The Tiffany Ballroom : Four Points by Sheraton Norwood

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Fall

Our Wedding

Deanna &amp; Calvin met while employed at the Massachusetts Bay Transportaion Authority (MBTA). She was a dispatcher, and he was an inspector. They would regularly communicate with one another professionally but did not know each other personally. One day Calvin decided to strike up a friendly conversation with Deanna which morphed into a beautiful parade of endless excitement, adventure, love and friendship. Here is where they realized the truth in what Oscar Wilde said, "ultimately the bond of all companionship, whether in marriage or in friendship, is conversation". Deanna, the more laid-back quiet type and Calvin the people friendly conversationalist would seamlessly converse for hours throughout the day and looked forward to doing so! Calvin and Deanna's bond grew extremely strong over many years. They took the time to learn about one another. Their likes and dislikes, their strengths and weaknesses along with their wants and needs. They enjoyed one another's company while out on breakfast, lunch and dinner dates. Let's be honest, everyone knows they love to go out and eat! They experienced travelling the world with one another and being by each other's side during the most inconceivable times of their lives, the loss of his father (Danny) and the loss of her mother (Debbie). They've truly became the other's best friend. Finding someone you love and who loves you back is a wonderful feeling. But finding a true soul mate is an even better feeling. A soul mate is someone who understands you like no other, loves you like no other, will be there for you forever, no matter what. Deanna and Calvin found that in one other!

A True Soul Mate

Our Story

Photos

Deanna and Shanna have known each other well over 20 years.  They created a bond while being single parents and navigating MBTA work schedules against getting children to and from school.  They worked together where one would bring the children to the bus stop in the morning and the other would pick them up.  As the children grew older and were able to get themselves to and from school Deanna and Shanna began travelling together and doing what they both love to do - shop!

Shanna Shaw

Ariyan is Deanna's mini me, her princess, her one and only baby girl.  Ariyan is truly the example of mommy's little girl as she is sweet, loving and extremely protective over her mother and loved ones.  Always considerate of other's feelings she is often found asking "how are you feeling?" or "are you ok?".  Naturally, she graduated with a degree in Psychology. 
 Deanna has been Ariyan's rock and number one supporter from day one and Ariyan has been Deanna's inspiration to do and be better since the day of her birth 25 years ago!

Ariyan Davis

Deanna and T'Jaie also met at the MBTA as dispatchers navigating work schedules and getting children back and forth to school.  Believe it or not, Deanna's son and T'Jaie's daughter has been school mates since daycare and are still school mates today as they navigate through their senior year of high school.   Their friendship spans 16+ years and their personalities balance each other out.  Although, T'Jaie has retired from the MBTA the two talk frequently and still travel together regularly!

T'Jaie Mitchell

Deanna and Tammie also met at the MBTA.  Their friendship began to blossom when they realized their babies, now 17, were due around the same time.  It was something in the water at the MBTA as quite a few female drivers were pregnant and due within months of each other!  Since then, Deanna and Tammie navigated through Bus Operations together.  Becoming dispatchers, then supervisors, and superintendents and they still work together, in Bus Operations, today!

Tammie Burton

Although Deanna and Tatiana haven't known each other for as long as the other females in the wedding party they have begun building a bond as stepmother/stepdaughter and more importantly friends!  Tatiana is a chip off the old block as she is known for being a hard worker.  A mother of three, a committed daughter to both parents and a role model to her younger siblings Tatiana is truly an example of a superwoman holding it down!  She has been very supportive of the relationship between her father and Deanna and Deanna looks forward to continuing to strengthen the relationship and be a source of support moving forward!

Tatiana Thomas

Daphaney is one of Deanna's aunty/sisters.  Although Daphaney is officially an aunt she is more like a sister.  Deanna being an only child and Daphaney being her grandmother's youngest child they most times slept in the same bed as children and spent lots of time together.  Not only did they share the family bond, but they also worked together at the MBTA as bus operators and dispatchers.  Daphaney and her family served as a major support to Deanna in her earlier years at the MBTA as they provided a safe and secure place for her young child (Ariyan) to be during those late night and weekend work hours.  They also took Ariyan with them on family summer vacations to make sure she did not miss out on Disney World when mommy couldn't make the trip.  Now who would volunteer to take an 8-year-old with them on vacation without their parent(s)?  famILY

