Marlyn Dobson & Richard Dobson - Matron of Honor & Matron's Escort
“Family members can be your best friends, you know. And best friends, whether or not they are related to you, can be your family.” —Trenton Lee For so many years you were my friend, waiting behind a "cousin in law's" face. Ricky (who is more like my big brother) made us cousins (or sorta sister in laws), but love made us Friends! Oh the places we have been, oh the laughter and tears, smiles and prayers, tickets and trouble (sorry again Ricky for that toll booth incident)! But you both are a blessing to both of us, because you love us unconditionally. Isn't it funny how our dots connected? That's how we know God was always in the plan! Thank you both, the Dobson Dynamics for being a part of this marriage, not just the wedding, because you have shown us love from the beginning and so let's get on with the happy ending! #FAMILYFIRSTFRIENDSFOREVER
Debra Pennix - Maid of Honor
“She is a friend of my mind. She gather me, man. The pieces I am, she gather them and give them back to me in all the right order.” - Toni Morrison
Closest Friend, Partner in Crime and Best Bestie of the Bride! Every crazy idea and outrageous adventure, no matter what you got me and will do whatever necessary to help me succeed! Through the tears, torment, and tragedy...the smiles, triumphs and laughing until we can't breathe...ups and downs, thick and thin, you have always been right there. God knew I needed a friend to keep me from burning it to the ground, and from catching charges and He said, "Deb can handle it!" Thank you for being a friend, traveled down the road and back again, your heart is true you're a pal and a confidant! And if you through a party, I'd be the crazy friend who throws out the people who spill stuff and bounces out the people who need to go! (Yeah I changed it up a little) but the card attached still says, "Thank you for being a friend". (SIMPLY THE BEST)!
B. Tyrone Pennix - Maid of Honor Escort
“The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life." On one of our happiest days, one of our most joyful moments, we are so glad that you are with us to share smiles, laughter and love. Family is not always connected by blood, but always by love and that is what we all have in common. Debra couldn't be closer to me if we were blood sisters, and I am so glad to have you, "our" brother present and a part of our wedding party. Brothers and sisters are as close as hands and feet, and of all the moments, the laughs, the celebrations, all the dances, journeys and walks you have shared together, we pray this one will be among your favorites. Cheers to many more years and many more life moments!
Richard JaQuan Hairston - Best Man
What Up Doe?
Every parent wants their child to excel and succeed, to live their life as a good human. To say you make me proud, is an understatement because you are all things I hoped you would be, and more. We are so grateful that as "blended" families go, we do it so well! Your amazing mom and all of the siblings (yours, mine, ours) fit so beautifully together life is good! Bet you never thought your Dad would jump the broom! That's why you got to me there front and center! I Love You, My Son! #Rich&Pinos #NoStepsonsordaughters #WeDoBonusKidsOnly
Adam Smith - Best Man
“I don't care about whose DNA has recombined with whose. When everything goes left, the people who stand by you without flinching--they are your family.”-Jim Butcher
PICTURE IT! North Beckley, back in the day...a new family moves in. In no time, two boys start riding bikes, playing kick ball, and became best friends. The infamous face plant bike wreck, yup seen it all go down! The explosive "I Quit" moment at Gabes when he pulled off in his Chevy Celebrity bumping "Jay-Z" yup seen it happen! Wish we could share more, but most of the other stories must remain classified!
True Friend, you know it!
Ride or Die, absolutely!
From the womb to the tomb, that's the plan!
We couldn't be thicker if we were blood brothers, you know what it is! Death before dishonor, is the way we live it!
Best Man, Best Friend...Love you Bro!
#Honeymooners4Life #The DoubleDaters #TheSpadePlayas #PhotosandFish
We are two couples who laugh together, cut up together, roll together and have the best "double dates". From the creators of the Wediversary, you all are a tough act to follow! But, one thing is for sure if you rollin' we ridin' till the wheels fall off and we have a bond that will post bond if necessary! #WELUVYALL
Tonya & Floyd Smith - Bride's Maid & Groomsman
“Two things you will never have to chase: True friends & true love.” I am so glad you found each other and in you we found true friends! T On one of our worst days, you reached out and showed up for us and in a way God only knew would mean so much! A painful goodbye became a joyous hello to a strong and lasting new friendship...and for that we are so grateful!
