Rehearsal

Beach Day

Sunday Brunch

Bridal Shower

Bowing Oaks

Ceremony & Reception

Our Wedding

<a href="https://youtu.be/wlKgvPSmqjw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Watch a video of our story</a>.<a href="https://youtu.be/3A3IzY-aCbA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Watch our Engagement Surprise.</a>

After a random movie night with Vanessa and Carmen, we decided to walk around downtown Orlando. As we crossed, Church St., I maintained an awareness of my surroundings. At a glance, I saw a man looking at me, but I wasn't certain. I preceded to walk North on Orange Ave., and again, I looked back again to confirm... This time, this man is smiling and continues to stare. (Remember Lorretta Devine in Waiting to Exhale?) I quickly encourage my girls to turn left into PourHouse to grab a $5 fireball beverage. I approach the bar alone and guess who was intently staring with a smile, 3 yards to my left??? You guessed it! WILLIS! As the gentleman I know of him today, he offered to buy me a beverage and I kindly said no thank you from a distance. I departed from the bar and his cousin, Nick met me as soon as I approached my girls. He said, "My friend wants to buy you a drink". As I kindly said no thank you again, Vanessa intervened and said, YES she'll take one, with Carmen backing her up. - Of course I couldn't say no after the team effort. I recall thinking to myself, "you never know how God's trying to bless you". I immediately asked him take a quick picture, he didn't hesitate, and I shared my number without him asking a question. The next day, we met at my favorite breakfast/lunch spot and we talked for 3hrs after the restaurant closed on their patio. I knew he was something special from his intense stares, persistency, and engaging conversations. 7 years later we are here today in love, stronger than ever, and choosing each other. I honestly believe God brought us together and we are here today, now, and forever. He is truly my best friend, my man, my fireball baby! Willis may try to tell the story differently. Read on... Not a different story, but an accurate "shorter" story....April is long winded. She should have said "I'm getting ready to close" about halfway. Hahaha. Now for the truth... While hanging in downtown Orlando during 2014 March madness with several IT cohorts, I told my cousin Nicholas "Nick" that we needed to Irish exit or what my uncle calls pop smoke because I was single and ready to mingle and walking around with 15 dudes was NOT helping. Thirty seconds later, April and her girls passed us walking in the opposite direction. We waited a couple steps before popping smoke on the fellas and quickly turned around to catch up to the switching that was taking place....Yelp! After making it inside the Pour House on the opposite side of the bar, April made a very clear gesture that she was interested. Nick agreed to walk through the crowd since it was packed and we were about 15 yards away from them. This way I could maintain eye contact just in case they switched locations or April wanted to play hard to get. After they made it through the crowd, we exchanged contact information and parted ways. To my surprise, April called after Church the next morning. We met and talked for hours. It was very uncommon (unicorn-ish) to meet someone professional that loved God, family, knew how to have fun, enjoyed intellectual conversations while also having so much in common. I knew April was different and possibly the one and her connection with my family months later sealed it. Sitting on the shoulders of the wisdom from so many family members, mentors and friends I know that this is the best decision I have ever made and pray that God continues to bless April, me and our union. KAIZEN#onelove#itisso#loverainesforever#dobetter

April and Will's Story

Our Story

KandyKay! My Alumna 🐊,  my friend, my sis! Years ago our  mutual friend and alumna  Cierra L.  introduced us and we've maintained our friendship ever since.  Kandice is down to earth, outgoing,  and a true supporter. She's beautiful, kind, loyal, talkative, and  team YOU (me).  I have always appreciated Kandice as she loves with her whole heart and adds the extra push of motivation when you need it most.   Anytime I found something new to explore,  she was down for the cause! She's there to have a good time and a stranger to none. 
 I will always cherish what we call our " Volkswagen Chronicles" now and in the near future as two boss babe wives!

Kandice Weech

DeBria may  tell you differently, but I thought I was the welcoming committee  in middle school. I saw a new girl (DeBria) and welcomed her a seat at the table. Of course she declined. Lol.  
She's the honest friend that speaks her mind even when you don’t care to hear it.  DeBria is such a strong example of getting things done without complaining.  She's the friend with the big, non-bashful personality and has always been the best listening ear, without judgement. She moves with love, a giver and one that has been a true rider.  If Bria isn't in the mix, you better believe everyone that knows her is asking --- where's Debria?  lol   We have over TWO DECADES of friendship. No matter what happens we know each other’s place.    That’s not only friendship, that’s family. 

