Classic & Captivating Carousel Wedding in Memphis

Teenage sweethearts Janessa and Justin first met at a mutual friend’s sixteenth birthday party.

Justin was smitten at first sight with Janessa, relaying his interest in her to a mutual friend who then shared those feelings with Janessa. Exchanging phone numbers, they began communicating often, with the chemistry between them feeling “so natural.” The moment when cupid’s arrow officially struck them both was during Janessa’s own sweet-sixteen birthday party, to which she invited Justin, “once I saw him again I knew he had to be mine.” Continue reading all about their proposal and wedding experiences!

Bride & Groom: Janessa & Justin
Wedding date: July 27, 2019
Wedding location: Memphis, Tennessee

How did you meet? We met in March of 2009 at a mutual friend’s 16th birthday dinner. We spoke very little that night, but Justin had expressed his interest to a mutual friend of ours. A few days later, the message was relayed to me and I agreed to share my phone number with Justin. We communicated often and the chemistry felt so natural. I invited Justin to my Sweet 16 birthday party in May, and once I saw him again I knew he had to be mine.

Tell us about the proposal. On May 5, 2018, I was celebrating a lot of life accomplishments. I graduated with my Master’s degree that day, I had just turned 25-years-old a few days prior, and Justin and I would be moving to a new city the following month. I decided to have a big party with all of my family and friends to celebrate. During the party, my father grabbed the microphone and began thanking everyone for coming out and said a few kind words about me. My mother stood next to him with a big blue box and instructed me to open it. I just knew I was getting keys to a brand new car. Instead, it was a balloon inside that said,” Will you marry me?”. I turned around to see Justin kneeling with a ring box. He professed his love to me in front of all our family and friends, and of course, I said YES! We partied the night away. It was perfect!

Describe your wedding attire. Our wedding colors were a classic combination of blush pink, champagne, and ivory, with touches of greenery. We wanted our wedding to be classic and full of love.

What was the wedding shopping experience like for you? Janessa: “I didn’t want to make a big deal out of wedding dress shopping. I already knew that I wanted a lace mermaid style dress with a long train. I tried on about 5 dresses and was still unsure about the one I picked. It was classy with beautiful detail in the back, but the front didn’t give me exactly what I wanted. I ended up getting the straps altered to be off-shoulder to complete the look I dreamed of.
“Justin: “I received a recommendation to use the Black Tux as an online resource for my wedding shopping experience. I had an idea of the style and this website provided exactly what I was looking for. The benefits included fast shipping and ease of use by simply inputting my measurements than selecting the style. I also ordered a custom lapel pin that completed the look I was going with.”

Quick Facts:
Wedding Party Gifts: Bridesmaids – Personalized robes, personalized hanger, champagne flutes, picture frame with a photo of us, wedding day jewelry.
Groomsmen – Personalized leather watch box and sunglasses holder.
Ceremony Entrance Song: “Giving Myself” by Jennifer Hudson
First Dance Song: “1+1” by Beyonce

What is your best memory from your wedding? Janessa: “Seeing my husband stand at the end of the aisle crying as I entered even after we had already seen each other during the first look.”
Justin: “My best memory from the wedding would have to be sharing vows with each other.”

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Janessa: “Enjoy being engaged, invest in a professional wedding planner, and be intentional about who you select to be in your wedding party. It can make or break your wedding planning experience.”
Justin: “Be open and honest about how you both picture your special day. Work together to bring the ideas to life by selecting decorations, styles, and having everyone there that have supported you along the way.”