Jannyse + Lewis Wedding Magazine

s p p Ta Meet the

february second two thousand and twenty

four

Meet the Couple

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How We Met

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Interview with the Bride & Groom

thirteen

The Proposal

fifteen

Invitation Information

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Something

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Schedule of Events

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Newlywed Trivia

4 | couple bios

newlyweds

MEET THE

Jannyse LaNee Starks birthdate: 7/19/85 hometown: Chicago, IL education: Fisk University and Vanderbilt University Favorite movie: The Wood/The Lion King Favorite musician: Beyonce and Drake Favorite Car: Any car without a note

Lewis Franklin Tapp, Jr. birthdate: 3/18/81 hometown: Milwaukee, WI education: Fisk University Favorite movie: Menace to Society/Bring it On Favorite musician: Notorious BIG Favorite Car: '69 Camaro or Lamborghini Aventador

How We Met As told by the groom Now for about 3 years, I noticed Jannyse. We both attended Fisk University but at different times so our paths didn’t cross. Over the years while hosting events like Fisk homecoming or alumni weekend, I noticed her at my events but never said anything to her. Honestly she just didn’t seem like she was approachable. I always thought she was beautiful from afar. Fast forward to April of 2017. I was browsing through Facebook & her profile came up in the “People You May Know” section.

I’d seen her around & we had mutual friends in common, so I stepped out of my box & said “why not?” & requested her as a Facebook friend.

It was alumni weekend at the end of that week. That Friday afternoon, I was home doing nothing when my guy Deitrick called and asked what I was doing. He told me to roll to his class mixer with him. I wasn’t going to go but I wasn’t doing anything else and it was a nice day out so I went. While at the mixer, I asked Deitrick “what’s up with JLanee?” (I only knew her by her Facebook profile name).

So the birds must’ve been chirping & the energy was in the air & she came over to speak to Deitirick. Then she asked me if we were Facebook friends...duh! She thought she was slick, she knew. So we were formally introduced at that moment.

The next night, there was another mixer hosted by my group. I can’t recall who was there first but we ended up speaking again. As I was kicking ass & taking names on the pool table, I saw she was watching me. Then later that night, I was sitting with some friends & she came over & started talking to me. We made a bet about working out or weight loss, loser had to take the other one to dinner. So at that moment I knew that my ism was strong & I unlocked my phone & handed it to her. Without saying anything, she put her number in. Got her! We even talked late that night - I wanted to make sure she got home safe.

So normally I would wait a couple of days before contacting a new female that I just met, but this time I felt like being nice & I contacted her the next day. I think she had brunch with friends & such so we agreed to go to dinner that Monday.

On May 1, 2017 we had a great dinner at Butchertown Hall for our first date. She couldn’t get enough of me, so we met for drinks the next day on Tuesday as well as Wednesday. Since then, we’ve been inseparable & I’ve been blessed to enjoy every moment with her.

8 | interview

Interview with the

what was your first impression?

Him: I thought she was the most “beautifulest” woman in the world!

Her: “I think that’s the dude that I’ve been seeing on my facebook recently. He might be a little cute or something!” Haha. Seriously though, I thought he was cute, with his one dimple. I honestly couldn’t believe that I hadn’t seen him before, since he claimed to throw all the parties at school.

Something just felt right from the first conversation and dude hadn’t quit talking since. *smile* what was your first date?

Him: Went to dinner at Butchertown Hall.

Her: Now before I tell you what we did on our first date, let me tell you how our first date managed to get pushed up a whole week.

When we exchanged numbers, we agreed to meet in a little over a week. Well Lew couldn’t get enough of our conversations and ended up asking me out 2 days later. GOT HIM! For our first date, Lewis came to pick me up and we went to Butchertown Hall. I had never been before. Little did I know that this was a prelude to what was to come with Lewis. We had an amazing time. I’m sure I was super prim and proper trying to eat some brisket… Or did I eat tacos? Knowing me, I ate tacos!

I wonder if Lew remembers, but I digress. We then went to have drinks at Back Corner. We stayed for a while, chatted some more, and planned to meet the next day. That

then turned into the next day, and the next… who initiated the first kiss?

