Dw mag

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