#HAPPYPEOPLE
#MAKE HAPPY FRIENDS
Diana & Henry Carson - Bride's Maid & Groomsman
"Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing Baby"...and that is what the Carsons are to us, the Real Deal! What started out to be a "Heaven Sent" friendship between the ladies, has evolved into a "Inseperable" bond between us four! As friends go, we go way, way back to a time before Crystal and I ever met, and who would have ever thought we'd end up here. (God knew) When there were shots fired at us, you stood with us and made your love for us known. We have celebrated with you on your happiest moments, so you had to be here for ours! So let's "MAKE IT LAST FOREVER!" (sing it for us Shiek, "Make it Last" now Nay your turn hit them ooo's one time)...Oooo Ooo Ooo!
Debra & Carlton Dozier - Bride's Maid & Groomsman
Since the beginning of time, (the 90's) the Doziers have been intertwined and cohesively engrafted into the "life and times" of the bride; and since the beginning of the Richard Chronicles (2018), they have remained wrapped up, tied up, tangled up in a matchless friendship that is unshakeable! As couples go, they are unbreakable and as friends go they are unmatched! So today as we say I do, we will just pretend that "DJ" isn't a COWBOY'S FAN and we'll just "FLY LIKE AN EAGLE, FROM PHILLY THAT IS!"
Keisha & Damon Hamby - Bride's Maid & Groomsman
The Hambys; Pastor and First Lady; Little Sister and Brother in Love; the Card Shark and DJ-Kee Kee on the ones and twos; Lightning and the Sensational Soprano; of all these titles which they wear so well, the one word that sums it all up is "FAMILY"! Nicknames come from the greatest moments of life, and for us we have so many! It is good to be close to saved people who still have fun, still have cookouts and shoot fireworks that light up the neighborhood! It is funny how our mothers (Gloria and Philomeana) were such close friends, and when all the dots are connected, we end up here as so much more than just the children of friends! We couldn't imagine having this day without you, and from this day forward, "the best of days of our days are yet to come!"
Jaymi & Tony Martin - Bride's Maid & Groomsman
East Parks Finest! Even before there was a Jaymi and Tony Martin, Jaymi and Tony were in my life! We grew up, hung out and had so many good times together through the years and now these two people who work amazingly as individuals are incredible as a couple! Couldn't say "I do" without you two, because in so many ways you two bring so much to the table, we had to have you beside us at the altar! Here's to a couple of forevers, yours and ours, and to all the smiles and happiness there is to come!
Denise and Terry Moore - Bride's Maid and Groomsman
“True friends aren’t the ones who make your problems disappear. They are the ones who won’t disappear when you’re facing problems.” Funny how it happens, you know someone by name, by face and even as an acquaintance in one season, and suddenly they are irreplaceable to you in the next. We are so blessed to have had you in our corner from day one, and by our side today as we seal the deal. Your love for us is unquestionable, and our love for you is immeasurable. A hug, a prayer, a word, or a "that's alright" is life to us when life hits us below the belt. Thank you for that, and you had to be here...you've been with us through the good, the bad, the tough and the terrific! Three Elders and a Deacon, who love God, have fun, enjoy life and are STILL SAVED! Yup, and that's the bottom line!
Elder Terry Moore - Groomsman
Oh how we prayed that you would stay
And be with us on this special day
But God had other plans
And He did what was best
And to have loved and known you
We were truly blessed!
Never forgotten...we love you Sir!
We know you will be seated in the heavenly section
Watching from above!
Christina & Dustin Akers - Bride's Maid & Groomsman
How do you describe the moment when MacGyver meets Superwoman? I guess the best word is "mindblowing" and that is what we feel about this couple. Dustin fixes everything, his mind sees the invisible and makes it possible and Christina is right there by his side believing in the invisible and handling the assist! It is so wonderful to see two people in love with each other, and also who fit so perfectly that when you see them in action you say "they were meant to be"! So glad that a pitbull, a lawnmower and some garage doors started this beautiful friendship and 17 years later...here's to the "Avengers" in our life, and the next action movie starts now!
Ruth Catus & Sidney Catus - Bride's Maid and Groomsman
Three Things A Solid Friend Should Always Be:
Supportive of your dreams; Confident in Your Abilities; Unapologetic to the Critics as they Cheer You On!
