The Blessed Bride reintroduces you to Jennifer and Justin! Readers met the couple a few months back during their engagement season, and now, the couple has tied the knot and are officially Mr. and Mrs. Banks! Jennifer and Justin shared their wedded bliss with TBB...
Jennifer was born in Gary, Indiana on October 22, 1984 to Paula and Leon Thompson along with her twin sister, Stephanie. She has two younger brothers, Leon, II and Matthew. Jennifer graduated from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA with a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering Technology in December 2007. Her educational efforts continue as she recently began courses to complete a Masters in Business Administration degree, scheduled to be completed in 2013. She is currently employed as an Engineer with Scientific Research Corporation in Atlanta, Georgia and is a proud member of the illustrious Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Jennifer enjoys traveling, staying updated on news and current events, shopping, and spending time with Justin, family and friends.
Justin was born in Lawton, Oklahoma on October 3, 1983 to John and Samanthia Banks. Justin has one sister, Sydney. He completed a bachelor degree in Civil Engineering Technology from Georgia Southern University in May 2008. He is currently employed with the Georgia Department of Transportation in Atlanta, GA in the Bridge Design Department. He was recently promoted to Bridge Design Engineer 2. Justin plans to obtain his EIT (Engineer in Training) in spring 2012 and pursue a master’s degree in the near future. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and is a “Big Brother” with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta. Justin enjoys traveling and going out in the city with Jennifer, P90X and Insanity workouts, and reading and studying African-American history.
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| Wedding Venue :: Villa Christina - Atlanta, Georgia |
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Bridal gown :: Modern Trousseau from Kelly's Closet - Atlanta, Georgia
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The Bride :: Taking in the view
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| The Bride & Bridesmaids :: The bridesmaids wore Lula Kate dresses (Bella Bridesmaids, Atlanta) in coral, accenting the fresh floral bouquet perfectly! |
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| The Bride :: The beautiful bride descending the staircase |
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The Bride & Bridesmaids :: The bridesmaids wore Lula Kate dresses (Bella Bridesmaids, Atlanta) in coral, accenting the fresh floral bouquet perfectly! The bride's twin sister, Stephanie (bride's left), was the maid of honor.
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Mother of the Bride :: The mother of the bride wore a beautiful two-piece ensemble in dark periwinkle. The color coordinated beautifully with the colors of the floral bouquets. :: Treasures Formals - Roswell, Georgia
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The ring :: The bride was surprised by her groom with a gorgeous new setting!
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| The Groom & Groomsmen :: The gentlemen wore khaki single-button tuxedos with coral vest and bowtie accents. The groom doned ivory. :: Savvi Formalwear |
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| Beautiful colors fill this floral arrangement! Accented with an ivory ribbon, these arrangements made the perfect chair markers. |
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| The Beautiful Bride |
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| The Bride making her way to the ceremony with her bouquet in tow |
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| The Ceremony :: Floral petals adorned the side of the stone pathway. Guests were shaded from the sun with large, white umbrella coverings. |
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| Ceremony details :: Ceremony Program |
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| Father of the Bride :: Walking down the aisle... |
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| Mr. and Mrs. Justin A. Banks! |
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Wedding Cake :: The beautiful 5-tiered ivory wedding cake was adorned with pearl accents and the "B" insignia atop the cake.
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| Guests surrounded the couple with a cheerful sparkler sendoff! |
The Wedding:
The wedding ceremony and reception took place at the fabulous Villa Christina at Perimeter Summit in Atlanta, Georgia. The ceremony was in the garden area with an overlooking waterfall. It was a hot, summer day with perfect weather. A harpist and a flautist commenced the ceremony during the prelude. There were over 120 guests that arrived to witness the blessed union of Jennifer and Justin. Rev. Darryl Roberts officiated the ceremony. The wedding program included a sand ceremony, musical selections chosen by the couple, scripture readings, and traditional vows.
The guests transitioned from the ceremony to the cocktail hour which included butler passed hors d'oeuvres and the Bride’s signature drink: “The Blushing Bride”.
After the cocktail hour, the guests dined for a full course plated meal in the 2nd floor ballroom of the three story Italian villa. The jazz band serenaded the guests with romantic love and R&B tunes. The DJ kept the selections going for the second phase of the reception, and played hits to keep guests out of their seats and on the dance floor all night.
Wedding guests sent the couple off with sparklers as they exited the venue and headed to their evening destination.
The Honeymoon:
Jennifer & Justin honeymooned in the beautiful Honolulu, Hawai’i – Waikiki Beach for a full week after the wedding. The couple enjoyed a 1 hour helicopter ride over the island of O’ahu, scooter rides along the south coast of the island to Hanauma Bay, a visit to the Pearl Harbor Historic Site, an authentic Hawaiian luau, shopping, warm, breezy days at the beach and endless evenings of fine dining! It was the first time the couple visited Hawai’i and it is an experience they’ll never forget!
Vendors for the Thompson-Banks Wedding:
Bridal Gown (Modern Trousseau): Kelly's Closet, Atlanta, GA
Bridesmaid Dresses (Lula Kate): Bella Bridesmaid, Atlanta, GA
Mother of the Bride Dress: Treasures Formals, Roswell, GA
Men's Attire: Savvi Formalwear
Wedding Venue: Villa Christina (ceremony, reception, food)
Flowers/Decor: Blossoms Atlanta, Monique Escudie
Videographer: Creative Video Moments, Steve Schumaker
Photographer: Moment by Moment Photography, Virginia Hall
Jazz Band: Josh Baker Combo
DJ: DJ Q-tip, Gabriel Peck
Officiant: Reverend Darryl Roberts
Wedding Director: Connie F. Smith
Music Director: Keith Williams
The Blessed Bride wishes Jennifer and Justin wedded bliss for all of their years to come!
Ceremony Musicians--
Flautist: Denise Williams
Harpist: Susan Ottzen
Saxophonist: Robert Bryant
