"Mel and I met through family gatherings but we officially met as friends in college. We bonded almost instantly and it became a comfort knowing that we each had family close by on campus. Our friendship got stronger and deeper as we grew in our careers and into adulthood. We’ve supported and shared every major and minor event in our lives, all while cracking each other up to the point of laughing tears. I’ll forever say that I married my soulmate, because Mel will always be my BFF #1 "

"We met my first year being a campus minister. He was one of my first students and we quickly became friends. Late nights hanging out, arguing over dumb stuff, being competitive, and studying God's word led to our growing Friendship. Having a friend like Patrick made going to campus worth it a lot of the time. He's truly a tried and true friend." - Gerson

"Hello, my name is Lauren. Melanie is one of my best friends. We met in college where we were apart of the same Christian group. We always had very similar friend groups but really got close when we were serving the campus ministry as leaders together. This was in 2019. She had recently graduated and wanted to serve God and I was in my senior year. We were both going through a tough season where we got the chance to grow together and lean on each other. As seasons changed and other joyous and painful times came we haven’t stopped growing and leaning on each other. A few things I love most about my friendship with Mel is that we always push each other closer to Christ, we can talk for hours and we always laugh together. I love her a lot and I’m so excited to be next to her on her and Gerson’s wedding day!"

"We all need a friend who just tells you how it is. Jamison has always been that for me. Always calling me higher in my relationship with God and being a brother who spurs me on. I can always count on him to tell me something that humbles me in the moment but helps mature my character in the process. He's passionate, driven, a baller (except when i'm guarding him), and a man after God's own heart. -Gerson Fun fact: Melanie and I would most likely not be getting married if it wasn't for Jamison sitting me down and calling me out. Love you man." -Gerson

"I met Mel when I moved to Philadelphia in 2020. When we finally met in person, we bonded almost instantly. She felt like a long lost sister- she understood me, was there for me and inspired me! I love her squeezes, our ability to talk about anything and everything, and her love for God. I can’t wait to support her and Sonny on their wedding day!"

"The last name says it all, Alejandro is my brother from another mother! Every summer up until college I spent in Georgia with him. We loved wrestling, boxing, playing basketball and soccer together. As we have gotten older I admire his work ethic, entrepreneurship, and love for people close to him. He's a man who defends those close to him and i'm glad to have him by my side." -Gerson

"I’m Mel’s younger cousin, we met because I was born. She was my first best friend, and was more of a sister than a cousin. I love that we can be the most authentic versions of ourselves with each other without being judged. I love that I know that we’ll always be together in happy times, but even more during hard times. I love how we empower one another to speak our minds, and have fun no matter what we’re doing. We make each other goofier!"

"Before I met Nigel for myself he already got a glimpse of the brother in law he was getting at me and mels baptism. Coming out the water flinging my hair I sprayed him and mama master with some holy water and the rest was history. I also had the pleasure of being in some of his bible studies before he made Jesus Lord. Nigel is determined, self motivated, and always fun to be around. I'm beyond grateful for his constant support and i'm honored to call him brother soon." - Gerson

"I'm Raven Rivera. I'm a bookworm, craft enthusiast. I like adventure and fun and it's not hard to know exactly what I'm thinking. Mel doesn't remember, but we first met shortly after she got baptized during a church service. I offered to hang out, but it never happened. I feel like the real start to our friendship was during our many dog sitting adventure for the Byrds... Neither of us like dogs lol. I love how Mel and I have the same ratchet humor - basically were ratchet and saved. It's really easy for us to be our whole authentic selves , without fear of judgement."

"What can I say about Zelby. For starters he's my brother and I love the guy. From crawling around on the floor, sharing a bed together growing up, playing basketball, and getting on each others nerves i'm glad I had him by my side. Without Zelby by my side growing up I probably would have been really weird. But he was the first person I learned to care for outside of myself. He made me a better man just by being born." -Gerson

"I don’t know exactly when or how we got so close, but I can’t look back on my life and imagine it without Mel. We’re technically “family friends” but that’s never felt like enough - she’s always just been my cousin. We grew up together, belly laughing our way into adulthood (idk how we got here, we’re just babies!!!) and we’ve grown better together. If there’s one thing I know, it’s to keep the people who bring out your inner child close - and for me that’s Melanie.”

"Jamell is my newest friend but he's played a vital role in my life in just a short time. Hailing all the way from Georgia, Jamell stepped into South Jersey and made a splash just by being himself. He's cool, calm, creative and can sing like no other. But what makes Jamell so special is the wisdom he is able to share. Through tough times Jamell was always someone who I was able to talk to and get clarity from. He's a great brother & a great friend." -Gerson