You have been a constant and unwaivering support system in our lives and in all we do! No matter the time or the place, the size of the crowd or the location of the venue, we look up and there you are. No one knows how much your encouraging words mean, and you have given us more along this journey that you will ever know. I have often said, "I feel like the son you never had because God knew I would need you in my life." Knowing someone will call, text or drop by just to check on you is a priceless gift that we will never take for granted. Thanks for all the love, and thanks for being "OUR SOLIDS"!
Cortia & Clinton Washington - Bride's Maid & Groomsman
“In your entire life, you can probably count your true friends on one hand. Maybe even on one finger. Those are the friends you need to cherish, and I wouldn't trade one of them for a hundred of the other kind."
Have you ever seen a miracle walking, well we have! Everytime we see our dear friends the Washingtons we see God's favor, His mercy and most of all His miracle working power! The bride and Cortia go back so many years, their covert operations and life moments date back decades; and now that these "sisters" have their "misters" let the happy wife, happy life festivities begin! Clint, you are one of the funniest guys I know, and your laughter and your jokes make you a perfect blend into this wedding party because we like to laugh and cut up! So here's to many many happy years... WE MADE IT SISTAH!!!
Dedrielle Taylor - Bride's Maid
Dedriell Taylor - Bride's Maid
"True friends are the ones who lift you up when no one else notices you have fallen"- Unknown It’s funny how some friendships are just meant to be. We had so many things in common but it wasn’t until High School that we actually became lifetime friends. Here’s to the candy that never hardened, the only friend ‘s house I could sleep over; here’s to pheasant eggs, laugh out loud moments, and all those bouquets we made at school when no one was looking for my first wedding! It only makes sense to have you here and to be a part of this day because “down through the years” our friendship has never changed,! It has stood the test of time!
Girl, we aging like fine wine, and not moldy cheese!
David Martin - Groomsman
“God made us friends because he knew our moms couldn’t handle us as brothers.” The fly guy in that suit and tie!! Leanin' with the top down in that fancy ride! The man, the myth, the mogul...Dave Straws! Too many stories, too many memories to speak of but couldn't do this without you. Mannnn if walls could talk! (I'm glad they can't because we certainly have had some moments you just had to be there to understand!) Jess Scott said, "Friends are the family you choose"! I'm so glad we both chose each other! East Park's Finest!
Lynette Delacruz - Bride's Maid, Honorary
Lynette Delacruz - Bride's Maid (Honorary)
"Real Friends are like stars! You may not always see them, but they show up and shine bright in the darkest hours." We have shared so many life moments! We worked together, we were “Parent Boosters” together! We have laughed until we could hardly catch our breath, and in some moments felt we would drown in our own tears! But one thing is for sure, we show up for each other. On my darkest day, I looked up and there you were. We may not always have all the answers, or even understand things we have endured. But we are friends...whether it is a shoulder to cry on, a tag team partner, an accomplice or an alibi I got you, and I know you got me! In the best of times, in the hardest of times, I feel so blessed to call you my friend!
Lisa Walton - Bride's Maid, Honorary
"No friendship is an accident. There's just no word yet for old friends who just met."- O'Henry/Jim Henson
I'm not exactly sure when we met, officially it was probably many years ago when we rode the same bus home from school; or maybe it when I came to your church for vacation bible school; or was it when our kids were in school together and became close friends? I'm not sure when we first met, but I am sure of the exact moment we became friends. Sometimes heartache brings people together who are broken, and from a very painful moment we became friends. We are so glad to have you in the Bride Tribe, we love you Miss LEETHA!
Alexis Coleman - Ladies in Waiting
Lexi Ma!! My beautiful granddaughter...I still remember the day you were born; waiting nervously to hear "She's Here" with your Granny and Paw Paw and you my dear were certainly worth the wait! Because I was a "young" grandma I had come up with all these different names like "Nonna", "Ni Ni" and even "G-Ma" to fit my role as a grandmother without sounding old. And then I saw you, and I said, "she can call me anything she wants!" And I became grandma!
Do you remember when we were in your room playing with the train set? You went and got us drink boxes and snacks so I wouldn't have to leave the room, we were having so much fun! I'm so proud of you my love, and I cannot wait to see the wonderful things you are going to do in life!