Him: Of course she did!

Her: Definitely me! who said 'i love you' first?

Him: Probably her, but we may have said it at the same time.

Her: Absolutely him! what is the most interesting thing about each other?

Him: How much she & my mother are alike. Sweetest women in the

world, but very particular. Can be bossy & will take command of whatever is going on before you even realize it because they want it done their way.

Her: Lewis is super chill. And when I say super chill I mean it. Once I realized this, it made so much sense why I hadn’t seen him before. He is the person that is hiding in the cut, or at the bar chatting with folks.

He is never the center of attention.

But I was super surprised to see his favorite bar. One of the smokiest, far from clean, if you gotta use the bathroom, you might wanna hold

interview | 9

e Bride & Groom it kind of spots that you will ever see. But he and his homies love it.

I guess with 2for1 specials, you can look past anything. what is your favorite memory?

Him: The couples trip to New Orleans to celebrate Joe & Tiff's anniversary. It's the weekend I proposed. We had so much fun that weekend & were surrounded by great people.

Her: I really can’t think of just one.

But if I had to choose, it would be the day he proposed. I was so shocked that he was able to keep that secret (well not so much, considering he told his whole kickball team). The execution couldn’t have been better. He really got me. what do you love most about each other?

Him: The same way I feel my mother loves me is the same way she loves me and that's rare & something I

don't think I've ever felt.

Her: Ummm… I don’t think this is an appropriate conversation to have here. Hahaha! I’m kidding.

The thing that I love most about him is also probably the thing that drives me most crazy - his chill temperament. He truly is the calm to storm. when did you know they were the one?

Him: During a down time in life, she showed her love & promised to always have my back. I saw qualities in her that told me that she was going to be the best wife & mother. Things that I wanted.

Her: The funny thing is I had a feeling the day that I had my first conversation with him. So I officially met him the day before.

On the next day, on my way to the party, I told my friend all of these traits that I was looking for in a man. I said he needs to be about 36, so that I know that he’s done with

the games. Preferably no children, own home, etc. Little did I know, I was describing Lewis to the the T. It all fell right in place from there. what's next for you two?

Him: After the wedding, we'll enjoy our new chapter in life as newlyweds. Later in 2020 we plan to take a trip overseas as a honeymoon/babymoon. After that, we'll start working on our 2.5 kids. A few years after, hopefully we can build our forever home in our community that we're starting with the Banks, Smiths & whoever else wants to join. Where I will run our community bar with 10 seats, Dez will grow all of the vegetables, etc.

Her: If Lewis had it his way, babies would have been had yesterday.

But I’m sure they are in our near future (not that near, don’t get too excited). But we are looking forward to a much needed honeymoon after all this planning.

Then we can talk babies.

10 | relationship timeline

First Met: 04/28/2017

First Date: 05/01/2017

first 'i love you':

relationship timeline | 11

07/01/2017

Proposal: 09/01/2018

Wedding: 02/02/2020

The Proposal

the proposal | 13

Labor Day weekend 2018, Jannyse and Lewis set out to join their friends Tiffany and Joe on a couple’s trip to New Orleans to celebrate their 5-year anniversary. On Friday night, we drove from Nashville to Chattanooga and hopped in the car with Tiff and Joe and two of their friends. This was the start to what would be the most memorable weekend of our lives together. Even the trip to NOLA was amazing.

Jannyse thought that the hilarious ride would be the most memorable part of the trip. Little did she know, there was so much more in store for this life-changing weekend.

We arrived in NOLA early Saturday morning. After breakfast, we walked on Bourbon Street and Jannyse’s bestie, Brittany and her hubby, Dez joined us from Memphis. Our crew was complete. Now it was raining (bummer!), but all Brittany wanted to talk about was this dang swamp tour. So, Tiff and Jannyse were like swamp tour in the rain?!?!

Issa NO! They hung out for a little while longer then headed to the Airbnb. Everyone found their rooms and were getting settled. During planning, Jannyse agreed that we would take the smaller bed. So, it came as a surprise when Brittany and Dez insisted that Jannyse and Lewis switch rooms with them. We objected several times but eventually obliged and started getting ready for the evening.

