Words from Morrow:
Costella, 49, is my second cousin, and a Dean at Pellissippi State Community College, Knoxville TN. I was 10 when Costella was born. Since Stella's mother, Betty, has always been like my big sister, Costella was like my little sister. So many Christmas eves I helped Betty get gifts ready for the "kids". Now Stella is all grown up, has a son of her own (Dalen), and is doing big things in her career. Not only is she handling business as a Dean at Pellissippi, she is also working toward her Doctorate. (Shout out to the Doctoral candidate!) I am soooo proud of her. There's no one else that I wanted to be my Maid of Honor.
I super appreciate that she is taking time from her very busy schedule to support my special day. Thank you for beng in our wedding. Love you Cuz!
Words from Morrow:
Keta, 45, is also my second cousin, and Betty's other daughter. Keta is a Student Success Coordintor at Pelliissippi State Community College, Knoxville, TN. Keta was always like my little, little sister. She has been a hard worker as long as I can remember. She worked at Kroger from the time that she was a teenager. She worked there well past her college years, finally retiring at the ripe old age of 28! Now she dedicates her energy to her husband (Daniel), her daughter (Kalen), crafting, church and to making sure that the students of Pellissippi Community College get a good start in life.
Keta, I am so proud of the woman that you have grown to be. Thank you for being in our wedding. Love you Cuz!
Jennifer Henderson, 40, is a Speech Language Pathologist in Knoxville, TN. She is my "Jen-Jen"! Jen and I are not blood cousins. We met many years ago because she is friends with Costella. Sometimes you meet a person and just "click" . Jen's big smile and happy demeanor make her a joy to be around. She is loyal to her friends and always game to try new stuff. (Jen even sat and watched political shows with me!) She uses that same passion and compassion to help children with speech difficulties.
Jen is a special spirit and my cousin by choice. Thank you for being in our wedding. Love you Cuz!
Kalen is a 12 year old ball of amazingness. She is my 3rd cousin, Keta's daughter. Kalen is currently in the 6th grade at Christian Academy of Knoxville. Because she wanted to see change in the school, she ran for President of the 5th grade, and won! She plays golf and basketball and writes, among other things. (When she was 9, she wrote a book about Micheal Jordan. Not a story or a report, a book.) Clearly Kalen is a little older than the traditional "flower girl" . As she is dear to my heart (and my unofficial mini-me) she had to be in my wedding. Funny thing though, before I could ask Keta if it was ok, Kalen called me and asked me if she can be the flower girl. How could I say no? I found out later that she did that on her own before she asked her mother either! She was determined. LOL!
But Kalen is no flower girl; she is my Flower Darlin'. Thank you for being in our wedding Sweetie. Love you!
Words from Morrow:
You know that friend that you can always count on to do what needs to be done? The one that doesn't ask for any fanfare or seek the spotlight? That is Stephanie R. Hearn Thibodeaux.
We met MANY years ago when I was working retail as a part-time job. I had transferred from a high grossing store in Woodfield Mall to her high grossing store in WaterTower Place. (The store was Paul Harris, for those old enough to remember that chain.) Steph was a top seller and i was the "new girl". Things didn't start off too well. LOL! But, we soon became fast friends, neighbors and sisters. I was in her wedding; I rushed to the hospital when her son (Lucien) was born, and have been an adopted member of her family. I have eaten many meals and had alot of laughs with her family in St. Louis. I am thankful that we knew each others mothers. When Steph moved from Chicago back to St. Louis, a piece of my heart went with her.
Though she is not nearby anymore, our friendship is the same. One phone call and we pick up right where we left off. Thank you Steph for coming to be my "right hand woman" (again) and supporting my special day. Thank you for being in our wedding. I love you Girlie!
Words from Morrow:
Trish and I met in Atlanta in 2018. Both of us were in Atlanta for a "meet & greet" hosted by Black Travel Movement. Both of us had traveled there alone. We got to talking at one of the parties and discovered that we live in the same Chicago neighborhood. Like 5 minutes away from each other. Small world!
You know those folks that say that they are going to do this and that, but never do? That is NOT Patrisa Keys! Trish has never met a stranger. She will talk to anyone. As such, she's not concerned about feeling alone in a crowd. She doesn't hesitate to go out to dinner, go to a bar, on jump on a plane by herself. One of Trish's favorite sayings is: "Dont threaten me with a good time"! LOL!
Her passion for life, music and travel is part of what drew us together as friends. After I met Aubrey, she was one of our biggest cheerleaders. Aubrey will tell you that Trish is captain of "Team Aubrey". If he or I ever need a hand, or a planning partner, she is always ready and willing to help.
Trish has been helping me with wedding planning from day 1. She said that she's honored to do it. No Chick, WE are honored that you want to help. WE appreciate your love and support! Thank you for being my "left hand woman". Love you to the moon!
Words from Morrow:
I have known Bishop James Taylor for around 20 years, long before he became Bishop. His lovely wife (Mia) was my hairstylist. At that time, I couldn't remember his name but I knew he was a Pastor and Mia's husband, so I called him Pastor Husband (PH). To this day, I still call him by that nickname. Out of respect, I'll call him Bishop in front of ya'll. (smile)
Getting my hair done at Mia's was a family affair. One relative or another would wash my hair before Mia styled it. The salon always had relatives coming in and out. Bishop James would often be there, spending time with Mia. He and I would debate world events and politics. And when I was at a crossroad in my life, words from Bishop James illuminated the way to the answer I needed. (All that time, he was ministering to me, even when I did not know it.)
He and Mia have so much love for each other. They love their family and are a successful power couple. Their relationship is truely black love. They are a model to me and Aubrey.
Since they met Aubrey, they have been cheerleaders for our relationship. They support Aubrey and I so much, that there was no one else that I wanted to conduct our ceremony. I know that each word and blessing will come from Bishop's heart.
Thank you PH and Mia for being in our lives and part of our wedding. We love the Taylors!
Words from Morrow:
Katrina and I met approximately 12 years ago when she moved into the condo across the hall from me. initially we were only cordial, then she started feeding me. (There's a funny story but we'll save that for another day!) Food certainly builds bridges and Katrina is one of the best builders ever! We started sharing meals; having Sunday night "appertifs" with the other neighbors; doing BBQs outside the back doors and more. It was so much fun! Best neighbor ever!
But more than a neighbor, Katrina became my NSF - neighbor, sister, friend. She took me into her heart and her family. Nobody better not mess with me, or they had to deal with Katrina! On one of the darkest day of my life, she was the only person willing to be physically there for me. I will never forget that and will always appreciate her loyalty and protection.
Over the years, I have watched her grow and evolve. Her children grew up; she become a grandmother; got married to the love of her life (Donald) and started her own business. Katrina is a strong, loving, caring woman of God. She is also loud, crazy and take charge. Had we not been neighbors, we likely would not have ever crossed paths. Thank God that she responded to that rental listing.
She is the reception emcee because she has alot to say - and it all comes from her heart. I was there for her wedding to Donald and now she is here for our wedding Thank you NSF for always being in our corner and being part of our happy day! Love you Girl!