9-22-18 - Sparkela and Ruben

SEPTEMBER 22, 2018

Sparkela & Ruben Inside: OUR LOVE STORY OUR FAMILY MEET THE WEDDING PARTY

OUR LOVE STORY My mom took me to Popeyes one day saying she knew a manager there who could give me a second job. I told her I was never working a fast food job and I meant that, so I’m not going. She eventually talked me into it and we went together so I could meet him. My first thought upon seeing him talking to a customer was, “Um, he better hurry up he’s doing too much talking and I’m ready to go.”

By the time he came over to my mom and I, he introduced himself to me, they had small talk, and next thing you know we’re sitting down for an on the spot interview. He was very charismatic, intriguing, and humorous. I remember smiling the whole interview and my mom kept asking me why do I keep smiling. I couldn’t help it. I was hired on the spot. A couple weeks after starting, I found him sitting in the foyer one evening taking a break during work. I went over to him on some down time and asked him if I could set up an appointment with him because I sell high end kitchen cutlery for my other job and I’d love to show him some things he may be interested in. He gave me his number and told me to call and set something up when I’m ready. I called him a few days later to set something

up. I was nothing but nerves at the appointment at his house. Though he didn’t buy anything, he told me he’d later be interested in buying a kitchen set for his father and mother in law and he’d keep in touch. He offered to take me home seeing that I walked to his house which was a couple blocks from my house. I declined but he insisted. He dropped me off home and not even 15 minutes later, I got a text from him. After exchanging a few texts, one of them was to go on a date with him. He wanted to cook dinner for me. After long consideration I finally said yes. The first date was amazing. He cooked a wonderful meal, we chatted, and he dropped me off to my sales representative job. After lots of back and forth chatting and dates for the next month, I had fallen for him more and more after every date. I freaked out because it was a new experience for me with him being so much older than me. After about a month of dating he asked me to marry him. I was in shock. Of course I said yes, I was ready. It seemed like such a fairytale. Everything was so perfect. He caressed my heart, time stood still, and I knew he was the guy for me.

WHAT IS MEANT TO BE WILL PROSPER. ~XXXTENTACION~

OUR FAMILY

MEET THE

BRIDESMAIDS LASHAWNA THOMAS MAID OF HONOR Fortunate enough to have a friendship and sistership with this beautiful soul.

Has been by my side always having my back since the 9th grade. I am forever grateful to have such a great friend. Thirteen years down and forever to go, thank you for standing by my side on this day and always.

MARTINIKE MCMILLIAN One of the most purest hearts I know, my cousin is such a sweet blessing. I’m thankful to have such a strong, bold, beautiful cousin who would give her last and has a heart of gold. A love that can never be replaced, a bond over the years that can never be broken, and a smile/laugh that will light up any room. Thank you.

MYSTIQUE DAVIS Always has been one of my favorite cousins. From playing dolls together, to arguing over who’s the pink ranger, to lifetime movies, to long phone conversations, advice, and more. You will always hold a special place in my heart and will always be the black Barbie of the family.

BEULAH ALLEN Looking forward to having a new soul to call sister and I’m honored to have you join and be apart of my special day to marry your brother. Thank you!

TALAYZIA VAUGHN JUNIOR BRIDESMAID I’m most grateful to have such a great little sister in my life. I thank dad for you.

Ever since I knew you existed, I always wanted the best for you. You made me happy and always give me a good laugh. We’ve had our ups and downs but I’m thankful for you and thank you for sharing my day with me.

AUBREE SMITH FLOWER GIRL The sweetest little soul with the littlest voice and biggest heart. You stole my heart from the very beginning because you were a fighter from day one. I’m so happy my baby cousin will complete my day. You’re such a princess, thank you!

LEILAH PRINGLE FLOWER GIRL My little diva with quite the diva attitude, you’ll always be my little leilah-bean.

Small with a huge personality, such a sweetheart, and loves coming over to play with my boys or as she calls them, her brother-cousins. I’m glad you’re apart of my day and my life sweetheart. Thank you!

MEET THE

GROOMSMEN

GROOMSMEN

DONALD MYART BEST MAN Your brother and I are so happy you are partaking in our big day. I know life growing up with him wasn’t the easiest, haha, but he loves you, we love you, and thank you!

MARIECO MYART BEST MAN We’re happy you could be apart of our big day. Your crazy personality is definitely needed. Thank you!

MALCOLM PLATT BEST MAN We started off on a bumpy little road but I’m glad the road was fixed. Knowing you has been tons of laughter and your brother and I are happy to have you share our day with us. Thank you!

TYRONE SMITH BEST MAN My first favorite cousin but also my brother, thank you for being apart of this day. It means a lot to both of us. Ruben loves you and I’m glad you two have a bond of your own. I’m looking forward to lots of love and laughs from you the whole night. Thank you!

BRYAN(BK)KELLY BEST MAN Thank you for always being there for and looking out for Ruben. We appreciate you even though I was always ready to put you out the house thinking y’all was gone play spades to 7am every night, you were always welcome and a great friend to Ruben and thank you for being apart of our day.

MICHAEL BELL BEST MAN Blood couldn’t make you any more closer to Ruben. Your bond over all these years is something special and we appreciate you for being apart of this day. He wouldn’t have it any other way. Thank you!

RUBEN ALLEN JR. USHER first born and big brother to all my children, I appreciate you taking part in the union of your dad and I. We all love you and thank you!

R’KYRION, R’SHARI, RY’SHAUN, RÉAL, AND REIGN RING BEARERS It seems so surreal to have my boys finally old enough to be apart of my big day.

Can’t wait to marry your dad and take care of our rings, haha. Thank you and love you all!

CEREMONY @ 4 P.M.

RECEPTION COCKTAILS @ 4:45 P.M.

LOCATION Racine Masonic Center 1012 Main Street, Racine, Wisconsin, 53403 262-633-6658

DINNER @ 6:00 P.M.

DINNER MENU Plated Dinner Style Beauty: Beef steak, vegetables, mashed potatoes Beast: Stuffed baked chicken breasts, vegetables, mashed potatoes DIRECTIONS From Madison/Milwaukee: Take I94 East to exit 333 for WI-20 From Chicago: Take I94 West to Wisconsin exit 337 toward toward Racine/Waterford. Go east 8.1 miles and take a slight Kenosha County KR/County Line Road. Turn right onto 1st St/ right unto 14th Street. Travel 0.8 miles and then turn left onto County Line Road and travel 7.3 miles. Turn left onto WI-32 N/ Main Street. Travel 0.4 Miles and turn left unto 10th Street. The Sheridan Rd and travel 3.5 miles. Turn right onto 14th Street and Racine Masonic Center is on the southwest corner of 10th and travel 0.6 miles. Turn left onto Main Street and travel 0.4 miles Main. The parking lot can be accessed from both 10th Street to 10th Street. The Racine Masonic Center is on the southwest and Wisconsin Ave. corner of 10th and Main. The parking lot can be accessed from both 10th Street and Wisconsin Ave. Stay on 16th Street for two blocks - the hotel is located on the left

THANK YOU Thank you to everyone who will be apart of our big day. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy every day lives, work, and schedules to come celebrate our union. We appreciate you more than you think and we love each and every one of you. We hope you enjoy yourselves on our special day. Thank you.

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