Laura and Clarence
August 15 2026
Chicago Heights IL
Wedding Day
Saturday, August 15, 2026
3:00 PM–11:00 PM
St. Agnes Catholic Church
1501 Chicago Road, Chicago Heights, Illinois, 60411, United States
Attire: Cocktail
3:00 PM–5:00 PM
Ceremony
St. Agnes Catholic Church
1501 Chicago Road, Chicago Heights, Illinois, 60411, United States
Attire: Cocktail
Wedding Ceremony
Reception
Saturday, August 15, 2026
6:00 PM–11:00 PM
Attire: Cocktail
Invitation Only
Our Story
Our Beginning.....
Clarence and I met Christmas Eve, 2023, at one of our favorite haunts. In classic gentleman fashion, Clarence wanted to send me a drink. Being the lady that I am, I asked, "Who is CJ?" Once he was pointed out, I coyly accepted. We were both slow burners and were not looking to rush into anything. Our friendship blossomed. We began to look forward to our meaningful conversations, revealing more and more about each other; to each other. Our story was being written. We had our first date on March 16, 2024, Clarence's birthday. We both received a gift of a lifetime.....OUR LOVE! From that day forward, our adventure began. We've been on road trips to visit family, to London to cheer on the Bears, Panama to celebrate my birthday (Laura) and to Hawaii to celebrate his (Clarence) 60th birthday. It was in Honolulu on his birthday, March 16, 2025, Clarence L. Jones, Jr., proposed. I excitedly said YES!!! An Alpha Phi Alpha man and an Alpha Kappa Alpha woman . . .what a blessed union!
Photos
Wedding Party
Kathy L. Clark - Maid of Honor
Kathy and I met in 2001 on New Year's Eve and boy, have there been fireworks ever since......all good!! We've shared many experiences and are still going strong. We've been the shoulder to cry on for each other and the person to celebrate with on our successes. We've been the yin and yang to one another whenever called for, and it's been a recipe for a great sister-friendship over the years. I am proud to call her my best friend and Maid of Honor.
Leonard Armstrong - Best Man
Leonard is my great friend. We've known each other since high school. Our close relationship (through his step-father) cultivated my desire to pursue a career in Law Enforcement. Leonard and I played sports together and both share a love of house music, which we enjoy to this day. He is my ride or die!
Stacie E. Watts - Bridesmaid
Stacie may be one of my newest friends ( 9 years) but a true friend nonetheless. She is like the irritating little sister I never had. Lol! She has been a part of this journey since day one and is even happier than I am if you can believe it. I am proud to have her join us in our celebration!
Sharron Troupe - Bridesmaid
Sharron has been a family friend since 2006. She is a very kind and caring person who is often the life of the party. Sharron will forever be a lasting member of "The Girls" group. She will always have my back and come to my aide unconditionally. I am so happy that Sharron is going to share on our special day as one of my bridesmaids.
Gisele M. Casanova - Bridesmaid
My Soror, Gisele, and I have known each other since we were undergraduates at Illinois Wesleyan University. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was a journey she and I started together (along with 12 other phenomenal ladies). Being charter members of our chapter (Xi Zeta) helped to cement our long-standing sisterhood. Our life-long bond will forever be cherished beyond the Ivy Wall. Skee-Wee!
Savannah Fleming - Flower GIrl
Savannah is my (Laura) great niece, granddaughter of my brother Lindsey Fleming, Jr. She is my legacy and am so proud to have her to continue my father's name. Her beautiful smile and bubbly personality is befitting the role of my Flower Girl.
Giovanni Wheeler - Ring Bearer
Giovanni (Gio) is my (Clarence) great nephew who loves sports (especially football and boxing), music, and having fun with his brothers. These are some of the things that he and I have in common. Gio's smile lights up my heart, and in turn, makes me smile at him with love.
Robert Jones - Groomsman
Robert is my nephew and godson. It's been an honor to be his constant mentor. To see his journey evolve into the great man that he is, makes me very proud. To have Robert to stand beside me on my special day, warms my heart.
Anthony Sartin - Groomsman
Tony is my pledge father. He mentored me as I traveled the road to becoming an Alpha Phi Alpha man. Since then, Tony has been a constant in my life, thru good times and bad. He is a "brother" that I can always depend on. Tony's guidance, his leadership, and "heart of black and gold" (A Phi!) has helped to shape me into the man I am today.
Juan Robinson - Groomsman
Juan was my partner on the police force, and needless to say, we trusted each other with our lives and did our best to serve and protect the citizens of Chicago. The bond created as partners has stood the test of time. Juan is someone my nephews look up to and aspire to be. I know that Juan has my back, as I have his. I am honored and blessed to have him stand in as one of my groomsmen.
Q + A
Can I bring a guest to the reception?
Unless specified, invitation is only extended to the addressee.
I am visiting from out of town. Can I bring my children?
Unfortunately, the reception is an adult only event.
Is there a host hotel for lodging?
Yes, local and visiting guests are welcome to stay at the Wind Creek Resort and Casino Southland.
I don't see a registry list. How can I celebrate the happy couple?
The happy couple has decided on a "Wishing Well" in lieu of receiving gifts. There will be a vessel to accept cards, Zelle, or Cashapp options. Please check back soon for further details.
WILL THE CEREMONY, COCKTAIL HOUR, AND RECEPTION TAKE PLACE INDOORS OR OUTDOORS?
The ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception will take place indoors.
HOW WILL I GET TO THE WEDDING VENUE, WILL TRANSPORTATION BE PROVIDED?
Transportation will not be provided. Direction cards will be included with the invitations.
IS THERE PARKING AVAILABLE AT THE CEREMONY AND RECEPTION VENUE?
Yes. Free parking will be available at both venues.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO RSVP?
There will be an option to RSVP online, or you can RSVP via snail mail.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CONTACT YOU IF I HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?
You can contact either Laura or Clarence via email: l_elenita@yahoo.com and Jr1906@comcast.net.
WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE AT THE CEREMONY?
The ceremony will begin promptly at 3:00 pm. Doors will open at 2:30 pm. Please arrive by 2:45 pm.
WHAT IS THE ATTIRE?
The attire is cocktail. Out of respect for the bride, please do not wear white or ivory.
Travel
Wind Creek Chicago Southland
17300 S Halsted St, East Hazel Crest, IL 60429, USA
(866) 946-3361
Check-In: Friday, August 14, 2026 | Check-Out: Sunday, August 16, 2026
Rate: $169 and up
Use Code: JON0826
The room block is under : FLEMING JONES WEDDING
Deluxe Queen $189 (Friday) $279 (Saturday)
Deluxe King $169 (Friday) $259 (Saturday)
Suites are available upon request,
Things to Do
Things To Do
Wind Creek Resort and Casino offers a wide variety of activities.
Try your luck at the various gaming stations like Coin slots, Blackjack, Poker and roulette.
Treat yourself and unwind at the luxurious on-site spa. Get your 10.000 steps at onsite gym or hang out by the pool and relax.
Tickle your taste buds with many food options available including a five star rooftop steakhouse.