New Hope Baptist Church

Our Special Day

THE ALLURE ON THE LAKE

The Grand Celebration

The Journey To 

“I DO”

It’s official!!! We’re on the road to “I Do!” This sacred season of love, faith, and covenant means so much to us, and we’re thrilled to share it with you. We created this space to keep you in the loop and invite you into our celebration. Whether you’re traveling from across town or across the country, we’re so grateful for your love, prayers, and presence. Let the celebration begin… with God at the center, love all around, and joy overflowing.

Our Wedding

The Soon To Be McDonald’s Love Story

Eryka and J.R. officially met in 2008 at a church concert (whew those Clark Road late night musical days, lol). J.R. then messaged Eryka on MySpace (do y'all remember myspace???). You know they had each other in their top five, 😊! Eryka and J.R. eventually became an official couple in 2009 and dated for three years. Music is what brought them closer together. They did ministry together at New Zion Temple in Hammond, IN where J.R. was the minister of music and Eryka was the praise and worship leader. Even though there were some ups and downs, they understood the bigger picture and wanted to make sure they were fulfilling their purpose. Unfortunately, they did break up and Eryka moved away to Maryland. But, that never stopped them from being friends and having love for one another. J.R. would say that Eryka played him those years that she was in Maryland because she was not trying to “circle the block”. Eryka was told that she was only supposed to move forward and not backwards, lol. J.R. even shared a dream with Eryka in which he had a vision that she was his wife. But, Eryka was still not moved. However, the friendship and communication remained and in October of 2022, J.R. responded to an Instagram post. Eryka replied “Are you flirting with me Pastor?” and J.R. responded “I never stopped”. From that moment, they began talking on the phone again for hours at a time. But, this time the conversations were different than before. Both Eryka and J.R. had matured and were in a better personal space. The love was still there and the connection was just undeniable. After the “second-first date” in December of 2022, Eryka and J.R. have blossomed ever since. They created a long distance relationship while traveling the country together and meeting in different states. After, falling back in love with J.R. (which she swore she’d never do again 🙄), Eryka made the choice to move back to Chicago in November of 2023. And, in December of 2024, J.R. saw the fulfillment of a vision as he proposed to the woman of his dreams. Their love has grown stronger than ever and this time their bond is unbreakable!

Well, What Had Happened Was...

All Played #InTheKeyOfMcDonald

It’s The Return of the Macs 😊 

So, honestly... "We've Been/BEEN!" Lol

Our Story

Oh, We're About To Have A Time!!!

Whew, it was hard to keep it short!! I was about to tell it all!! 🤣🤣🤣
Heeeey there!! I’m DLisa Flannigan, also known to the bride as Sistagdoghomiefolks! Ha!
E and I met at church. We’ve been rocking since we were about 9 or 10. Once we became teenagers, we realized we were closer than friends, and the title “Bestie” wasn’t sufficient for us, so we created this crazy name for each other… and it still remains in our adult years!

D’Lisa Flannigan

The Word says, “Delight thyself also in the Lord, and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart”… and my girl, He has made good on His word!!!
I can’t even begin to put into words what a privilege it is to stand by your side on this special day. Our friendship spans over 20 years, filled with countless memories, laughter, and growth. Watching you find a love that truly deserves you… one that leads, serves, and protects… brings me nothing but joy and delight.
You are an incredible woman, and I am overjoyed to see you start this new chapter with the love of your life.
Here’s to a lifetime of happiness, love, and all the beautiful moments that are yet to come.
I love you so much, my sister, my best, my E.A.!
Let’s celebrate today and always!

LaDonna Watts

Just two girls from Illinois who happened to cross paths in Maryland… and from that moment on, our paths have been Godly aligned.
Eryka and I met in 2014 at the church I attended. I remember seeing her and saying to myself, “We could be sisters.”
Our relationship and friendship organically grew… from our shared love of God, our Illinois roots, being Preacher’s Kids, to me loving to hear her sing, to the safety and peace I feel through our friendship just by being in her presence.
Eryka is amazing, and I am so glad to call her my sister friend. She’s my “Evangelist,” and I’m her “Danico.”
I’ve cherished every chapter of life by her side, but watching her become Mrs. McDonald has been my favorite chapter yet.
It’s an honor to stand beside her, cover her in prayer, be a listening ear, and shower her with so much love as she begins this beautiful new journey. 😊

Danielle Foltz

Over the past few years, our bond has grown so deeply, it feels like I’ve known Eryka my entire life.
I’ve had the privilege of watching her grow… not just naturally, but spiritually… and it’s truly an honor to walk beside her as a friend and accountability partner.
I’m so excited to witness her love with J continue to blossom and to watch God’s hand guide their lives and their union.
Continue to let God and your friendship guide your foundation, and you’ll see endless blessings flow from this union.
Cheers to forever, my loves!

