JOHNSON
25th Vow Renewal
Walter and Dawanda • �� YEARS AND STILL COUNTING •
Walter & Dawanda | 1
We're Going Unplugged
6 How Our Journey Began
The Wedding Ceremony
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Our Love Story
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How Well Do You Know the Johnsons?
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Welcome to Our Vow Renewal
We know you could have been anywhere in the world and we appreciate that you chose to share our special day with us. It is especially wonderful to celebrate with our families and friends! Your presence gives us the utmost happiness and we could not have asked for anything more. Each of you have touched our lives in one way or another and our love for each other is a product of your love, friendship and support! We would like to welcome everyone, not just for being here but also for being part of who we have become. To our wedding party, words cannot express how much you mean to us. We are honored to share our special day with you. We know that many of you traveled a significant distance to be a part of our special day and for that, we express our utmost appreciation. We hope this magazine will not only give you all the information you need to know about our vow renewal. But, also serve as an inspiration to the LOVE we share with one another.
SIT BACK, RELAX, ENJOY AND PREPARE TO BE MESMERIZED BY OUR LOVE STORY!
Walter and Dawanda Johnson
Walter & Dawanda | 3
We're going unplugged
We are excited and honored that you are here to celebrate with us today during our ceremony. We encourage you to capture how it feels with your heart without the distraction of technology. We have two amazing photographers covering our ceremony. We invite you to be truly present at this special time and request that you refrain from photo and video during the entire ceremony. Please turn off your cell phones and put down your cameras and allow our photographers to capture our special moments. Thank you for respecting our wishes!
Walter and Dawanda
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Thank You!
We would like to thank and praise God for blessing our union for 25 years! We hope our love touches you as much as your love has touched us. We are humbled by your presence and blessed to have you serve as a witness to our love. We would like to give thanks to all of our family and friends for all your love and support through our 25 years of LOVE!
Walter and Dawanda
We could not have pulled this off without our vendors! We would like to say THANK YOU to all of our vendors who made our vow renewal a very special day!
Venue: The Champagne Palace
Officiate: Minister Marilyn Dennis
Wedding Party Breakfast: The Soul Food Pot
Wedding Planner: Staci with Jazzi Events
Groom’s Suit: Miguel Wilson Collection Atlanta
Honeymoon: Y Knot Travel
Second line Band: To Be Continued Brass Band
Cinematographer: B Bryant Productions
Candle Decor: Firefly Ambiance
Hairstylist: Love My Do Salon
Wedding Program: Unlike Juliet
Saxophone: J Henry
Aisle Runner: Original Runners
Bride’s Dress # 1: Kleinfeld Bridal - New York
Honor Attendant Dress: Concord Wedding Center
Flower Girl Dress: Mini Pantora Bridal New York
Wedding Party Robes: Awal Bridal
Dessert Table Decorations: Kelli with PS Events
Groomsmen Suits: Men’s Wearhouse
Photographer: Travis Daniels Photography
Indian: Charles Collins
Makeup Artist: Arjia Thomas
Wedding Bling: Body Werk Jewels
Flowers: Bella Bloom
Transportation: Bonomolo & Riculfy Livery
Wedding Cakes: Chasing Wang
Photo Booth: Envog Photo Booth
Bride’s Dress # 2: Matopeda
Hostess Dress: David Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: Concord Wedding Center
Dessert Table: Chasing Wang, Rosa’s Cakes, and One Skinny Baker, Des Miettes Cookies
Pralines: Lynn's Pralines (My Sister)
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Ceremony the
PRELUDE “Our Secret" by J Henry PROCESSIONAL
SEATING OF THE FAMILY LIGHTING OF MEMORY CANDLE by Honored Guest ENTRANCE OF OFFICIATE Minister Marilyn Dennis ENTRANCE OF GROOM ENTRANCE OF BRIDAL PARTY “For You" by Kenny Lattimore ENTRANCE OF BRIDE “I Found Love" by BeBe Winans PRAYER EXCHANGE OF VOWS EXCHANGE OF RINGS SAND CEREMONY “You For Me" by Johnny Gills PRAYER OF BLESSING RECESSIONAL “Stay With You" by John Legend
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Doing Our Marriage God's Way
Ephesians 5:22-33 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body.
"Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
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Meet the
Wedding Party
PARENTS
Father of Bride The Late Thaddeus Washington and The Late Ernest Gordon
Mother of Bride Ms. Gail Stovall
Grandparents of the Bride The Late Mr. Luscious Stovall and The Late Mable Stovall
The Late Mr. John Washington and The Late Mrs. Doris Washington
Father of the Groom
The Late Walter S. Johnson, Sr.
Mother of Groom
The Late Lucille Johnson Curtis
Grandparents of the Groom Mrs. Ollie Johnson (Our Granny Our Heart) and The Late Edward Johnson, Sr. The Late Rev. William Hawkins, Sr. and The Late Mrs. Jessie Hawkins
HONORED GUESTS Ms. Karen Ellezy | Bride's Aunt Ms. Lisa Nellums | Bride's Aunt Ms. Tasha Johnson | Groom's Sister Mr. Malcolm Johnson | Groom's Brother
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LADIES Matron of Honor
Bridesmaid
Hostess
Maid of Honor
Bridesmaid
Hostess
Ashlynn Stovall | Niece
Rynaeaisa Mather | Niece
Honor Attendant
Hostess
Honor Attendant
Flower Girl
Tracy Stovall Winters | Sister
Stacy Stovall | Sister
Bridesmaid
LaQuonda Johnson | Daughter
Bridesmaid
Keturah Metz | Best Friend
Kendra Wallace | Niece
Tonya Mangum | Best Friend
Ashleigh Taylor | Best Friend
Skila Stovall | Niece
Hallie Winters | Niece
Aubrey Stringfellow | Granddaughter
Leah Stovall | Princess
GENTLEMEN Bride's Escort
Groomsman
Groomsman
Best Man #1
Groomsman
Groomsman
Best Man #2
Groomsman
Banner Attendant
Lucious Stovall | Bride's Uncle
Lorenzo Stovall | Son
Randy Pauling | Best friend
Eric Johnson | Cousin
Walter S. Johnson, III | Son
Jimmie Winters | Brother-in-law
Ricky Banks |Friend
Dalvin Anderson | Son
Ryan Mathers | Nephew
Ring Bearer
Hilton Ellzey | Cousin
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Never love anyone who treats you like you're ordinary. OSCAR WILDE
Meet the couple
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DAWANDA Birthday: April 8 Hometown: New Orleans, LA Favorite movie: Pretty Woman Favorite musician/group: Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond, Hezekiah Walker, and Mary Mary Dream car: Maserati Favorite sports team: New Orleans Saints Who Dat Baby!
WALTER Birthday: July 31 Hometown: New Orleans, LA Favorite movie: Indiana Jones and Few Good Men Favorite musician/group: Frankie Beverly and Maze, Temptations, Ice Cube, and Lil Boosie Dream car: Bentley Favorite sports team: New Orleans Saints Who Dat Baby!
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How our journey began
FROM TACO BELL to wedding bells! Dawanda went
to pick up her Aunt Lisa on Airline Hwy late one evening. While waiting on Lisa to get off, she was introduced to a man named Walter. It was love at first sight! Walter asked Lisa “Hey is Dawanda single?” Lisa told Dawanda, Walter really likes you! Dawanda’s response: well is he single? They were both available and from that point, the journey began! Dawanda would ask her Aunt if Walter was working so she could make sure she looked cute. Walter would ask Lisa if Dawanda was coming to pick her up? Walter would flirt with Dawanda by throwing Taco Bell hot sauce packets at her while she was sleeping on the bench waiting for her Aunt to get off of work. Lisa would tell Dawanda, “That little funny ear boy likes you!” Lisa would always mess with Walter and ask, “Why your funny ear self always want a ride home when Dawanda comes and picks me up?” Dawanda and Walter always enjoyed each other’s company and conversation. In fact, the conversations alone is what drew them even closer to one another. They would share stories about themselves and it was like they had known each other for years. Walter didn’t even like being on the phone a lot but that all changed when he met Dawanda. Walter knew Dawanda was different than any woman he had ever met! She had goals, dreams, and visions of who she wanted to be and
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what she wanted to do. She had her own place, car, full-time student with a full-time job. Dawanda knew that Walter was different as well! He always made her laugh and smile. She would always have this giddy feeling every time Walter would come around. His mannerism exceeded her expectations and she was blown away by the fact that he knew just how to treat a woman. Dawanda knew at that point that this man comes from a GREAT family! Walter’s family noticed that he had been out a lot lately. They began to wonder what woman had him out late and who exactly is occupying his time! Walter’s mother took the opportunity to meet Dawanda at her place of employment. Dawanda hoped she left a great impression. It was confirmed she called Walter’s home his grandmother answered the phone and invited her over. She kindly accepted the invite and when she came over, she met Walter’s family. From there, she was 100% sure that Walter was the man for her. Walter had prayed and asked God to bless him with his soul mate and he will tell you today that God gave him everything he asked for and then some! After dating for six months Walter proposed and the rest was history! Walter finished school and became a Professional Truck Driver. Since then, their family had grown to include four children: Lorenzo, La-Quonda, Delvin, Walter III, and one Granddaughter Lil Ms. Aubrey, aka “Bre Bre”. Unfortunately, Walter’s mother Lucille passed away in 1997 so they decided to relocate to Charlotte, NC. They have enjoyed raising their family in Charlotte which has also led to some really great friendships! 25 Years later, they still continue to enjoy one another and their quality time together! If anybody knows these two, they would know that they LOVE to travel! They spend countless times seeing and exploring the world together. They are truly blessed to have each other and you can see the love is still as fresh as it was 25 years ago. They look forward to the rest of their lives together and to acknowledge this milestone, they are going to be with loved ones and close friends to celebrate their 25th Wedding Anniversary!