We love you so, and couldn't picture this day without you! To our Lady in Waiting, (like a Jr. Bride's Maid only way cooler!
Elijah Waller - Groomsman, Escorting of Lady in Waiting Alexis Coleman
It is hard to believe that the little boy we have known all of his life is now a senior in high school, a star athlete and a dapper and talented young man with a bright future ahead of him. We are so thankful that over the last year we have had the opportunity to get to know how fun, supportive and focused you are as you dated our beautiful Lexi. Whether it's dinner and a movie (with all of the grandparents, aunties, uncles and cousins around) or all of the games where we are cheering you on as you are on the field, or cheering with you as Lexi is on the court, we are glad to have you in our tribe and also as a part of this most special occasion. Much love and blessings to you, Elijah and we are grateful to be able to make many more happy memories and priceless moments in the years to come!
Laila Cox - Ladies in Waiting
Laila Boo! I started this journey with you as "aunt Crystal" because me and your mom were very close friends. (We rode the bus home everyday in high school and would stand at the top of my street and cut up!) I still remember the joy in her voice and the tear in her eye when she said, "I got my girl!" A girl and a boy...mission accomplished! It's funny how life can take a turn, and even in some of our hardest moments beautiful things bloom! I am so glad that now you were more to me than a niece, you are one of my beautiful girls, and I couldn't love you more! So, there is no question why you are one of our "ladies in waiting"; you are a part of our wild, incredibly fun and crazy clan! We love play hard (you have played Uno with us before) but we love harder! Who loves you baby? We do! And that's forever!
Marcel Guy - Escorting of Lady in Waiting Laila Cox
If I could only use one word to describe Marcel, I would use the word magnetic! This young many embodies so many wonderful traits that even those who do not know him are drawn to him. He is brilliant, he is kind, he is a leader and a mentor. Most of all, by dating Laila he has been engrafted into our tribe and has seen us lifting our hands to worship and bidding our hands in a good game night! We are so blessed to have him as a part of our wedding, and look forward to having you as a fine addition to our family thread for many, many more happy moments to come. Look out world, this young man is headed for greatness and we have his back and are cheering him on every step of the way!
Neveya Coleman - Ladies in Waiting
Up in the sky, shining so bright...it's our Veya aka Babooshka! You have your own style, your own flare and most of all your own amazing gifts and talents, and yes I am so proud that you take after me with your love of writing, creating and "artsy-fartsy-ness"! (Yup that's a word, I made it up!" Like I have told you, you can't be ordinary when you were meant to be extraordinary so never apologize for loving to sew, playing instruments or embracing the stage! Who else write plays in elementary school, and has rehearsals at recess? Who else sat unbothered in lunch detention because (in your own words) "I don't mind eating alone, I like myself!" That's who you are and we love you, and everything about you, my beautiful girl! We live for your big smile and the "Hey Grandma!" and "Hey Uncle Rich"...So of course I couldn't start this chapter without you!
Elijah Thomas - Groomsman
I remember the day when you were born...you and my granddaughter Lexi are twins, born the same day, in the same place, just with different parents lol. When you were little, we used to always be on edge because you were our comedian and we "never knew what you might say". Now that you have grown up, you are quiet, but still hilarious! You may be happiest in the background, but when you stand out you are a show stopper! Over the years you and I have built a special bond, and I truly appreciate that no matter what I ask of you, whether it is to be "Tito Jackson" in a show, play the drums, or being a grooomsman...you always come through for us and we love you nephew! Can't wait to see what "kicks" you pull out, because uh everybody knows your shoe game is SICK! My guy, handsome...smart...and always got it all on fleek! We love you so much Elijah!
Aamiyah Hairston - Ladies in Waiting
The day you were born, you filled a space in my heart that I didn't know was empty. For so long, you were my only granddaughter, and that was fine with me because you were absolutely perfect! Watching how much you have grown and for me (Maw Maw) meeting you for the first time reminds us that God has given us another blessing...and that's you! Thank you so much for sharing this moment with us today, and for being one of our pretty mademoiselles but most of all for being beautiful, beYOUtiful, YOU! We love you Miyah!
