WEDDING PARTY

Minnie and I met almost 12 years ago at an elementary school in Rockwall, Texas—because where else do lifelong friendships begin? I was the school nurse, and Minnie worked in the after-school program. Naturally, once we met, Minnie decided she needed daily “medical check-ins” and started stopping by my office every afternoon before clocking in. No injuries—just vibes and good conversations.

When her parents moved back to Louisiana, they insisted she return with them (rude), but we stayed in touch through endless texts. Over the years, our friendship only got stronger. We’ve celebrated birthdays, life milestones, and plenty of laughs together—and now we get to celebrate her marrying Patrick!

Minnie can be a little quiet… until I bring out her talkative side (you’re welcome). We’ve been there for each other through many seasons of life, and I truly cherish our friendship. I am truly honored to be her Maid of Honor and so grateful to stand by her side as she begins this beautiful new chapter.

My name is Maranda and I have known Minnequa since Pre-School! One day, while at center time, Minnequa was playing with her favorite toy, a silver ladle. Everyone knew that this particular toy was Minnequa’s favorite toy. She wouldn’t play with anything else in the kitchen station. The ladle was her thing. 

One day, another little girl decided that she’d disrupt the peace and take Minnequa’s ladle! She walked over and snatched it from her, and THOUGHT that she’d get away with it! I looked around and saw Minnequa sitting quietly in a corner crying and that was all it took! I marched right over to that girl, snatched the ladle, hit her in the head with it and then took it back to Minnequa! I got in trouble, but us becoming Best friends was forged that day!

 Minnequa moved to Texas shortly after that, and I was completely devastated. We lost touched and hadn’t seen each other in over 20 years, until one day in Walmart! We spotted each other and after a series of hugs and girly giggles, we picked up like we never had a day apart! 

While Minniequa and I attended the same High School, we actually first met when I was about 10 years old. We were both just learning to swim at the Greenville YMCA and were put in the same practice lane for the swim team.  So many memories were made at practices and meets. We were always cheering each other on and having fun. Overtime, we both became better swimmers and even better friends. I can’t wait to celebrate Minnequa's upcoming wedding! 

Apollonia and I share a special bond as cousins. Even though we didn’t grow up together, we definitely made up for it over the years by spending time together at birthdays, holidays, family reunions, and many other family gatherings. Through those moments, we’ve been able to build memories, laugh together, and truly get to know each other more as family.

One of our favorite family memories is that my brother Bobby and Minniequa share the same birthday, which has always made celebrations even more special for our families. It’s moments like those that remind us how connected our families are.

I’m so grateful for the bond we’ve built and all the memories we’ve shared. I can’t wait to celebrate Minniequa’s wedding and make even more unforgettable memories together.