Tiffany, Brittany, and Jannyse were in the bathroom prepping when Brittany mentioned taking pictures at the “cathedral.” She claimed that she heard that there were good photo opps at the “cathedral.” Jannyse was secretly rolling her eyes thinking who chooses to come to NOLA to take a picture at a church? But Tiffany and Jannyse said okay and we headed there first. We found ourselves on the steps across the street from Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis. Everyone was posing for pictures.

Brittany and Dez went first since it was her idea. But surprising to Jannyse, Lewis was eager to go next. We posed a few times and Jannyse told him to wait a minute as she turned to strike a different pose. Lewis then said, “but first…” as he was getting on one knee, ring in hand. Lewis continued, “I can’t do this thing called life without you. Will you do it with me? I need you in my life. Will you marry me?” Jannyse, crying and surprised, said yes! Meanwhile, all of this was being recorded on Facebook Live, Brittany’s phone (well not so much because her iPhone 6 kept failing), and by tons of strangers nearby. Everything was perfect!

We called our families and told them the great news. Everyone was so excited for us. We enjoyed the rest of the night on Bourbon and Frenchman Streets. Oh, and we had a blast on the swamp tour the next day. Brittany was happy. But not as happy as Jannyse was. She was leaving NOLA as the Future Mrs. Tapp.

invitation | 15

love, party!

COME FOR THE STAY FOR THE

Together with their families

Jannyse LaNee Starks and

Lewis Franklin Tapp, Jr. invite you to celebrate their marriage on Sunday, February Second Two Thousand and Twenty at five o'clock in the evening at an exclusive location in Montego Bay, Jamaica reception to follow

16 | wedding party

MEET THE

Wedding Party Darius Armour

Steve Smith

Brandon Kimmins

Best Man Friend of the groom

Best Man Friend of the groom

Groomsman Friend of the groom

Aaron Flowers

Michael Prude

George Harvell

Groomsman Friend of the groom

Groomsman Friend of the groom

Groomsman Brother-in-law of the groom

Keith Lawson Groomsman Friend of the groom

wedding party | 17

brittany smith

Kandice Jenkins

Aisha Carter

Matron of Honor Best friend of the bride

Matron of Honor Sister of the bride

Matron of Honor Sister of the bride

April Harvell

Lakisha Shanklin

Jessica davis

Bridesmaid Sister of the groom

Bridesmaid Sister of the bride

Bridesmaid Friend of the bride

Crystal epting

Alyse hollingsworth

Courtney Pitts

Bridesmaid Friend of the bride

Bridal Assistant Friend of the bride

Bridal Assistant Friend of the bride

Laminta poe

Shavaughn Bunch

Hostess Friend of the bride

Hostess Friend of the bride

18 | schedule

Schedule OF EVENTS

friday, january thirty-first Welcome Shindig wih the Tapps Union Jack'Z Sports Bar 7:30 pm

saturday, february first Booze Cruisin' with the Tapps Open bar and food included

Sunday, February Second The Tapps Say 'I Do' Transportation provided to our exclusive location Ceremony at 5:00 pm Cocktail hour and reception immediately following Beach chic attire

22 | couple crossword

the happy couple How well do you know the bride & groom?

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2

3 5

4

6

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7 9 10

11

ACROSS 4 7 9 10 11

The number of sisters Jannyse has School the couple graduated from How many siblings does Lewis have?

Lewis' favorite bar The number of children the couple wants

DOWN 1 2 3 5 6 8

Couple's dream vacation Jannyse's favorite food Lewis' favorite food Lewis' nickname Where the couple first met Jannyse's favorite color

ANSWERS CAN BE FOUND ON THE next PAGE

4 7 9 10 11

ACROSS Five Fisk University Two 3Crow Two

1 2 3 5 6 8

DOWN Fiji Seafood Lobster Mann Gordons Yellow

#TAPPinthenameoflove magazine design by Unlike Juliet photography by Calvin Gavion