Bryson McDowell - Groomsman, Escorting of Lady in Waiting Aamiyah Hairston
The kindest of the kind, the gentlest giant, the big cousin who always looks out for everyone, that's you and oh how I am a fan of you, Bryson! You are a young man of few words, but you have a heart the size of the universe and you are always looking out for your friends and your family even when it means giving your last. You are a hard worker, and will pitch in and help willingly whenever someone asks and that is why we had to ask you to celebrate with us today. Thank you for agreeing to be in our wedding and also for always watching out for Keigan! You will do great things, because you are always great at the most important thing and that is being kind! Love you!
Ava Grace Copeland - Mademoiselle
Miss Ava...Miss Ava! What can we say...you are such a perfect addition to our tribe of grandbabies and we can't wait for your summers with "yah yah" so we get to spend time with you! No we may not be blood relatives to you, but we can't imagine loving you more! And yes we count you as our grandkid, because you are one "grand" kid!! Thank you for being a part of this day, and for all you are to us! And if you feel like hitting the dance floor, go ahead "Miss Janet" because you are a show stopper just by being you! Love you Ava Grace!
Khori Coleman - Petal Princess
"First of all," (as you so often say) there are so many wonderful Khori moments...you little girl bring the life to every party, the wit to any coversation and the spice to the sugar! I miss our Thursdays together, watching Bluey, playing "abracadabra" and running out for a Happy Meal. Then you grew up and went to school, and left me and Blue and Bingo to our own devices! But the stories continue...your Easter speech will forever go down in history as one of the greatest off script performances of all time and I cannot wait to see how you bloom into the wonderful purpose God has for your life. Until then, Maw Maw and Uncle Boo love you so much!
Pru Harbison - Petal Princess
My twin...from the moment I first saw you, I couldn't help but notice you look so much like me,,,but as you grow I see that you are so much more than I could ever be because you my darling are Pru-ti-ful! I will never forget our beach trip and being caught up in the waves together, or reading stories together and then sneaking my phone to you after our bedtime so we could watch Peppa Pig; you are smart, amazingly so, and love to be in Beckawee with your family almost as much as we love having you here! Thank you Princess Pru for being in our wedding and here's to cupcakes, pizza and all the good stuff...and remember what goes on at Maw Maw's stays at Maw Maw's! Love you always!
Nohlani & Noha Dowell - Honorary Flowergirls
I had never seen the birth of twins...until you two! Hester and Viv, you amaze me how you are so identical but with different personalities. Nohlani you're spicy, Noha you're serene. I cannot wait to see how Twin A and B, aka Hester and Viv, evolve into your own personality and bring us even more joyful memories! Maw Maw and Pop Pop love you, and you are always welcome to come to the Hairston Manor anytime for a good spoiling!
Bryson Cross - Usher & Jr. Groomsman
Oh the memories we have with you, and as we always say, "you are our blessing". It's funny to watch you now, how much you've grown, and how you have your own way of living life. Sometimes it's a struggle for you, growing up with us "older folks" you take on our ways of living. So you are a little more mature than most kids your age, your idea of fun isn't like theirs, and you don't like a lot of the loud and carefree playing most kids enjoy. But to hear you say, "I got me a good life", makes us so proud and let's face it, when your grandson's favorite place to be is "church" you know you've done something right. Thank you Bryson for always being unapologetically you, for always wanting to be greater and for all of the absolutely wonderful moments you give us every day. In the words of Uncle Rich, "I love that little boy!" and I wholeheartedly do too! You have been waiting for this day for a long, long time so I hope it is everything you dreamed of on what you called "the day when yall get married" which you always knew would come!
Keigan Tucker - Usher & Jr. Groomsman
Dirt bikes and Chick-fil-A; scary movies and video games; chicken wings and jr. bacon cheeseburgers; basketball and milkshakes; takis and touchdowns, yes you are definitely your Daddy's son! Not only do you look just like him, but you even laugh, run and walk on your tippy toes just like him and those are things that make me love every minute you are around us! You have such a quiet way and have never given me any problems whatsoever! Here's to many more hot cocoa, popcorn and good movie moments and we got you, always! Love you to life, Keigan...like father, like son...rock that suit with them J's!