DeBria Clark

Around town we were known as "Tall & Tiny", lol. 
Tiffany and I met through a mutual friend, Claressa. After a few interactions with Claressa, she quickly realized that Tiffany and I would share interest in "being on the go and in the know".  Anytime I wanted explore somewhere new, Tiffany was down to experience.   Over the years, Tiffany and I   grew to understand each other and our quirky ways - without judgement. lol  She's my  beautiful fashionista, mentor, prayer warrior,  foodie, future skymile partner, and  encouraging friend!  We call each other  besties, but truly she's more than that... she's a sister.  (By the way... checkout her new product line... www.iluvyourhair.com )

Tiffany Barnes

CarmieJoe!!! DJCJ!!! Carrrm!
Who would have ever thought post high school we would connect and be so close! Like many other of our friends, Carm is down to go and flow.  Carm played a significant role in me meeting Willis and will also hold a special place in our lives.  She's a giver in so many ways and I am truly grateful that our sisterly crew connected.  If we're not on the dance floor, at a speakeasy, eating good food, singing hymnals , comparing favorite classic gospel songs at 4am (thanks youtube), vibing to Ryan Leslie, cooking something tasty, or traveling on a random adventure,  then we're in the process of planning what's next!   Her joy, contagious laughter, and leadership in or sisterly group is invaluable.  My "fran" called me and confirmed that  we are besties --- that fact still remains. 
Fun Fact --- She's also related to US. lol

Carmen Jones

The honest, direct sis that see's the big picture". 
Beyond the relationship that we have established post high school,  Carmen and Vanessa will always hold a special place with me. They were in the right place at the right time.  If it wasn't for Carm and Vanessa intervening to answer  Nick's question " Can I my boy  buy you a drink?", I'm not certain how the events  leading up to  our wedding day would have progressed. If you know Nessa, she's always on the go and connecting good people, with good people.  It was Vanessa that first connected  with me on a facebook post to schedule a meet up opportunity.  We ended up planning a group birthday dinner experience to meet at "Ceviche" downtown and we've been close ever since.  (By now you should get the theme, that my friends are very outgoing).  Vanessa has been such an awesome jewel in my life.  She's genuine and  stays true to herself, no matter what.  She adds to our friendship puzzle!  (Note: I'm looking forward to her special day, one day soon. :) )

Vanessa Voyard-Todal

Shana is family, forever and always.  Her gentle, patient and God fearing spirit is consistent.  She's not a taker, she's the utmost giver. We both share a gift of creativity, she's just neater than I am :) .  Shana and I have many shared memories together, laughter, and growth spurts.  If Shana and Brittany was going somewhere, so was I!  I am so grateful that our friendship continues with ease and without limitation.  I know Brittany would be so proud see us "adulting". 
No matter the distance or time that passes, we pick up  as if we never left! Love you, girl!

Shana Lark

My dear Garlande!!! We met in high school and grew closer in college. She’s one of the first friends that shared a kitchen to cook dinner.  Garlande is a real giver and wants everyone around her to succeed.  I can call Garlande in the AM or PM and she's either going to answer or call you right back.   I value our sisterly bonds that maintain no matter the distance or time elapsed.  I love Garlande's outgoing personality and fun spirt.  She's expressive, engaging, and happy to share her opinion that always add to the big  picture.   She's the fashionista that I love dearly! 

Serena Bebe

Mama Felicia!!! Isn't she beautiful??? Listen she's my poetic, soul sister, spotify jammin' go with the flow lady!  She's patient, a true supporter and knows how to have an awesome. In our sister group, she adds to the punch! We can ride in clean and cozy car, listening too good music, going no where special... just riding.  Felicia, Carmen, Skye, Vanessa,  have traveled together and stayed in close quarters without a negative interruption. We are truly closer than close and I'm grateful for Felicia!!! 

Felicia Hermitt

The Queen of OutGoing, Jetsetter, Well-Rounded, and  Fearless boss babe! I knew Skye in high school, but I definitely know her now. She was the last out of our sister group to embrace as a added loved one!!! We can thank  Serena Garlande Bebe for closing any gaps.  Skye bring joy, fun times, perspective and  added rhythm to our girl group. If there's something that we all could use, she's sharing! I'm happy of the sisterly bonds that have formed and I look forward to growing even more.  Check out her page www.afrocurators.com and don't forget wish her Congratulations on her recent engagement too!

