Crystal Grand Banquets

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Fall

Our Wedding

For more than thirty years, we knew of one another, never realizing that God was quietly writing a future chapter for our lives. Mike did not know it then, but Willette had a crush on him many years ago—clearly, she was just ahead of schedule. Over the years, we each experienced the deep blessing of marriage, and we each endured the sorrow of losing a beloved spouse. Yet, in God’s perfect timing, He allowed our hearts to find love again.On October 8, 2025, Michael called Willette to ask her out. Willette had every intention of playing hard to get, but that plan quickly fell by the wayside. She answered Mike’s call so fast that the phone probably did not even ring twice. From that moment, something beautiful began. A few days later, Mike and Willette went on their first date. What started as dinner and conversation soon became countless conversations, shared laughter, and a bond that continued to grow.We love spending time together, and when we are apart, we spend a lot of time talking on the phone. Mike was not generally known as a night owl, but since dating Willette, his sleep pattern has been lovingly interrupted. Willette, a bona fide night owl, has a way of keeping the conversation going, and Mike has found that losing a little sleep is a small price to pay for the joy of hearing her voice.After six months of dating, Mike got down on one knee and popped the question on April 8, 2026, and Willette said “YES”…of course…lol! Together, we chose Saturday, November 28, 2026, as our wedding day. Well, not really—Willette chose the date, and Mike just went along with it. The number 8 has become a significant part of our journey:-It all began on October 8th-Mike proposed on April 8th-Wedding date is November 28thWhen the number 8 is turned on its side, it becomes the infinity symbol, a beautiful reminder of endless love. The number 8 also represents new beginnings, and for us, this new beginning is a testimony of love restored, hope renewed, and God’s faithfulness. We are simply overjoyed and look forward to the daily joy of companionship, the many blessings God has for us, and the gift of building a future life together.Our marriage will also bring together a beautiful blended family. Michael brings with him three daughters—Asia and twins Aniya and Alyssa—three grandsons, Anthony, Ayden, and King, and one granddaughter, Leilani. Willette brings with her the Strong/Yarbrough families and the Cooper family. Together, we are joining families, memories, traditions, and generations of love.As we prepare to begin this blessed new chapter on November 28, 2026, we ask for your continued prayers. Our love story is one of patience, restoration, laughter, family, faith, and endless love—a reminder that with God, a beautiful new beginning can arrive right on time.We are both so grateful to our family and friends for your love, prayers, and support. We cannot wait to celebrate our wedding with you soon!"What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” Matthew 19:6

Thanks to a mutual friend and God’s seal of approval, here is our story.

Our Story

First Date - October 14, 2025

FIRST SUNDAY ATTENDING GOSPEL HEALING TEMPLE

Engagement - April 8, 2026

National Couples Day - August 18, 2026

AUGUST 28, 2026 - 3 MONTHS TO GO!!

Family Meet & Greet - May 25, 2026

Photos

THE HAPPY COUPLE

Willette Cooper

Michael Tillmon

OFFICIANTS

Bishop J E Moore

Honorary Bishop AD Williams

Suff Bishop Melvyn Little Jr

District Elder Levi Adams

BRIDE'S ESCORTS

Alicia Smith

David Hollowell

Denise Shepard 

MAIDS/MATRONS

Candace Powell

Symone Baldwin

Rhea Coleman

Sherrie Tillmon

BRIDESMAIDS

Alyssa Tillmon

Aniya Tillmon

Asia Tillmon

Audrey Powell

Brenda Cooper-Hill

Cynthia Flowers

Heather Kelley

Kali Strong

Karen Jones

Keilan Hollowell

Sandra Jackson

BEST MEN

Amos Tillmon

Derek Noble

Oscar Tillmon

William Henley

GROOMSMEN

Courtney Strong

Darren Johnson

Frank Chatman

Isaiah Tillmon

James Moore

Joe Boateng

Robert Jones

Stan Spencer

Terry Tillmon

Christopher Kinard

Julian Peterson

FLOWER GIRLS

Alaina H.

Camille B.

Leilani T.

Zoe C.

RING BEARERS

Ayden Tillmon

Kingston Peoples

USHERS

Royce P.

Anthony Magitt

Kenton Powell

Quentin “Tweety” Harris

COORDINATORS

Sheri Culver

Sondra Moore

HOSTESSES

BJ Jennings

Erica Vaulter

Dede Aldridge

Vanessa Bellamy

Chanda Catchings

Brittany Grocesely

LaShaunda Hutchinson

Joy Jenkins

Gwen Polk

Sylvia Smith

Sheree Sneed

Denise Tate

Stephanie Walker

June Doss

Verna  Williams

PRAISE DANCE PARTICIPANTS

Allyse T.

Andrea M.

Hazel T.

Riley I.

Jariah Moore

Musicians

Vocalists

PHOTOGRAPHER

Mistress of Ceremony

Virginia Bouie

Wedding Stylist

Josiah Boateng

Wedding Participants

Ultimate Formal Attire Shopping Guide

25 Hand-Picked Formal Guest Dresses

Tux vs. Suit: What's the Difference?