Jsiah Hairston - Jr. Groomsman
For seven years, I have watched you grow into a funny, energetic little guy that I am proud to call my son. It is a blessing to be able to watch you evolve into the football loving, roblox playing, fruit and candy loving little boy who laughs, plays and smiles lots! We are glad that you will share this day with us, as it begins a new chapter for us all. You now have a whole tribe of kids to play with, to grow up with and most of all to call family! We love you Siah, whole lotta lots!
Kash Scott - Ring Security
"Hey Maw Maw, can I ask you a question?"
"Sure Kash, what is it?"
"Could you make me a strawberry cake?"
"Sure when do you want it?"
"Like now is fine!"
The little big brother, the most macho five year old you could ever know, that's you Kash and you are one of a kind! When I asked you about being in the wedding you said, "Can I be the ring guy, the one who carries your rings?" So thank you for accepting our invitation and for letting us know how you wanted to participate! We love you, our little five-year-old intellectual scholar, who is an excellent negotiator and litigator, and I am so glad that God gave us you as our grandson.
Kolten Tucker - Ring Security
Not sure if you are actually going to "do" this whole wedding thing, (laughing out loud) last time I asked you, you told me "I'm thinking about it, right now I'm kinda thinking no!" But just in case, I'm leaving you listed and taking this opportunity to say how much I love you, and stand amazed at some of the things you say! We had a few moments where you and I had to have a meeting of the minds over a switchin' but when I say "I love you" I know you believe me, and I believe you when you respond with your "Love you too!" I love you Kolten, and although you and Keigan are very different my love for you both can't be measured!
Dakarii Dowell - Honorary Ring Security
Hey Maw Maw! I Diiiiiddd! That's how most of our conversations start, but they always end with "love you Maw Maw" and that just makes my heart soar! You don't like crowds of lots of people and you certainly don't like a lot of fuss or being confined to one space, but the way you sing out loud, laugh hysterically, run to cuddle when you see something scary, and will pick facetime us 7 times in a row let's us know that you have your own way of being you! And we love us some you, Dakarii!
JaKye Cross - Bridal Escort
You don’t raise heroes, you raise sons. And if you treat them like sons, they’ll turn out to be heroes, Even though you are a grown man, you will always be my little boy! The one who I ate lunch with in 3rd grade; the one I watched wrestling with every Monday and Friday; the one who used to hang out with me when all the other kids thought it was embarrassing! You have given me so many happy memories, I'm so glad that we get to make another one today! Parenting isn't easy, we make mistakes along the way and kids do the craziest things. But with you, the bumps have been easy and the stunts few and far between. Thank you for being the man that you are, for always checking on me and most of all for listening! The sky is the limit for you, because you move quietly and keep your plans private. What a blessing you are, and I look forward to seeing how God uses you to bless the lives of others. Glad you are with us today, forever and always. Love you the more, until my last breath!
Andrew Durgan Jr. - Father of the Bride
"My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give their daughter...his acceptance and his love!" For 46 years we were strangers; you never knew you had another daughter, and I didn't know you were my father. I never will forget our first conversation which unlike the DNA consultants predicted went very well. Since I found you, I have had the pleasure of being your daughter and from that moment to this you have shown me love and acceptance. It amazes me when you check on me, or ask if I need anything as if I'm still a kid growing up and finding my way. But I know that's love, and I am so grateful to have you in my life. Grateful and blessed to take a walk with you, and marry the man of my dreams! I love you Dad!
Tyler Coleman - Officiant
You wear so many hats in our lives...you are my son-in-love (which sounds great when I say that because that's what I always knew you'd be! You know you are truly engrafted in to a family when a few words spark a memory that makes you laugh out loud like..."remember JaLeisa and the bread"? Or "remember JaKye on the trampoline"? And to me, you are my Bro (which is what you were way way before I even met Crystal)! You are our a Curtis Mayfield playing, pool playing, spicy food lovin', action movie watching, preaching, teaching incredibly intelligent bible guru that preaches his face off kinda guy!! And we love you, and stand in awe at how all the many parts of you come together to form a man that we admire and adore! You were there in the beginning of this love story, and so it is only befitting that you us, not get married to us, I mean marry me to her, or her to me...you know what to do Bro, just take the license and tell me where to stand and what to say to get 'er done!
