Johnson, Knapp wed in double ring ceremony

Jessica Elise Knapp and Thomas Armistead Johnson were united in marriage at 5:00 p.m., Saturday, April 2, 2022, at the historic Rayne Memorial United Methodist Church, built in 1875, located on St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA. The double ring ceremony was officiated by Reverend Jay Hogewood, Senior Pastor, Rayne Methodist, and Reverend T. Whitfield Stodghill III, Rector, St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, in a joint Methodist and Episcopal ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Brian Knapp of Port Charlotte, Florida. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Phyllis Charbonnet Knapp and the late Burton Knapp of Lacombe, LA. Her maternal grandparents are the late Mr. and Mrs. William Keller of Elmhurst, New York.

The groom is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Lester Wayne Johnson of Rayville, LA. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas West Barham of Oak Ridge, LA, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Lester Johnson of Rayville, LA.

The bride wore a Justine Alexander wedding gown. The ivory, off-the-shoulder gown featured an illusion-lace bodice against a clean fit-and-flare skirt. The illusion back was detailed with the buttons that cascaded down the entire crepe skirt. Sequins on the lace added subtle hints of sparkle to this stunning style. The single layer, cathedral length veil was a Stella York design and was beautifully embellished with scalloped trim of matte lace floral motifs for just a touch of added drama and whimsy. The bride wore a single strand pearl necklace gifted to her by her father for this special occasion.

Comprising the wedding party were the matron of honor, Ms. Bria Knapp, the sister of the bride, and the bridesmaids, Ms. Nicole Barrilleaux and Ms. Allyson Conway. The bridesmaids wore floor length champagne satin dresses in varying but complimentary styles. The bride and bridesmaids carried bouquets of magnolias and ivory roses to showcase the wedding colors of champagne and ivory. The floral arrangements were of white florals and greenery accents. 

The groom wore a traditional black tuxedo, single breasted, one front button, peak lapel, with a white dress shirt, black bow tie, and cummerbund. The groom’s best man was Dr. Patrick Johnson, brother of the groom. Groomsmen were Mr. Colin Downs and Mr. David Hanks. Serving as ushers were Mr. Barry Lann, Mr. Les Johnson, Jr. and Mr. Michael Zatarain. The groom’s best man, groomsmen, ring bearer, father of the bride, father of the groom and ushers wore matching black tuxedos corresponding with the groom’s attire. Each wore a boutonniere of a single white rose, and the groom wore a boutonniere of three miniature white rose buds.

The mother of the bride’s dress was designed by Juliet, in a silver color, formal length, A-line silhouette, chiffon gown, which featured an illusion bodice completely adorned with intricate design of appliques and small beads. The mother of groom’s floor-length gown was designed by Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon, in a champagne gold color, crafted with a sheer fabrication overlay detailed with breathtaking floral embroidery, a rose ruffle front, jewel neckline and elbow length sleeves.

The flower girl was Miss Clara Lann, niece of the groom. Her dress was a design by Rosebuds, with an ivory bodice covered in daisy floral appliques with a full tulle skirt. Clara carried a small ivory basket filled with white rose petals, which she scattered while proceeding down the church aisle. Ring bearer was Mr. Kelly Robin, III, cousin of the bride. Kelly carried the ring bearer’s pillow of periwinkle blue velvet trimmed in ivory lace. The ring pillow was used originally in the wedding of the parents of the groom.

Readers during the ceremony were Mr. Michael Bruns and Ms. Colleen McDonough. The mothers of the bride and groom were honored to light family white Unity candles representing the families. After the marriage vows, the bride and groom jointly lighted the larger Unity candle as symbol of the marriage joining together their respective families.

The reception followed at the Federal Security Building built in 1923 as the Federal Reserve Bank, in New Orleans. The building has been transformed into a large ballroom venue that features floor to ceiling windows and grand columns that illuminate with subtle up-lighting for a beautiful evening event. The tables included beautiful arrangements of magnolia and hydrangea, and subtle lights to compliment and add a little sparkle to the champagne taffeta table coverings. Capdebosque Catering provided a New Orleans menu including gumbo, Crawfish Monica, pecan-crusted chicken, eggplant Parmesan, a beef carving station, and Banana Foster bread pudding. The champagne wall was a crowd favorite, as well as the shrimp and grits station.

Gambino’s Bakery provided the four-tiered wedding cake decorated with cascading magnolias. Each tier featured new flavors of cake, including raspberry, lemon, and praline filling.

Wedding guests were greeted at the entrance of the ballroom with a party pirogue, which was displayed on the foyer table. The guests were invited to sign their names and best wishes to the couple onto the fiberglass pirogue, which will be featured and enjoyed in future crawfish boils hosted by the couple. 

Rather than traditional bouquet and garter tosses, the bride’s bouquet was presented to another couple of 61 years. A special dance identified the longest married couples in attendance. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Barham, who were the grandparents of the groom, took the prize and shared the dance floor with other couples married longer than 50 years.

Everyone danced the night away with the ten-piece live band, The Sugar Shakers, who kept the party going until the final Second Line to end the night. The Second Line was led by the bride and groom. The bride held a custom designed white feathered umbrella and the groom carried a similar designed black umbrella. Band members followed behind playing brass horns. The wedding party and guests waved handkerchiefs and promenaded with the band’s music until exiting the venue.

On the eve of the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted a Rehearsal dinner at Galatoire’s Restaurant, located on Bourbon Street in The French Quarter.  The wedding party and guests stayed at Le Pavillon, a classic and elegant hotel located on Poydras Street in downtown New Orleans. The hotel was originally built in 1907, and the couple selected the venue based on its storied reputation as well as its glamourous early architecture.

The couple will make their home in Washington, D.C. Following their wedding, the couple traveled to Italy for their honeymoon.

The bride is a graduate of Arab High School, Arab, Alabama and a graduate of University of New Orleans, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree. Jessica graduated with a Masters of Occupational Therapy from Louisiana State University Health Science Center, School of Allied Health, New Orleans, LA. Jessica is employed as an occupational therapist at Children’s National in Washington, D.C. 

The groom is a graduate of Riverfield Academy, Rayville, LA. Thomas is a graduate of Harvard University, Boston, MA, where he earned his Bachelor of Art degree and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Thomas earned a Masters of Art in Liberal Arts from Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA. He completed his law degree at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. Thomas served as an editor of The University of Virginia Law Review. Thomas represents the United States as a federal prosecutor at the Department of Justice, Civil Rights division.