Janese (Jay) Flores- Matron of Honor
How We Met - Jay met Clarese sometime shortly after Clarese was born. 7 years is a long time as an only child, but Jay happily (begrudgingly) gave up the title of only child to claim the title of best big sister in the whole wide world. Clarese is thankful to have a sister who is thoughtful and always available to give advice.
Fun Fact - Jay loves to build things, she’s a woodshop wonder and handy with tools too. In her spare time she makes furniture such as coffee tables, shelves, and more. She recently gifted Clarese and Jawara with a personalized Living Wall.
Quenest Harrington- Bridesmaid
How We Met - Quenest and Clarese met in 8th grade through a home time program known as Black Achievers. Through the completion of the Black Achievers program in 12th grade, graduating from Western Kentucky University. and now to adulthood- Quenest has remained a true and trusted friend! One of Clarese’s favorite things about Quenest is her stealthy sense of humor. Although she can come across as reserved, her genuine spirit always lifts others around her. Clarese can always count on Quenest for a kind word and a fun time.
Fun Fact - Quenest is a professional photographer and graphic designer. In 2017 Quenest gifted Clarese (and her family) with a professional photoshoot.
Natasha Walker- Bridesmaid
How We Met - Natasha met Clarese in 2006 through work study employment at Western Kentucky University. Natasha didn’t know it at the time, but after meeting Clarese she was in for a wild ride for the remainder of her college experience… it’s true, Clarese gave Natasha her first shot of Tequila! Fast forward to present day and it seems the tables have turned. Clarese is now trying to keep up with the queen of adventure and life hacks!
Fun Fact - Natasha is a “ROLL TIDE”, University of Alabama and Mickey Mouse, enthusiast. She also loves to play pranks on folks. Once, Natasha convinced Clarese to taste some “gourmet gummy bears” and of course the gummy bears weren’t gourmet at all… if you want to know the end of that story see Natasha at the wedding.
Deondra (Dee) Harris - Honorary Bridesmaid
How We Met - Dee met Clarese at Western Kentucky University. Coincidentally, the two were not immediately drawn to one another. However, after a heart-to-heart they went on to become the best of friends. Clarese and Dee are also line sisters. They were initiated into the first and finest African American sorority- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc in 2008. If you knew Dee, you knew her as the bubbly- “let’s get this party started riiiight”- kind of person. She could make you laugh, she could make you cry (from laughter) and she could even make you snort while laughing! Her light shined so bright that it made everyone near her feel warm.
Shortly after Dee ordered her bridesmaid dress for the wedding, God called her home. While Clarese and close friends continue to mourn and grieve the tremendous loss, they also celebrate Dee’s memory and plan to honor her on the big day…. Once a bridesmaid, always a bridesmaid.
Fun Fact - There are just too many. In 2012 Dee came to Baltimore to visit Clarese. This was her first time flying post-9/11 and Dee was unaware of the liquid limitations for carry-on bags. Dee called Clarese frantic and on the verge of missing her fight as she was made to unpack bottle after bottle after bottle of natural hair care products at the ticketing counter… all of which she refused to throw away! Luckily a friend rushed to the Louisville airport and picked up Dee’s precious cargo so that she could make her flight in time… and that trip would go down in history as one Clarese’s most treasured memories.
Ayinde Sawyer - Best Man
How We Met - Jawara & Ayinde met on that fateful day in June when his baby brother was born. From summers spent playing as kids to long weekends in Miami as adults, they have been the best of friends since. Jawara and Ayinde have supported each other all their lives and Jawara couldn’t be happier to have him as his Best Man.
Fun Fact - Ayinde spent 6 months in Accra, Ghana as a part of Fordham University Law schools collaboration with the Ghanaian government. While there he clerked for the Chief Justice of the Ghanaian Supreme Court and also worked with its national legal aid society.
Spencer Brashears - Groomsman
How We Met - In July of 1994 ‘Spence’ flew into Jawara’s airspace and they’ve been cousins/brothers ever since. From bonus room brawls as kids to graduations and Spencer piloting private flights there aren’t many moments in life they haven’t been there to support each other. Spencer has always been the life of the party and we have no doubt he’ll be first on the dance floor at the reception.
Fun Fact - Spences learned how to fly planes before he learned how to drive a car. Spencer is a commercial pilot and a certified flight instructor (CFI/CFII). Spencer has logged over 1000 hours of flight time in his career.
Kollin Richards - Groomsman
How We Met - Jawara and Kollin met when he was just a wee lad shortly after he was born. Jawara has watched Kollin grow from a little boy who loved playing video games to an extremely hard working young man. Kollin is both a scholar (straight A’s) and a gentleman and Jawara is honored to have him as one of his Groomsman.
Fun Fact - Kollin is a huge sneakerhead and not only does he plan his shoe purchases out months in advance but has over 20 pair of Jordan’s.
Carl Alleyne - Groomsman
How We Met - Jawara and Carl met through work and quickly bonded over shared interests in topics as varied as snowboarding and personal finance. As one of the most focused fun-loving and adventurous people Jawara knows, there isn’t much Carl will shy away from. If you want a training partner for your next triathlon, Carl is your Groomsman.
Fun Fact - Carl has completed more than 15 sprint triathlons with 3 top 5 finishes, and an age group 1st place finish in a half Ironman.