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Our love story
A happy marriage is a long conversation which always seems too short. ANDRE MAROIS 14 | #johnson25yearsandstillcounting
WALTER AND DAWANDA
have a Sunday kind of LOVE! It's easy and has always felt right. When they met neither of them were looking for a relationship but God had other plans. Walter and Dawanda both serve God and hope that their example of TRUE LOVE will inspire others. In Walter and Dawanda's marriage, they share many things that make them one in thought, in spirit, and love. When you think about all they share, all thanks and praise goes to God! It is He who made them for each other and who led them to the special LOVE they have together. To us, marriage is sharing life with your best friend, enjoying the journey along the way and arriving at every destination TOGETHER!!!!
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Johnsons?
How Well Do You Know the
ANSWERS ON BACK COVER
1. 25 YEARS AGO, DID THE JOHNSONS TAKE A HONEYMOON OR BUY A HOUSE? 2. WHO COOKS MORE DAWANDA OR WALTER? 3. WHO DRINKS SO MUCH COFFEE THEY COULD OWN STOCK IN STARBUCKS? 4. WHO CAN EAT FRIED CHICKEN EVERYDAY? 5. WHO CHEERS THE LOUDEST AT THE SAINTS FOOTBALL GAMES? 6. WHO LOVES LASAGNA? 7. WHO HAS TO IRON EVERY OUTFIT? 8. WHO’D RATHER LIVE ON A CARIBBEAN ISLAND INSTEAD OF LIVING IN THE STATES? 9. WHAT’S THE JOHNSONS' FAVORITE VACATION: ALL-INCLUSIVES OR CRUISE? 10. ON OUR ALASKA VACATION, WHO HELD A LIVE DUNGENESS CRAB?
SHARE YOUR PHOTOS WITH US! Use our wedding hashtag #johnson25yearsandstillcounting when you share your pictures on Instagram. You can follow along with our life story and our wedding on Instagram at @25yearsandstillcounting.
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Well Wishes
We are looking forward to sharing this memory with you! Love you guys
Congratulations you guys!!!! May you both see 25 more years!!!
Can’t wait to witness this day for you and Walter! Congratulations in advance!!
Looking forward to coming...So Happy for you both... Love y'all
I wish you all the love and happiness that God have for you and your family, God ordained marriage where two becomes one, may you always keep God first in your marriage and everything you do, and you won't go wrong, peace love and happiness forever
As long as it’s…”All Paid For!” LOL (insider)
Devin and Renee Baker
Hollis and Patricia Lewis
Vanessa Bell
Jonathan and Jasmine Warner
Tomeckia Small
Emanuel Johnson
May God continue to bless your union! Love you! CONGRATULATIONS Again!!!! Thank you!!! Myronika Brackens
I’m so happy for you guys. May God continue to bless your union!!!!
Looking forward to attending. Congratulations!!!
