Meet the I Do Crew

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Rachel and Bre met during their freshman year at The Ohio State University. While many considered them a surprising duo, the two immediately clicked and forged a lifelong friendship. 

After graduating, they both moved to Houston, TX where Bre will say Rachel left her, but Rachel will say led her to meeting her soon-to-be husband. What Rachel admires most about Bre is her thoughtfulness, loyalty to the people she loves, fun-loving personality, and ability to BS (inside joke...ask us about the class we took together in college).

Ever since our high school days, when Lonzo started our AAU basketball team "Texas Ballers" during the summer, Jonathan became a vital part and heartbeat of the team. Our friendship grew stronger and stronger and he grew to be part of the family. 

Through all of the ups and downs that life has thrown our way over the years, Jonathan was there for me with every step and without judgment. Jonathan is one of the most unselfish, loyal, intelligent, and reliable people I know. It is a great honor to not only call you a friend, but most importantly a brother. I wish you and Bre a lifelong journey of happiness and success!

Briana and I met randomly at Morris Tower during their freshman year at THE Ohio State University and have been inseparable since. Our relationship has grown from going to icebreakers, having rap cyphers in the car outside Jones Tower, and “pulling up” on their college baes, to becoming line sisters, supporting each other through the ups and downs of adulting, and “pulling up” on their adult baes. 

I have relished the opportunity to see Jonathan nurture, care for, and love Briana — in all the ways she deserves. It’s safe to say that Jonathan is the last bae who Elaena will join Briana to “pull up” on. 

A native of Southwest Alief Texas, I pride myself on being a great father and a great friend. Having Jonathan as a true brother for over 10 years, I have such a plethora of memories and moments that I’m privileged to pick from so I’ll share what I love most about him:

His genuine love for people and positivity,

His relentless competitiveness in everything he does, and

His persistence through life’s challenges

Love you dawg. And I’m more proud of you in this season than ever before.

Briana and I go back to our OSU days. We met in 2011 while pledging AKA and grew a great friendship. Over the years, we’ve had many great memories including our beloved brunch dates. I have enjoyed watching Bre & Jonathan’s love story flourish. 

Admittedly, when I first heard his name started with a “J”, I was unsure lol. But when I met Jonathan, I knew he was special. He was so tender and loving with my friend, I knew from there on that he was her person. I’m very excited to celebrate the Barksdales!

Jonathan and I's friendship journey began as we started to cross those burning sands into the land of Alpha. Seeing how unselfish and willing Jonathan is to help others; at times before even thinking about doing it for himself, is what led me to see that he is the kind of friend and brother that is priceless to have in one’s life. 

As we continue to share a brotherhood in the name of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, we also share the same bond as friends. I am beyond honored to call you a friend and brother. I can’t wait to see you and your wife’s new matrimony continue to blossom!

Bre and I met during undergrad at Ohio State but our friendship didn’t truly blossom until we both ended up back at home in Cleveland. 

Quickly becoming attached as we navigated our hometown as adults, we realized the missed moments of close friendship in undergrad. This was noted during a particular blurry weekend in D.C. for Broccoli City in 2016  I love Bre for her candor and always reminding me that nothing for you will ever pass you by, a saying that’s manifested itself in the friendship over the last eight plus years. 

Jonathan and I met during high school when we both played for the same AAU basketball team. While many of our favorite memories together include some form of competition, whether it was competing on the court or in the gym after our playing days were over, our bond has always been rooted in our love and support for each other. 

As he enters this new chapter of life, my love will now be extended to his better half, and the brotherhood we are a part of will gain a sister. I expect the wedding to be the perfect reflection of their love story and I can’t wait to celebrate it with them!

I met Briana through mutual friends when I  first moved to Houston. Our friendship truly began over a dinner at Seasons 52, where Briana graciously taught me the art of eating asparagus — a lesson I didn't know I needed until that moment. Since then, we've bonded deeply over our love for RuPaul's Drag Race and endless shopping adventures. 

What stands out most about Briana, despite her seemingly tough exterior, is her heart of pure gold. She's always there, ready to offer a silent couch for those heavy days or an ear during vent sessions. Briana's genuine care and support are truly unmatched, making every moment with her priceless. I look forward to creating more memories with Briana, especially as she and Jonathan embark on this new chapter together.

I’m Dionte’, born and raised in Houston (on the Nawfside of course). Jono and I met during our undergrad years (around 2013/2014). We started as friends and have grown to brothers. Some of my favorite moments is going to NOLA, drunken nights, and random moments of uncontrollable laughs.

I always admire Jono’s heart for those he loves. From brothers to family to Bre and Tupac, he genuinely will put others before himself. It’s just who he is. I’m glad he’s found the woman who makes his heart happy in Bre.

From the time we were boys to now as men. From the day you walked into my house at my bday. To every basketball game, to going to college parties. From getting drunk on a cruise, to you carrying me back to the boat. You helping me get my first motorcycle. Always challenging me to get better every summer in high school because I knew you were working hard. Throughout those summers and those school days, the amazing championships we won at every AAU tournament. I knew I found a brother the day you walked into my house. From 15 to 32, I have been able to watch you become the man of God and the successful, strong, passionate, understanding, and encouraging brother that you are today. I have challenged myself to continuously, be someone like you. Although we are different, our values have always been the same. Blood could never make us any closer than what we are today. Someone I can count on and can call at any moment and although I might not call or text all the time I know my brother will be there. And so will I always be there no matter the distance traveled or the space in time. There is so much I could say, brings me to tears to remember every day that we have known each other. You’re taking the next step in life and I could not be more proud and happy. Congratulations to you and Briana, may God continue to carry you two too happily in matrimony for all of eternity.