Tiffanie Walls
Matron of Honor

I am the youngest sister of the bride to be even though she calls me her little big sister. Lol! I am kind of a jack of all trades and a master of none. Lol! I have a wonderful husband and two beautiful, smart children. My sister (Berlynn) and I have always been able to deal with each other through the good, bad, and the ugly. We have that relationship that no one and nothing can break. I love Duane for her because he is straight with no chaser just like that! I am so excited that they are getting married and can’t wait for the Big Day!! Love Lil Sis


Tamika "Mika" Harding
Maid of Honor

"I'm the middle child of my mom's three daughters. I'm a Real Estate Broker. I love to laugh, joke, attend concerts, travel, fashion, movies, music, comedy, and spending time with family and friends. Tamara is the Oldest Sister of my mom's daughters, and we spent a great deal of time together growing up; people have always thought we were twins. Even though we are five years apart, until this day, people will still ask from time-to-time if we are twins."

Bernie Lynn Hicks
Honorary Bridesmaid and Wedding Planner

Tam and I have known each other for nearly 20 years. Our friendship started when we worked together at the City of Chicago, Law Dept. Our friendship quickly grew from friends to sisters. She’s such an amazing mom to my nephews. This wedding is DOUBLE special for me as the groom to be Duane is also my brother. We have known each other for over 40 years, and I decided to introduce the two of them to each other in 2009, and the rest is history. I’m so excited to be a part of the Joiner Journey, especially since I predicted it would happen almost ten years ago!

Elaina Shannon
Bridesmaid

Elaina Shannon, Founder and Principal of a special needs school and Tam’s sister-friend during off-hours. I met Tam through my husband while they were bowling together. Made fun of me for how I spoiled my husband. Godmother to our youngest daughter. About damn time for this wedding. Lol

Suekwora "Nikki" Lane-Battles
Bridesmaid

I'm a full-time, multitasking lovable baby sister Nik Nik who loves family gatherings, food, fun, and traveling. It's game on when my brother and I get together. From Altered Beast days to cards, to darts, to pool.


Melanee "Mel" Wheeler
Bridesmaid

Let's see who I am to you. I am your big sister who loves you very much and wants nothing but the best for you and my nephews! You and Duane are the perfect match, I know in my heart that he is your world, I seen and felt it when I came to visit. I knew it was going to happen just waiting to see you wearing that ring took patience. Man! I love you and Duane and all the kids with all my heart!

Toni Owens
Bridesmaid

Sister of the bride. Superwoman, in many ways, mother, grandmother, sister, Aunt, published author, holds down 9 to 5... I wear many hats. Excited to share in my Lil Sister's special day!


Dalia "DeDe" Scott
Bridesmaid

I’m the oldest, the satellite (lol), and the hardworking student. I can’t wait to see the union of two amazing people! One amazingly sweet and caring and the other amazingly motivating and endearing. I love you both

Zakiya "Cookie" Joiner
Bridesmaid

Duane’s daughter and I am in the 10th grade. I am excited about my dad's and Tam's upcoming wedding. Love you both, congratulations.

Karimah Baker
Bridesmaid

AA introduction:)  I’m Karimah Baker and I am an Industrial Engineer. I am elated to be apart of “The Joiner Journey”, supporting my auntie/ mama Tamara and my new uncle Duane!!
Congratulations and I love you both!

Kiara "KeKe" Evans
Bridesmaid

My name is Kiara, but everybody calls me Keke. I’m a 25-year-old mother with a 3-year-old son. Educated, hard-working, and a loving/sweet woman, you will grow to cherish. Tamara is my godmother.


David "Mick" Joiner III
Best Man

"Yes, I’m big brother, and I have known my little brother, a long time. He’s a good guy and very well self-taught. I think I earned my brother's respect when I beat the boy up for trying to take his Doritos. He used to get on me all the time for not wanting him around, but that's not the case. I just didn't want my little brother to wind up bad, and he didn't. Love him to the death."