Looking forward to celebrating y'all 25th anniversary
Thank You so much for inviting me im so for you and Going to a Amazing and Beautiful Bride Love you Cousin
Catina Williams
Jessie Anderson
May you have a bless years to come Anthony Smith
You day is going to be special just like your relationship with Walter! Love ya girlie! Jason and Shejuan Roy
Congratulations on 25 Wonderful Years and many many more to come! Marvin and Ezella Bethley
We would love to be a guest to witness the renewal of you vows. God has Blessed the both of you for a lifetime. Thank you so much for including us as a guest John and Perrie Dunn
CONGRATULATIONS, I’m so excited to be there for you and Walter on this day. You both have been in my heart since I was 16 yrs old and loved me as little sister. I love you both!!!! Cerissa Bickham
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Clifford and Diane Daniels
Dion Garreett
We can’t wait to be a part of your day!!!! Danny and Megin Gregory
Hello lovebirds. We would like to congratulate you on such a momentous occasion and are looking forward to attending. Alfred and Tearra Odom
I am so happy for you both and can't wait to celebrate with you!!! Vanez Addison
Thanks for choosing to allow us the opportunity to share with the two of you this special day. Robin Elmore
May God continue to Bless your union Oscar and Monique Wiley
Cant wait to see y'all!!!! Smooches! Joe and Chenell Porterfield
Thanks for the invite. We know it's going to be a great wedding and we are looking forward to attending this special occasion.
So extremely happy for you guys & all God has blessed you with. Congratulations Nicole Williams
Chris and Dimetrus Belk
Very excited to share this day with you. Long overdue since I didn't make the last one yearssssssssssss ago. Lol Cynthia Brown
Thank you for inviting us to participate in you 25th milestone celebration! Julius and Laquishia Cosey
Congratulations you 2, I'm proud to see you 2 keep it together like so many of us couldn't. Love you guys and may God bless you with many more years to come. Elizabeth Rowan
I was there the first time you guys professed your love for one another before God and your family and friends and If God gives me the chance, I will be there to witness your 25th vow renewal. My first favorite cousin and her handsome husband. Family forever. I love you both! Shawn Griffin
May God bless y’all to see many more years together Nadia and Corey Morton
BEAUTIFUL COUPLE GOD BLESS THIS UNION NADINE JEFFERSON
I’m looking forward to see y’all celebrate 25 Years of marriage Pineal and Tonya Paul
We are sooooo Proud of Ya'll:) Ephesians 5:22-23 NLT (To God be the glory) God Bless both of you! David and Veronica Miles
Congratulations on your 25th Wedding Anniversary. It takes God, trust and commitment to remain married this long. God's continued blessing upon your life and marriage. Sidney and Paula Curtis Congratulations! Kevin Clark
We love you cousin Brittany Warren
Congratulations this is beautiful. God has blessed you both! Samyra Paul
So very proud of you love birds. May God continue to bless you with many many years of Love and Happiness in Jesus name Amen. I am going to catch the bouquet!! Love you all Carolyn Lewis
Congratulations on 25 years! Wishing you many more!! Lester and Angela Alexander Love You!!!!!
Shevita Ramsey Omg I'm super excited. I come to slay NOLA be ready!! Can’t wait to see you guys walk that aisle Randy and Nicole Pauling
We are so happy to come and celebrate with you both! 25 years is a blessing and I pray that God continues to bless your union! MWUAH! Randy and Michelle Adams
Can't wait!! I know it will be beautiful! Jeffery and Leena Bunton
Thank you for allowing us to celebrate with you on your special day. Here's to 25 more years! God Bless. Shaun & Shanon
Congratulations!!! I'm so excited to be apart of your blessings!!! I'm so happy for yall! Serena Bryant
I am super excited about being able to attend the nuptials. Nicole Coleman
Congratulations Walter & Dawanda Sylvester and Tamara Brown
Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your beautiful day. Love you both Dawanda and Walter! Mark and Alecita Hopkins
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Missing You Walter S Johnson, Sr. Walter’s Father
Thaddeus Washington Dawanda’s Father
Lucille Johnson Curtis Walter’s Mother
Ernest Gordon Dawanda’s Father
1.Home 2. Walter 3.Walter 4. Dawanda 5. Dawnda 6. Walter 7. Walter 8. Dawanda 9. Cruise 10. Dawanda
ANSWERS
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We’re missing a little more Each time we hear your name, We’re cried so many tears Yet our heart’s broken just the same. We miss our times together Things in common we could share, But, nothing fills the emptiness Now, you’re no longer there There are so many precious memories To last our whole life through Each one of them reminders Of how much we’re missing you!
photos taken by Travis Daniels Photography magazine design by Unlike Juliet