JaLeisa Coleman - Event Coordinator
“You are my angel, you remind me of the goodness in this world and inspire me to be the greatest version of myself.”– Steve Maraboli There are no words that define you, and it is even harder for me to describe to you how much I love you. You are my first born, and in many ways you were the pilot to this motherhood series. I was almost 18 when you were born, I was married but still very much a kid myself, and even though I made mistakes along the way, when I look at you and all that you are, I know I did something right! Thank you for taking the lead and for helping this to be not just a beautiful wedding day but a blessed marriage. I love you little girl, and if you ever want to know how much...when you are me, and Lexi, Veya, Laila and Khori are you...I want you to take a deep breath and say "wow that much!"
Joseph Harbison - Wedding Planner/Consultant
“I may not be perfect, but when I look at my son I know that I got something in my life perfectly right.” Do you remember when we went to Dollywood for your 6th grade trip? Remember those honeysuckles, they smelled so sweet! It’s moments like that, inside jokes and happy times that I cherish! We have laughed until we cried, and cried until we laughed! I love My Joey...I love you so much and I admire your strength and ability to always roll with the punches in life...and do great things! In the planning of this wedding, I have leaned on you so much and luckily your shoulders have been strong enough and your business savvy has helped me tremendously. I love you so much, and we are so overjoyed to have you share in every phase of this wedding and our happily ever after!
JaTeiya Cross - Member of the Bridezilla Killas
"Since I heard your first scream and saw those big, brown eyes, my heart has been stolen. And you were prettiest little thief I had ever seen.” You have my wit, you have my charm and my sense of humor; most of all you have a heart to help others and that I admire because the way you care for people as a nurse is amazing. Most of all, you find the time every day to check on me, to talk to me, or to just crack a joke and sometimes you just don't realize the clouds you roll away just with a "hey girl"! Thank you so much for being a part of the Bridezilla Killas and for helping make this day both special and complete. You bring joy to our life in so many ways, and I love, love, love you Turrr! I know you will make sure there is no POLICE or SWAT called and will help me resist the Bridezilla transition! Uh uh...
Janay Scott - Member of the Bridezilla Killaz
“I could watch you or a single moment, and find a million things I love about you. You have a place in my heart that no one else could ever take.” Of all my children, you are probably the one who thinks like me. It's almost scary at times how well you can do things the way I would, or see things like I did. Do you remember being three years old and going to the library for me to read to you? Do you remember spending your 4th birthday at the library with you reading books to me? It wasn't always easy, the road was broken at times but one thing we have always done is endured it all together. Thank you for helping with our celebration and for using your OCD super powers to make sure everything is evenly placed and spaced. I love you my heartbeat, forever and always.. until my heart beats no more!
Shania Thomas - Member of the Bridezilla Killaz
“Having you as my niece is like having front row seats and a backstage pass to the coolest concert ever. Did somebody say Silk Sonic?" You are an amazing person, inside and out! Whether you are singing, dancing, decorating or creating something amazing, you have a gift that shines so bright! I am so grateful that you have been so committed to helping me get hitched, without a glitch and although you have so many things of your own to do, you locked me in on your to do list! Love ya bunches and bunches, Nia and you rock!!! And someday when I'm cutting up in the nursing home, you might get a call since you are the only one who has my location in your phone. But please, take your time, no rush, I probably just got bored!
Rhonda Coleman - Member of the Bridezilla Killaz
"If you have a few friends in life, you are blessed. If one of those friends has a son who marries your daughter, you got it made!" Rhonda, we joke often about how we arranged their marriage, but I'm so happy and overjoyed that God connected the dots and allowed us to be in-loves. That's right, because in-laws can become out-laws, but our bond is deeper than that, and will never be severed. That is why we are so honored to have you as one of our Bridezilla Killaz and to stand in the gap as you always do, and grab the duct tape, super glue, staple gun or the Scotch tape and pull this thing off! May you have all the happiness your heart desires, you deserve it!
