Lewis had his eye on Jannyse from afar for three years before they finally met during Fisk University’s Alumni weekend.
Jannyse recalls, “I may or may not have positioned myself fairly close to him to spark a conversation. The conversation was fun and light, (and) in what I now know is Lewis fashion, this man pulls his phone out, says nothing, and hands it to me for me to insert my number.” Lewis’s persistence paid off. Within a week, they went on three dates and were soon inseparable.
A year later, Lewis proposed during a couple’s trip to New Orleans. They enjoyed the rest of the night on Bourbon Street, partying with friends.
For their wedding, they headed to the beautiful island of Jamaica for a glamorous beach destination wedding. It was full of memorable moments, fabulous fashion, and dazzling decor. Read more about Lewis and Jannyse’s love story, and see all of the details from their lovely nuptials below.
- Couple: Jannyse & Lewis
- Occupations: Assistant Professor of Nursing & Analyst
- Wedding Date: February 2, 2020
- Wedding Location: Borghinvilla Wedding Venue, Jamaica
Quick Facts
- What gifts did y0u give to your bridesmaids and groomsmen: My bridesmaids (Jan’s Clan) were gifted with a custom monogrammed bag, passport covers, paddle brushes, makeup bags, hangers, and garment bags. They were also gifted with their wedding day jewelry. The groomsmen were gifted with their ties and pocket squares.
- Gifts for one another: I gifted him with a personalized cufflinks and tie bar (even though he changed to a bowtie at the last minute). I also surprised him with an upgraded wedding ring. Lewis gifted me with diamond earrings.
- Ceremony entrance song: Jennifer Hudson – “Giving Myself “
- First dance song: Leela James – “All Over Again”
How did you meet?
We met on April 28, 2017 during Fisk University’s Alumni weekend. Lewis was talking to one of my classmates, and I recognized him as the guy who recently requested me on Facebook. We went to the same party later that night. I may or may not have positioned myself fairly close to him to spark a conversation. The conversation was fun and light and Lewis then proceeds to make a bet that absolutely guaranteed that I would go on a date with him. Well, in what I now know is Lewis fashion, this man pulls his phone out, says nothing, and hands it to me for me to insert my number. We texted that night and planned to go to dinner the following week around May 8th.
Well, he couldn’t wait. He let me know that he wanted to go out sooner. So, there we were on our first date on 5/1/17. We had such a good time that we kept the party going at a local bar. Because we had such an amazing time, he asked me out again the next day. On the next day, we were talking about when we would see each other again and this man says, “Well I wouldn’t mind seeing you again tonight.” Now I’m thinking, “Girl, you got him!” I discovered that he knew everyone that I knew, and I just couldn’t figure out how I had never met him before. Well, he admitted to noticing me for at least the past three years! Those three dates turned into three more which turned into many, many more and the rest is history.
Tell us about the proposal.
Labor Day weekend 2018, We set out to join our friends on a couple’s trip to New Orleans to celebrate their 5-year wedding anniversary. We decided to make a road trip out of it, stopping in Chattanooga. This was the start to what would be the most memorable weekend of our lives together.
We arrived in NOLA early Saturday morning. After breakfast, we walked on Bourbon Street and met up with my bestie and her hubby who had joined us from Memphis. Our crew was complete. We hung out for a little while longer then headed to the Airbnb. Everyone found their rooms and were getting settled. My bestie insisted that Lewis and I take the larger room.
That night we found ourselves on the steps across the street from Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis under the guise that this was a “great place to take pictures.” Everyone was posing for pictures. It was surprising to me that Lewis was eager to pose for a picture. We posed a few times and I told him to wait a minute as I turned to strike a different pose. Lewis then says, “but first…” as he is getting on one knee, ring in hand. Lewis says, “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?” Crying and surprised, I immediately said, “Yes!” 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. I was elated knowing that I was leaving NOLA as the Future Mrs. Tapp.
What was the wedding shopping experience like for you?
Shopping was fun, yet stressful. Most of my wedding party lived in a different city from me, so they had to travel to Nashville for wedding dress shopping. I only wanted my sisters, best friend, and wedding planner present during dress shopping. I went to 3 shops on the first day and thought I knew the one, but I got home and realized I didn’t have butterflies. So, I decided that same night that I would go to another shop the next day, even without an appointment. I tried on a few dresses and immediately knew I had found the one.
Bridesmaid dress shopping was difficult since so many lived in different cities. I decided on custom dresses from Pia Gladys Perey. This experience was extremely stressful. So stressful that we received the dresses on the day before my sisters left to come to Jamaica. Whew!
Shopping for décor was quite different too. I didn’t have the opportunity to go and choose flowers, as most brides do. I sent inspiration pics to the owner of the venue and she created the bouquets. Because I was adamant about having the color linen I wanted, my wedding planner scheduled an appointment for a local rental company. I chose the exact color linens I wanted and even decided to rent gold flatware. I was petrified thinking about all of the luggage that we would need to bring, but it was a must. My wedding planner and I also went shopping for additional décor, including vases, candles and votives, picture frames, etc. I purchased most of my personalized bridesmaids’ gifts from Etsy and Amazon. Stationary was handled by my sister and matron of honor, Aisha. She used PaperTalesCustom for the design of the programs, menus, welcome letter, key cardholder insert, and survival kit bag toppers. Shout out to Amy for also designing our custom monogram, and logo for our welcome bags and tumblers. Overall, I enjoyed the shopping experience. It was long and expensive, but it made everything perfect.
What is your best memory from your wedding?
I have so many amazing memories, but the one that sticks out most is when I made it to the aisle and saw Lewis standing up there in awe of me. His tears had already started to flow, and I could tell that he was so grateful that I was walking into our forever. What made this moment even more amazing and fun is that earlier the photographer asked if I thought Lewis would cry. My response: “He better!” Then Merrick said well I might have to get him an onion to make sure he does. My response: “ I AM HIS ONION!” That was definitely one for the books.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
My best advice is the same that everyone gave to me: “Enjoy this time and each other!” Planning a wedding is stressful. The financial burden, the surprises, the countless hours focused on the next order or task can become the whole basis of your existence during the planning process… If you let it! Still take time to do the things you love and enjoy. Take some time away from planning to simply enjoy each other. Oh, and don’t compromise on the things that are most important to you!
Vendors
- Wedding dress designer: Essence of Australia
- Wedding dress salon: The White Room Murfreesboro, TN
- Bridesmaid dresses: Pia Gladys Perey
- Hair: Yolanda Crutcher of Vizions Hair Salon Nashville, TN
- Makeup: Winks and Kisses Nashville, TN
- Shoes: Badgley Mischka
- Ceremony/Reception location/Catering: Borghinvilla
- Photography: Merrick Cousley
- Videography: Elite Media Concepts
- Wedding Planner: Tiffany Banks, Lead Planner at Redberri Events
- Florist: Borghinvilla
- Cake: Joy of Food Stationery: PaperTalesCustom
- Event Designer: Jennifer Borgh
- Groom’s attire: Suit- Spicer Exquisite
- Bowtie: Broties Neckwear
- Groomsmen attire: Men’s Wearhouse
- Linen Rental: Liberty Party Rental
- Welcome sign and corsages: Nicole Frazier of Trilogy Design Group
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