Having initially met in 2007 it wouldn’t be until five years later during the LSU homecoming weekend that Janell and Wayne would be reintroduced. It would be during this night that Wayne, completely enamored of Janell, would realize that she would one day be his wife. Two months later fate stepped in and a job offer in Houston, Janell’s current city of residence, would afford him the opportunity to live closer to her. Spending as much time as they could getting to know each other their relationship grew and love took hold, guiding them down the aisle to spend the rest of their lives together as husband and wife…
Read all about Janell & Wayne’s love story, romantic surprise proposal, and experiences in their ethereal church wedding in Baton Rouge – beautifully captured by MunaLuchi Coterie member Mosaic by MG photography.
Bride & Groom: Janell & Wayne
Occupations: Human Resources Consultant & Chemist
Wedding date: March 25, 2017
Wedding location: Downtown Baton Rouge, LA
Tell us how you met. Janell and I had the pleasure of meeting one another in April 2007, in Baton Rouge, LA. We became friends only at that point, but there was an initial connection. We had the pleasure of re-introducing ourselves again to one another in November 2012. It was the homecoming weekend for LSU. We actually became quite flattered to see each other that weekend, and played catch-up at a party that evening. At that party, I remember saying these exact words “I’m going to marry you.” About 2 months later, I received a job offer in Houston, TX, where she was already residing. I moved to Houston on my own and began settlement here within my career field. We began taking our time getting to know each other, and learning each other’s adaptations after much time, growth, and changes that we both had endured since 2007.
Tell us all about the proposal. About two months leading up to the proposal, Wayne told me that his company’s Christmas party was coming up, and that we needed something to wear. He told me that it would be a rooftop event so I will need a coat and boots for the cold weather. I went shopping for a coat and boots probably 3 weeks before what I thought would be his company’s Christmas party. The night before, he told me that there will be professional photographers there as well. I didn’t think anything of it because last year’s party had a photo-booth! So I was super excited. The morning of December 19th , I got up, cooked breakfast, and got dressed. Wayne picked me up around 1:30PM. When he picked me up from home, there was one red rose lying on the passenger seat. He knows how much I love flowers. He said we were going to the rooftop Christmas party in the Galleria area. There was a lot of traffic on Westheimer that day due to Christmas shoppers, so I thought we would be late . As we turned the corner, he pointed to the Water Wall. I was so amazed – my eyes lit up. I had never seen it before. He then pointed to the Williams Tower, and told me that is where we were going for the rooftop Christmas party. I love scenery and water so I thought to myself, “I hope we can walk by the Water Wall first!” Not knowing that was his plan all along. We got out of the car, held hands, and walked towards the Water Wall. When we got to the Water Wall, it was so beautiful. I pulled my phone out to take a “selfie.” As we watched the water fall, he grabbed my hand and told me to close my eyes. At this point, I still had no idea what was about to happen. I closed my eyes, and as soon as I opened them I saw his father, and then Wayne on one knee. I burst into tears of joy and happiness. I remember looking up to the sky and saying, “Thank you Jesus!” I was elated. I was in shock. I was speechless. He asked, “Will you marry me?” In tears, “I said YES!” He was surrounded by my parents, my sister, and his parents. They each had a rose along with a bible verse. One by one, they read their bible verse and handed me a red rose. Once they finished, Wayne presented me with 100 white roses, and two signs crafted by my sister that read, “I Said Yes” and “I’m Wifing Her Up!” There was even a professional videographer whom had been filming everything. A huge crowd gathered around us and started cheering, clapping, and even taking pictures of our very special moment. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. It was like a dream that came true.
Describe your wedding dress. Fit & flare silhouette dress with a scalloped edged sweetheart neckline and semi-open back accented with covered buttons, chapel train mirroring the scalloped hemline and custom knee length veil
What was wedding shopping like for you? Wedding shopping was fun. It was a style project for the groom and a fun experience for the bride.
What is your best memory from your wedding? The best memory from the wedding was the weather. It was forecast to storm, which it did, but by the grace of God the clouds shifted, the sun shined bright as if it had never rained at all.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Plan ahead and always share your visions with one another. Create a vision board if that helps with what you want your day to look like
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts: Bridesmaids gifts were robe/dress hangers from the BrideHive, earrings, and bracelet. Groomsmen gifts were bow ties from Well Groomed Man, shoes from Bachelor Shoes, and a lapel flower from The Posh Pins.
Favorite item on the menu: The bacon wrapped shrimp.
First dance song: We walked out to “We Are One” by Frankie Beverly and Maze. Our official first dance was “Promise to Love” by Kem.
Vendors:
Wedding Dress Designer: Morilee by Madeline Gardner
Groom’s Tuxedo Designer: Kabiru Abu
Groom’s/Groomsmen Bow Tie: Well Groomed Man
Wedding dress salon: Ventura Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: Sorella Vita from Bustle Baton Rouge
Hair: Ashleigh Howard
Makeup: Jessica Haynes – Makeup By Jess
Bride/Groom Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Ceremony Location: Louisiana’s Old State Capitol
Reception Location: Shaw Center for the Arts
Photography/Videography: Mosaic by MG (Co-Photographer Jeremy Tauriac)
Wedding Planner: Elegance by ACE
Florist: Bella Blooms Floral
Cake: The Sugary NOLA
Caterer: Louisiana Bayou Bistro
Stationery: EE Invited
Event Designer: Elegance by ACE
Rentals: Event Rental
Dance Floor Install: Laced Vinyl Shoppe
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