Consuela Phillips - Bridezilla Killaz
My Bonus Sister! The brains, the beauty, and the brawn (cuz uh she one tough cookie yall) yup that's her, please welcome my girl, Dawn! Whether you know it or not, I love your vibe and I don't even mind that you think you can beat me in spades (you may have once but I'm not going to confirm that) or that IF you did win a game, you had to go "Stevie Wonder blind" to do it! You are a beautiful person, inside and out and I am so glad that in our adult years I got to add another sister to my bonus sisters and we all have a blast together! When you are executing a wedding you always need another pair of hands, another pair of eyes, and another person who has your back! Because you are so good at all of the above, I am so grateful to have you in the infamous group, the Bridezilla Killaz! Love you Sis!
Isabella Thompson - Mademoiselle
Bella Tucci! She's sassy, she's bright! She's has her own style, her own opinions and she is not afraid to let them be known! You have a witty sense of humor, and one of your one liners like "Big Cheesy" has us all in stitches! So glad God saw fit to give you us to love, and we really, really do love you so! Can't wait to see what you add to the petal princess wardrobe to make it your own, and watch you give us all a beauty queen wave as you come strolling down at our wedding. Hey Bella, Hey Bella show us how to get down! We know you will!!
London Scott - Mademoiselle
"Sugar and spice and everything nice, that's what little girls are made of!" That's you "londy bug", the sweetest and kindest little girl on the planet. I love the way you love chocolate, give hugs when they are needed, and giggle deeply when someone makes you laugh! Most of all I love the way my backseat becomes a studio as you sing your favorite songs to the top of your lungs like you are performing them for the crowd! You are a reminder to us that miracles happen, dreams come true and prayers are answered because you were born with the odds stacked against you, and you my pretty little one conquered all! So glad to have you in our wedding, and as you say in your cheer "P-A-R-T-Y party party on the Hairston side!"
Bishop Fred T. Simms and First Lady Marilyn Simms - Pastor and First Lady
As Pastors and First Ladies go, you two are the best on the planet. You are a Godly example of how to live, love and do marriage! It is not wonder that we look to you for guidance, for spiritual leadership and most of all for an example of what marriage is. That is why on this day, we wanted to give you both an opportunity to share a word with us, to express the process we completed in marriage counseling and to also bless our union with the hope that we too will be able to celebrate 50+ years of marriage. Thank you for being a part of this wedding celebration and the marriage that is to follow! Superman and Wonder Woman, that's who you are and we love you with the love you have given to us!
Christal Lancaster - Member of the Bridezilla Killaz
My niece and my namesake, who in all honestly grew up more like a little sibling than a niece. Whewww you were spoiled, and when Mama made me and Cohila do chores, you got to sit in the chair and watch because you were "too little". I can still remember that sneaky little grin beaming as we washed dishes and you watched! It is so unfortunate that due to all of the legal issues you won't be able to perform a solo for the ceremony. But you know when you are signed to a label and have so many working pieces, you just can't do public performances. So, I will just have to settle for you pitching in with the Killaz to make sure I don't have the stress that brings out Bridezilla! You don't know how much it meant to me for you to let me know that you would come early and help the week of...and even though it isn't a solo, I'll take it! I love you always....and yeah I'm still Big Crystal!
Tammy Hairston - Member of the Bridezilla Killaz
We were in the hospital together; although I was in Texas somehow we managed to have Gregory and JaLeisa one day apart! If I press rewind, I can go back even further...Mt. Vernon Youth Choir, Heaven's Gospel Harmony, my sister Barbara's tupperware party...wowwww we been friends for a long, long time! And we ain't but 30!!! (lol) You meet people in life who you just know are supposed to be your family, and whether it becomes official or not, it is so. I love you Tammy, and who would have ever thought my daughter would be working under your wing and that we would both be the grandmas of twins! Thank you so much for agreeing to be a part of the Bridezilla Killaz, which is just a funny name for the people who are going to help us pull this off! With your help, and all of the other talented and wonderful women of the squad, I'm sure Bridezilla will stay away and all will be well! (But if you see her sticking her head from under that veil...kill hurrr!)
Jessie Copney & Miss Sophia Copney - Bridezilla Killaz
Miss Jessie, the daring, the bold the beautiful! Most of all, my friend! We share so many things, from scars to laughs and I am truly amazed at how awesome you are with kids and those of us who are still kids at heart! Thank you so much for agreeing to help make sure Bridezilla stays buried! And, Miss Sophia...you know you are a STAR! You may be the youngest of the BKillerz but I have no doubt you are going to jump right in and help make our wedding great! Love you both!