Daphaney Davis-Murray

Stacie is yet another auntie/sister.  Although Stacie is officially an aunt she and Deanna can be found feuding more like sisters, in a fun way of-course.  Stacie has always provided the "fun house" where you always felt you were welcomed and at home.  During Deanna's earlier years of parenting that is where her and Ariyan would most likely be found instead of home in Fall River.  Deanna spent so much time with Stacie that her son started calling Deanna his sister.  Boy how time seems to repeat itself.  Deanna considers Stacie an auntie/sister and Stacie's son considers Deanna a cousin/sister.  It truly shows that the family bond is impeccable.  Deanna and Stacie also worked together as Bus Drivers at the MBTA.  Talk about a family business!  They continuously make plans of travel and hanging out together because everyone knows Stacie likes to have a good time!

Stacie Davis

Daijah, the oldest of Calvin's grandchildren, is considered the one who taught him the virtue of patience!  She is a smart, determined pretty girl who rocks.  Daijah loves fashion, loves to rock the latest hairstyles and is an avid dancer!  America's Top Model here she comes!  Daijah is truly a ray of sunshine, literally, and very giving.  At times Daijah can found sharing her weekly earnings with her siblings.  Daijah is surely slated to be a force to be reckoned with in the near future.  Although Deanna and Daijah have not spent a lot of time together to date, Deanna is definitely looking forward to creating fun lasting memories that they can both reflect on in the years to come!

Daijah Thomas

Anilah, one of Calvin's four granddaughters, is a ray of light.  Anilah is very energetic, has lots of enthusiasm and keeps the family busy with her many extracurricular activities.  Anilah is the poster child for athleticism.   She plays flag football, is an avid basketball player, she participates on the soccer team, and she can often be found playing softball as well.  Whew, you can get tired just thinking about it!   To add to her accolades Anilah is an outstanding scholar who does not play about her grades. Calvin Jr, her dad, tirelessly encourages Anilah to be the best that she can be, and I think Anilah is well on her way to doing exactly that!  Deanna is truly gaining an addition to her family when it comes to this beautiful, smart future WNBA player!

Anilah Thomas

Birdie, a nickname given to Alivia from Deanna.  Birdie is Calvin's granddaughter who is very sweet, considerate, loving and full of energy.  Deanna was immediately in awe upon first sight because Alivia (Birdie) reminded her of the sweet baby girl she gave birth to so many years ago.  Birdie got her name honestly.    She sees and hears everything. 
 Anything you ever wanted to know can be found through Birdie.  In other words, a little birdie told me!  Alivia knows everything and doesn't hesitate to share the information.  She can be found face timing you at any hour of the day just to ask, "what are you doing?" and to let you know that she is bored.  Alivia is truly our little Birdie in every since of the meaning! 

Alivia Thomas

Calvin Jr, his first heartbeat and the one who bears his name.  Calvin Jr, or better known as CJ is the first of two children born to Calvin Sr. and he is the pinnacle of an ideal son.  CJ wears his heart on his sleeve, he is very family oriented and a true believer of investing in the community as he regularly volunteers his time and energy to the Pop Warner Football League.  He himself was a Pop Warner football star.  CJ is a hard-working girl dad who has jokes for days.  He has an infamous reputation within the family as the grill master because of his finger licking ribs (shhhh, don't tell Bruh or Grover).  
As a son CJ unknowingly taught his dad the invaluable lesson of responsibility and the meaning of unconditional love.

Calvin Thomas, Jr. (CJ)

Thomas, better known as Tommy, manifests the true meaning of a best friend.  Tommy and Calvin met when they both worked as inspectors at the MBTA many years ago.  Calvin felt that if it weren't for Tommy he may not have been as successful as Tommy "took him under his wings".   Tommy was also extremely generous.  Calvin Jr. is a licensed driver today because Tommy allowed them to use his vehicle to take the driving test.  Although Tommy and Calvin are now retired from the MBTA they periodically gather around a table with a crisp deck of cards to Tonk it out!

