Here's the power of CopyPaste (you'll see this 3x since I'm that lucky): Hey brother from another mother #2, what can I say that I haven't said in the 20+ years we've been best friends? From our days at Sheepshead Bay until now, you remain true to who you are: Real, high energy, family oriented, and loving. You, Deb, Ray, Bryan, and countless others I've met in your family, made me feel as though we were blood related. I'm lucky to have you as a part of our wedding!
Bridesmaid
Laurène is my Bridesmaid aka "My Baby Doll". Laurène is my niece but definitely not a baby. She is grown and soo beautiful. I still can't sometimes believe I have a niece almost as big as me. Her dad took care of me in my diaper days. Laurène is a sweetheart, most charming and enjoys having fun with her friends. Coming all the way from France, she is made me a proud aunt and a happy bride when she stood next to me on my wedding day. Merci Laurène! Bisou!
Groomsman
Saif is my Groomsman. Again to the power of CopyPaste, another brother from another mother #3. What can I say that I haven't said in the 20+ years we've been best friends? We met during my early days at York College and thanks to you, I went from being a student on academic probation to a multi-semester Dean's List student. This speaks to your dedication to strive for greatness and bringing those close to you along for the ride. Out of all of the memories we've shared, the one that makes me chuckle to this day is the time you and Sony used my laptop! We have experienced a lot together which has made us both stronger. I'm honored to have you as one of my best friends and one of my groomsmen!
Bridesmaid
Ndome is my cousin and Bridesmaid aka "My Sister from Another Mother." She is a law school graduate and a busy lawyer in NYC. Ndome is outgoing, charming and hardworking. She brings energy and life to any room. She has a beautiful smile and heartwarming laugh. She is the sister anyone one could ask for and a proud Zeta. Don't come for her Zeta sistas! What can I say, she is definitely the pride of our family.
Groomsman
Kendrick is my Groomsman. Whatupppppp Kenrick?!? We met during a pivotal part in life, when I wasn't sure what I wanted to do professionally, and we have remained close to this day. Every time we speak, we're not just checking to see how things are going, but we're also encouraging one another and pushing one another to strive for greatness. You're humble, selfless, and willing to stick your neck out in a moments notice to help others. Fortunately, but unfortunately there's no way better to say this: Thank you for being a great friend of mine and one of my groomsmen!
Bridesmaid
Jody is my Bridesmaid aka "My Aries Twin". Jody is one word, Boss! She is the most caring, hardworking, loving and charismatic lady I have ever met. When she sets her mind to anything, she will accomplish it. She is extremely passionate about love, family and her work. If I ever need someone to motivate me, she is my girl. She is a sweetheart but don't let that fool you cause she is a tough cookie. Jody is definitely the spark in any relationship.
Groomsman
Nick is my Groomsman. Hey brother from another mother #1, what can I say that I haven't in the 30+ years we've been best friends? Way back when we conquered Little Ninja Brothers and now we're forging our futures with the same vigor. Your honesty, transparency, and relentless drive are some of the many qualities I have been lucky to witness. Even with so many priorities in our lives, we continue to check-in with one another and make sure we're there for one another. I'm honored not just to call you one of my groomsmen but also one of my best friends!
Mother of the Bride
Vivian is my mother and the best person I know. Not enough words can describe what this beautiful woman means to me. She is the strongest woman I know, most loving and caring. Like the Taurus that she is, when she set her mind to something, she accomplishes it and that has been the drive of her life. She loves unconditionally and she is a blessing and rock to our little family. There is no one else I loved as much as you standing next to me on my wedding day. Thank you mum, I love you!
Mother of the Groom
When you look up the word strength in the dictionary, you will find a picture of my mother there (if you know you know). Her persistence is infectious, and a constant reminder of why my bar in life can never stop rising. I wish I had your dancing skills and didn't inherit the two left feet I have, but I digress. Don't cross any of her boys/men in her life or you'll regret it. Lastly, I am blessed to call you mom <3!
Brother of the Bride
Fred is my brother and will be walking me down the aisle. Fred is a talented Artiste with a brilliant mind. He is one of my best friends and the person I can rely on when I need deep conversations and sensible advise. He is too wise beyond his age and extremely caring. He also has a beautiful voice and I am tempted to have him sing for my wedding! Just Kidding! He is the "Normad" aka the Son of the soil!
Stepfather of the Groom
Alan has been a part of our lives for more than half of my life (and over two-thirds of my brother's). He has been a phenomenal stepfather, but more importantly a wonderful husband to my mom. The ability for you to lighten up a room, throw down in the kitchen, and be an awesome father, are some of the many qualities I appreciate about you. Thank you for being a part of our celebration and our family!
Ring Bearer
Peter Jr. is the beloved son of my cousin and our Ring Bearer. At only one year old, he has captured our hearts and did us the honor of being our Ring Security for the evening.
Flower Girl
Lovely Naiyalis is the beautiful daughter of a family friend and our flower girl. Her smile is adorable and she did us the honor is being our petal princess. Naiyalis you were the star of the day my beautiful rose!
Grandmother of the Bride
Mémé Kiddie is my beloved grandmother and my namesake. She was the greatest love of our lives. Thank you for a lifetime and beyond of overwhelming love and amazing memories. You were the one I will miss the most, but you are engraved in my heart forever and have left a mark in our lives forever. We are eternally richer and blessed because of you. Watch over us for the rest of our lives. We miss you to pieces and may God bless your beautiful soul!
Father of the Groom
Well Dad, who would have thought after all these years I finally walked down the aisle and embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime of a journey. Although you left us far too soon, we know you've been watching on us from heaven and protecting not just my wife and I, but also both our families. Not a day goes by without me thinking of you. May God Bless your soul, dad.