John "JR" Reddick
Groomsmen

"I am one of the oldest favorite CUZ. I feel like there should never be any major drinking without me being present!!! Guess I will DRINK 2 that Right now. (period)" From JR
(There is no Life without Love )


Gregory "Red" Moore
Groomsmen

Leo and my name Gregory! I love everything and everybody. I am happy and married. I love to dance to house music, and I am a jokester; oh, I love to dress up. Me and ole D Wayne are first cousins, but we are more like brothers. We grew up together, and we use to throw apples at the older boys that didn’t let us play basketball. I am the only original Westside bro

Dino Simpson
Groomsmen

"I'm Tweety cool ass cousin Dino. We use to rock the house on 61st and Peoria many memories. Man anyway, I admire my cuz very much and have nothing but love for him and Tam."


Sean McGee
Groomsmen

I enjoy purple Kool-Aid. I use a word that means nothing, like looptid. I like to buy Ebt link whenever possible. Yea, I believe it was the 1st grade when we became friends. Wayne is the guy I speak with when I need honesty, an unbiased opinion, or a point of view on something. That's my Brother 4 Life!


Renno "the largest arms in the world" Hicks
Groomsmen

Tweety and I have been friends for over 40 years.  He's not just my friend, he's my bro.  We grew up together and been there for each other through the good, bad, sad and the glad.  No matter what, we've grown together beyond friends, we  are brothers.   

Christoper "Chris" Prater
Groomsmen

"Hard-working businessman, dedicated to family and friends!!!"
"Tweety is my very first best friend since 1st grade who has always given me the truth, and I love him for that."

Larry "Pnut" Walls, Jr.
Groomsmen

"Hello World"(Al. J.), I'm Larry, aka P-Nut, married to the youngest sister Tiffanie. I am a certified Chef, a Machine Operator, and a family man. I have known Duane for 11 years. We have enjoyed some good times and some trying times together. Ole D-Wayne the man of perseverance. My Brother, I'll ride with you to the Top from "Lower than Whale Sh##" lol! Always Go Hard in the Paint right... Mice Welsta (Mr. Joiner). Love you, Bro.

Charles "Chuck" Williamson, Jr.
Groomsmen

I've known ole D since I was 16 even before we were rappers. He was also the Best Man at my Wedding


Sheldon "Maine" Moore
Groomsmen

I have been knowing Duane since we were teenagers. He is not just a friend; we are family


Mondine Harding
Mother of the Bride

I'm the mother of the bride. I am so happy that Tamara and Duane found true love. And I just want both of them to remember that Marriage is like fine wine. If you continue tending your relationship properly, it continues getting better with age. Stay on that path, and you will be together and in love with each other for life.
Always remember a great marriage is not when the perfect couple comes together. It's when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences.

Stephanie Denise Gordon
Officiant

I am Evangelist Stephanie Gordon
I’ve known Duane for 49 years I am his Sister; I’d been trying to get the man married for the longest. One day he looked at me and said when I’m ready I want you to do the officials!! I’m honored :-)

Alvin "Von" Baker
Brides Escort

TamaraLynn's big brother. Postal worker. Lover of music. Good vibes only type of guy.
Looking forward to getting my sister down the aisle


Terrell Walls
Brides Escort

I’m Tamara’s oldest son, and I am so excited for my mother and future step-father to be getting married. My mother is one of the most caring people I know, and she tries her best to do everything possible for my brother and me. Duane came into my life and stepped right in with no hesitation, helping my mother with me. He has looked out for me as if I was truly one of his own, and I appreciate him for that. I thank him for being a protector and provider for our family. I love them both!


Xavier Joiner
Ring Bearer

Son, Ringbearer & wise beyond my years!
Happy about my parent's wedding.
I promise not to drop the ring

Brooke Leak
Flower Girl

I am Tamara’s little cousin, and I think “Unicorns are Princesses too! “

Yhawyhari “YaYa” Essien
Flower Girl

I am the great-niece. I love my curly ponytails with bows. Of course, Minnie Mouse is my favorite girl.
I have the best days, especially when I see something with Elmo.

Kazz "KJ" Ware, Jr.
Aisle Runner

I’m their nephew. I have graduated from High School, and I’m getting ready to start an apprenticeship program to become an Electrician. I’m a man of few words. I love them both and wish them nothing but love and happiness!


La'Ani Walls
Broom & Dress Attendant

I am the niece of Tamara and Duane. When this wedding gets here, I will officially be a freshman in high school. I think they are both funny, “Arramah.” I love them, they are very caring and all that!