Skye Idehen

It's not often you find family, friend, confidant and mentor in one person. Nicholas "Nick" is just that. He has been there since before the beginning and was my wingman on the day that April and I met. He has provided counsel during our journey helping me be a better man for April and our family. Nick has been married to Erika for 14 years and they are great examples for April and me. We look forward to many more date nights and words of wisdom from Nick and Erika. I imagine in the future our kids will look to Kaden and Kalese as their older cousins, friends and mentors as well. Having Nick as my best man simply makes sense to me and I am honored that he agreed.

Nicholas Raines

One day I will have a little girl, and I want her to be like her auntie Miranda. Miranda has been the conscious balance for me bringing perspective to many things many times. Miranda is very strong, resilient, brilliant, beautiful (inside and out) and loving. We have spent hours talking God, relationships, marriage, women, family, love and so much more. Miranda enjoys quiet time, water, family and arts when not busy with nursing duties. I am so excited that she agreed to be the best woman in our wedding. Even if she didn't she already is. 

She is a bit shy, but has a lot to offer the world. Go say hey!

Miranda Allen

My mind always takes me back to the little red trucks we used to play with as toddlers when I think of Jason. Jason is my only uncle younger than me (~8months) and we spent almost every day...every day together growing up. From school to "The House", "Nick House", Reggie's house and my house. He is more like a brother to me. Jason is the quiet one that always has something to say, but holds it in. When he isn't spending time with his beautiful wife Amanda of ~9 years he enjoys playing music and golf. There is nothing Jason wouldn't do for me and me for him. I am truly blessed to be able to call Jason my uncle/brother and friend. 

Jason Raines

Reginald "Reggie" or my nickname for him "Scallywagg" is the big brother I never had. Just like Jason, we spent almost every day together growing up. Reggie is a little older and was already in school with Nick so he didn't have the same red truck. We always enjoyed sitting in the backyard by the pool after insane basketball workouts at his house and going fishing with grand-dad. That was the start of me loving water. I'm still working on getting him to play golf with me, but we both share a love for smoking BBQ and spending time with family. When He isn't spending time with his lovely wife Karla of 16 years and his crew Savannah, Austin and Hailey he is usually fishing or spending time with other family. 

Reginald Lewis Jr

Believe it or not! I think I finally found someone that loves fries more than me. Well...maybe not more, but definitely as much. Tobias and I hit it off after initially meeting each other. This brother is another quiet storm, but has something to say on a number of things. Somebody walk up to him at the wedding and ask him to explain how Theta measures an option's sensitivity to time. Tobias is April's big brother and has supported both of us in everything. I look forward to our families continuing to collide and making more "Tesla Money" with this brother!

Tobias Daniel

This is that DUDE! My uncle Carlos Raines "Los". I have always looked up to all of my uncles, but something changed when I finished high-school and he allowed me to live in one of his properties until I got my feet off the ground. He validated my dreams and set the foundation for the man I have become and yet hope to be. He taught me what it means to live a purposeful life. He helped guide me into my IT career. He was their helping through the purchase of my first home. He was their guiding me through my career decisions. He was there to provide wisdom through my singleness. He has been a supporter of me during my entire life. He enjoys writing, playing golf and spending time with his gorgeous wife Angie and wonderful kids Alexander "Alex" and Chloe when he isn't giving anesthesia to his customers. They will probably get the award for longest distance traveled, but he wouldn't have it any other way. I am because he is.

Carlos Raines

Wedding Party

15 minutes from Wedding Venue15 minutes from Jacksonville Beaches5 minutes from St. Johns Town Center c

Aloft Jacksonville Tapestry Park

Jacksonville's newest hotel is walking distance from the shore and restaurants. This hotel will open on June 24, 2021. You will love the area and complimentary hot breakfast available to all guests. ***Complimentary Self Parking is available Highlights20 minutes from Wedding Venue16 minutes from St. Johns Town Center1 minute from Jacksonville Beaches &amp; Restaurants * If rooms show unavailable, please contact April at 407.690.7352

Element by Westin

Click here to reserve at the group rate.*$139 non lake view/ $155 lake viewThis hotel is located steps away from the St. Johns Town Center! Great for shopping, eating, and working out. Guests will enjoy complimentary hot breakfast and option of bedroom suites. 16 minutes to Wedding Venue16 minutes to Jacksonville Beaches1 minute to St. Johns Town Center If rooms show unavailable, please contact April at 407.690.7352.

April & Willis

April & Willis

Gifts of Love

Thank you for thinking to give to us. We appreciate you for making the time to join us on ours special day and making all memories, unforgettable.