Damynicque Moales 

Me and Bookie go back to high school… with the matching cut-up pep rally T-shirts, gauchos, and suspenders at homecoming! (I’M SCREAMING)
We’ve always been cool, but our connection was mostly through our besties.
But that one trip to H-Town? Changed everything. The ride home from a party got real, and the rest is history.
She’s one of the sweetest souls I know, and she deserves every bit of this love story.
I’m forever grateful for that trip and the sisterhood we’ve built since.
Love you, Bookie! 💕

Lindsey McGhee

Meeting my brotha (Eryka) is much of a blur… not because it wasn’t important, but because it was like we’d known each other forever.
Friendship and sisterhood were something I took very seriously, and I wanted to make sure the people I surrounded myself with felt the same.
Our blossomed sisterhood has stood the test of time. Through the ups, downs, growing up, and going down different paths, we always seemed to stay close.
I was honored when I was asked to be her Bridesmaid… I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Wishing her nothing but happiness!

Keiajah Rowell

Hey there! Skyy here! (That was corny, lol.)
New to some of you, but not new to the bride… lol… Greenlight and I have known each other for almost 20 years! Whew!
From singing background for her (long ago), to going-away parties, brunches, church, and some heart-to-hearts, we have been bound together by God and sisterhood.
What an honor it is to be connected to someone so solid.
I am elated and so honored to be a part of you guys’ special day… wouldn’t miss it!
Let’s gooooooo!

Skyy Smith

The Bride’s Goddaughter:
This is my most beautiful girl… my very first Godbaby!
So happy that you made me a GMaE! ♥️
Watching you grow into such a sweet spirit has been pure joy. I can’t wait to share this special day with you!

Skylar Bynum

The Bride’s Goddaughter: 
My babydoll! My Godbaby!
So glad you call me GMaE… it means the world to me.
You’ve brought so much love into my life, and I’m so excited to have you by my side!

Sydnee Bynum

Maaaaac! This is my best friend!
Blood could not make us any closer.
We met each other while dating two girls who were cousins, and we’ve been connected ever since.
We’ve done ministry together and been in mess together.
Ohhh, but the Lord has brought us a mighty long way.
We ’bout to TURN UPPP!

Brandon Jacobs Sr.

This is my blood brother!
We have been rocking with each other since birth, and I am proud of everything that he’s accomplished so far.
Can’t wait to celebrate and turn this wedding out!

Raymond McDonald II

Ole McDonald and I met back in our heyday at NZT!!!
Our personalities instantly connected, and our brotherhood grew… and JR became one of my best friends!!!
If you saw him, you saw me, and I appreciate the brother he is to me!!!

Ryan Edwards

This is my brother from another mother… because we got the same name, lolol.
I met bro through Eryka, and we’ve been kicking it since then.
We check on each other and help encourage each other, and I thank God for our friendship.
We gotta stop playing and get back on track with Eryka and lil Juanita, lolol.
Let’s go, big bro!

J.R. Flannigan

My boooooy!
Me and JR met when I was introduced to him by a mutual friend.
We’ve done ministry, started out playing music together, and then we became the best of friends.
We are literally twins.
Can’t wait to celebrate with my boy!

Jeffery Jackson

Heeeey, Doc! (Lol)
This is my guy for real!
We’ve been friends for a long time. Our friendship started while doing music together for a choir called Young Saints, and we’ve been connected and close ever since.
I’m honored to be standing with you, bro.
Let’s celebrate!

Davie Moore

Doooooooooc!!!
It’s time to bring the thunder, lolol.
This is my bro. We connected through my brother Brandon, and we’ve all been super close since.
You already know what’s about to happen!
I’m about to make sure you have a good time… if you know what I mean, lolol.

Johnnie “Smurf” Smith

The Groom’s Godson:
That’s my little guy right there!
I’m so glad you’ll be a part of my special day.
It means everything to share this moment with someone who’s had my heart from the start.

Jakhi Jackson

The Bride’s Godson:
My Buttons. My Fly Guy!
So happy that you’re a part of my day.
You bring style, joy, and so much love… I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Cameron Love Jr.

Wedding Party

The Love. The Look. The Legacy.

Here’s a glimpse into the beginning of forever. From quiet glances to shared laughter, this engagement shoot captures J.R. and Eryka’s love in its most polished and poetic form.

Photos

We’ve reserved hotel blocks for your convenience. Please book early to ensure availability.

Hilton Garden Inn Chesterton

When booking, please reference: The Anderson-McDonald Wedding. We recommend checking the individual hotel websites or calling the front desk to reserve under the wedding block name.

Hampton Inn & Suites Hammond

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hammond by IHG

Home2 Suites by Hilton Hammond

Accommodations 

Things To Do

In Chesterton, Indiana&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana Dunes National Park&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chesterton European Market (seasonal)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Running Vines Winery&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lucrezia Café&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Third Coast Spice Café In Hammond, Indiana&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Olympia Lanes&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana Welcome Center&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Paul Henry’s Art Gallery&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gibson Woods Nature Preserve&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Horseshoe Casino&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lost Marsh Golf Course&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whihala Beach at Wolf Lake&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Erie Lackawanna Trail In Chicago, Illinois&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Millennium Park&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Navy Pier&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Magnificent Mile&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Museum Campus (Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deep dish pizza, Harold’s Chicken, and Portillo’s

Eryka & Jerrell

Eryka & Jerrell

Q + A

A Little Q&A With E&J

When is the wedding?

What’s the dress code?

What time should I arrive?

Is the reception open to everyone?

Are children allowed at the Reception?

Can I bring a plus-one?

Where will the Private Reception Be?

When is the last day to RSVP for Reception?

Are We registered anywhere?