~ABOUT THE BRIDE~



At 5:58pm on January 15, 1975, the world as we know it was enriched by the birth of Shawndre Catrice Benn. The proud parents were Nathaniel and Shirley J. Benn. Born and always identified as "the baby", Shawndre has a brother who is 07 years older. Born and happily raised in Houston, TX, Shawndre completed her education in the Aldine School District, which consisted of the following schools:

  • Conley Elementary-activities included being cute and getting the little boy's milk money. Pimpin' starts early here in H-Town. (Just kidding)
  • Shotwell Middle School-While at Shotwell, Shawn was in the band and a cheerleader. In the eight grade, she was co-captain head cheerleader, which was the first time that school ever had an African-American head cheerleader.
  • Nimitz High School-While at Nimitz, Shawn was involved in band and the color guard. Again, being the first African-American color guard captain. Meeting my best friend, Yoshida Fransaw-at that time) was truly the highlight of attending such a racist school. We were destined to be friends because there were only 3 black girls in the Honors classes. "Shida" and I can always be entertained by reciting House Party I lines to each other.

Growing up in Houston was wonderful especially since I had such wonderful and supportive family and friends. Derrick Benn, my brother, was so instrumental in my life it's hard to describe myself without describing him. My brother was the one who taught me how to dress on a date, how to carry myself respectably, drive, manage my finances, how a man truly shows a woman he loves her, how to overcome life's obstacles (like getting hit by his sister in the groin while teaching her how to drive a moped, sorry Derrick). He got me my first underage job as a Leader newspaper carrier, and bought me my very first "good" car. . It's no surprise that my brother will be walking me down the aisle on August 31, 2002.

But the BEST thing my brother has ever done for me, is marrying Sherri Benn and creating my nephew, Christian DeShawn Benn. Yes, he was named after his auntie. Christian is such an amazing little boy. When you see him as the ring bearer, you will definitely be able to tell he and I are related. I never knew I could love something so little so much. Leaving Christian is truly the hardest thing about leaving Houston.

Anyway, let's get back to the story...

After graduating from high school, Shawn was determined to attend a HBCU. Only wanting the best, Shawn chose Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama. While at "Skegee" (1992-1996), Shawn joined several organizations. One in particular absolutely changed my life for the better. This fine organization is known by many names including:

Alpha Kappa Alpha
Pretty Girls with 20 Pearls
Every man's dream
Sophisticated and Oh, so sexy Girls
And locally known in Tuskegee as "dem sexy Gamma Kappa girls". #11 out of 26, my line sisters and I gained and earned the letters AKA Spring 1995. Still an active member, Shawn has held Houston level officer positions in the Omicron Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

One of the many benefits to being in such a fine organization of intelligent and classy women is being connected to an outstanding brotherhood known as Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. While at an AKA/A Phi A social/house gathering, I met the man who would turn my world upside down. He was a male version of ME. He was outgoing, attractive, financially smart, energetic, punctual, and oh yeah, kinda sexy!! And on 12/09/98, he had me hooked in one phone call saying, "Hey, this is Ty". We went on our first date on 12/12/98 and we have been "road dawgs" ever since. Ty, after much molding, disagreements, praying, and many laughs, look how far we've come. Ty, here's to you and me against the world. I love you, man.


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