Thomas Williams

Henry, known to ALL as Bruh, is Calvin's uncle.  Bruh is loving and caring and many times served as a guide and confidant to Calvin.  Bruh introduced the MBTA to Calvin at a very young age.  Young Calvin would frequently ride Bruh's bus especially on pay day!  He knew his Uncle Bruh would hit him off a little something, something.  Needless to say, Calvin was utterly honored to have had the opportunity to drive the very same routes and buses as his Uncle Bruh did when he later became employed by the MBTA.  In true Bruh fashion, he stepped up to assist Calvin's mom (Amelia) when her husband, Calvin's dad's (Danny) health began to decline.  Bruh did everything he could such as schedule his vacations around Danny and Amelia's needs.  Bruh's kindheartedness allowed Calvin to continue to work toward his pension.  Now how many can say they have village like that!  Bruh is also known for throwing down in the kitchen.  However, you never had to guess when he was tired.  Bruh would leisurely walk toward the staircase and say "Well, I'm about to call me some hogs".  In other words, you can stay but I'm going to bed!

Henry McNeil

Jaylen is a cousin/godson to Calvin.  Jaylen is very smart, career driven, outgoing and an over-all go getter!  At a very young age Jaylen showed exemplary determination and was known as one who set high standards for himself.  And in true fashion Jaylen surpassed every bar set!  Calvin is so proud of his cousin/godson, and it shows as he routinely boasts about his godson who has a laundry list of accomplishments.   Jaylen is a great example to others and is a gift to those around him!

Jaylen Bailey

Thoams Jr, better known to others as Junior is also a cousin/brother from another mother.  Junior would regularly kick Calvin out of his bedroom as a child because then Calvin was like a bothersome little brother.  Junior, an avid lover of sports and passion for baseball committed much of his time to the South End Community while teaching the youth the fundamentals of the sport.  His teachings did not end there, he also was very instrumental in schooling Calvin when it came to all sports.  Like his brother Ronald, Junior religiously gathers around the television on football Sunday to chop it up with his little brothers Ronald and Calvin! 

Thomas Patterson (Junior)

Ronald is a cousin/brother from another mother to the sibling less Calvin.  Growing up as an only child Calvin looked up to Ronald as a big brother.  However, at the time Ronald viewed Calvin as an annoying little brother who asked too many questions about the football game.   Calvin's unwavering love for football started with Ronald and his brother Thomas Jr.  Sometimes Ronald would feel bad and allow Calvin to accompany him on his weekend shopping trips to Downtown Boston.  Calvin remembers those days like it was yesterday!  Calvin, Ronald and Thomas, Jr can routinely be found sitting in the living room and chopping it up during football season watching the Sunday games.

Ronald Patterson

Grover is the nephew/brother of Danny, Calvin's dad.  Although Grover is Calvin's cousin, he always viewed him as a younger brother growing up.  Calvin commonly frequented Grover's house knowing he'd always get a good hot meal.  Grover and his wife Diane would occasionally plan family trips where Calvin was always welcomed to join.  During the family card games Grover and Calvin were considered the entertainers as they would instigate one another into a frenzy over who had the best hand.  Grover is known to compliment you when you are right and definitely call you out when you are wrong!  And when surprised at what he is hearing you get his signature, "Noooooo"!  

Grover Bailey

Devaun met Calvin at a very early age.  Calvin was able to gain Devaun's trust as he began to realize the way to Devaun's heart was by providing him McDonald's French fries.  Devaun was always a well-mannered, charming and respectful little boy.  Devaun later grew into a young man watching Calvin exhibit what an ambitious, hardworking and faithful man resembles.  Now Devaun can add those attributes to his personal resume as he ingested some of Calvin's personality without physically possessing his DNA.  Today, Calvin and Devaun have a very special unique relationship.  One where impromptu conversation is had about life and right vs. wrong.  In Devaun's case as a stepparent Calvin is so much more than just a parent because he made the choice to love and accept him when he didn't have to.

Devaun Davis

Tristan, better known as DJ, is Calvin's only grandson.  Dj is a loving, caring young man who loves and adores his mother!  DJ tragically lost his father at an early age and assumed the responsibility of being the man of the house.  This tickles Calvin and also gives him a slight sense of security knowing that someone is right there looking out for his baby girl, DJ's mom (Tatiana).  DJ truly holds up to the legacy and initials in his nickname.  DuMan Junior because he does it all.  DJ is truly a gift from God and Calvin is absolutely blessed that he is his grandson!

Tristan Thomas (DJ)

Wedding Party

Q + A

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Deanna & Calvin

Deanna & Calvin

Registry