Dress Code

Q + A

Booking&nbsp;Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=CHIBOGI&amp;groupCode=CPRWD&amp;arrivaldate=2026-11-25&amp;departuredate=2026-11-29&amp;cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&amp;fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">&nbsp;https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=CHIBOGI&amp;groupCode=CPRWD&amp;arrivaldate=2026-11-25&amp;departuredate=2026-11-29&amp;cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&amp;fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT</a>&nbsp;Group&nbsp;Name:&nbsp;COOPER&nbsp;WEDDING&nbsp;BLOCKGroup&nbsp;Code:&nbsp;CPRWDArrival&nbsp;Date:&nbsp;WEDNESDAY,&nbsp;NOVEMBER&nbsp;25TH,&nbsp;2026Departure&nbsp;Date:&nbsp;SUNDAY,&nbsp;NOVEMBER&nbsp;29TH,&nbsp;2026Cutoff&nbsp;Date:&nbsp;WEDNESDAY,&nbsp;NOVEMBER&nbsp;4TH,&nbsp;2026&nbsp;Rate:&nbsp;$94&nbsp;King,&nbsp;$104&nbsp;2Q&nbsp;&nbsp;Comfortable&nbsp;Accommodations&nbsp;Rooms&nbsp;feature&nbsp;air-conditioning,&nbsp;free&nbsp;WiFi,&nbsp;tea&nbsp;and&nbsp;coffee&nbsp;makers,&nbsp;hairdryers,&nbsp;refrigerators,&nbsp;work&nbsp;desks,&nbsp;free&nbsp;toiletries,&nbsp;microwaves,&nbsp;showers,&nbsp;and&nbsp;TVs.&nbsp;Family&nbsp;rooms&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;business&nbsp;area&nbsp;are&nbsp;available.&nbsp;Dining&nbsp;and&nbsp;Leisure&nbsp;The&nbsp;on-site&nbsp;restaurant&nbsp;serves&nbsp;American&nbsp;cuisine&nbsp;for&nbsp;dinner.&nbsp;Guests&nbsp;can&nbsp;relax&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;indoor&nbsp;swimming&nbsp;pool,&nbsp;fitness&nbsp;center,&nbsp;hot&nbsp;tub,&nbsp;or&nbsp;bar.&nbsp;Additional&nbsp;amenities&nbsp;include&nbsp;a&nbsp;24-hour&nbsp;front&nbsp;desk&nbsp;service,&nbsp;daily&nbsp;housekeeping,&nbsp;room&nbsp;service,&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;business&nbsp;area.&nbsp;Convenient&nbsp;Location&nbsp;Located&nbsp;in&nbsp;Bolingbrook,&nbsp;the&nbsp;hotel&nbsp;is&nbsp;20&nbsp;mi&nbsp;from&nbsp;Midway&nbsp;International&nbsp;Airport&nbsp;and&nbsp;near&nbsp;attractions&nbsp;such&nbsp;as&nbsp;Guaranteed&nbsp;Rate&nbsp;Field&nbsp;(26&nbsp;mi),&nbsp;United&nbsp;Center&nbsp;(26&nbsp;mi),&nbsp;and&nbsp;Willis&nbsp;Tower&nbsp;(29&nbsp;mi).&nbsp;Free&nbsp;WiFi&nbsp;is&nbsp;available&nbsp;throughout&nbsp;the&nbsp;property.&nbsp;Guest&nbsp;Satisfaction&nbsp;Highly&nbsp;rated&nbsp;for&nbsp;room&nbsp;cleanliness,&nbsp;comfort,&nbsp;and&nbsp;breakfast&nbsp;provided&nbsp;by&nbsp;the&nbsp;property.

Hilton Garden Inn Bolingbrook I-55

Booking&nbsp;Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=CHIBBHX&amp;groupCode=CHHCTW&amp;arrivaldate=2026-11-25&amp;departuredate=2026-11-29&amp;cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&amp;fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=CHIBBHX&amp;groupCode=CHHCTW&amp;arrivaldate=2026-11-25&amp;departuredate=2026-11-29&amp;cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&amp;fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT</a>&nbsp;Group&nbsp;Name:&nbsp;Cooper&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Tillmon&nbsp;Wedding&nbsp;BlockGroup&nbsp;Code:&nbsp;CTWArrival&nbsp;Date:&nbsp;WEDNESDAY,&nbsp;NOV&nbsp;25TH,&nbsp;2026Departure&nbsp;Date:&nbsp;SUNDAY,&nbsp;NOV&nbsp;29TH,&nbsp;2026Cutoff&nbsp;Date:&nbsp;SUNDAY,&nbsp;OCT&nbsp;25TH,&nbsp;2026&nbsp;Rate:&nbsp;$129&nbsp;Queen&nbsp;

Willette and Michael

Willette and Michael

W&M

Wedding Day