Hi, my name is Cori, and I have known my "Little Lauren" since I was 11 years old when she arrived on the planet. My have we come a long way since my only big sister duties were fetching her milk out of the fridge *on demand* and singing her favorite "Lauren . . . Lauren. . . Lauren, the baby" song. She has transformed from a quiet little chubby cheeked thing, to a sweet and bubbly light for our family.
I am so happy to see Lauren and JJ make this very important step together! I knew I knew I knew they would end up being Mr. & Mrs. one day! I had a sneaking suspicion early on (even during my mandatory big sister 1st year probationary period) at a birthday lunch for Lauren when they were just getting started on their journey. I thought it was so sweet to see JJ a little nervous at the table. But, I knew without a doubt that they were going to end up together for good a couple of summers ago during our annual family summer vacay. We had one of our many conversations about love and relationships, and I told her, "Chile, you and JJ are going to get engaged in a couple of years, and he's going to propose when you least expect it". I said it without a doubt in my mind, and just knew it in my spirit that it would be, and it is so.
JJ is going to be a great addition to our family. I know my husband is glad to have him join in as the number of fellas continues to increase with the Donaldson Clan. I know he will be a great husband and fantastic daddy (when that time comes). Congratulations guys- love you!
I met Lauren 14.5 months into my existence on earth in August of 1988. She’s the cutest and funniest little human. I often wondered what kind of person she would end up with. She has always been extremely happy, talkative and full of never ending energy. THEN....Jason came along. He is the perfect balance to her life. His very calm, laid back and observant nature was the missing yet perfectly fitting puzzle piece to Lauren, who is always the life of the party. He is a fantastic and awesome human being.
I knew that he was the one for her when he got up at 4 am to be in Raleigh for church at 10 am, to show her that he would not give up on their love. The Homie literally drove from Atlanta to Raleigh in 6 hours flat and walked through the door with a determined and open heart. There were lots of tears and emotions, but it was such a beautiful moment. The rest is history! I am so excited for this journey with them down the aisle as they start their forever! I love you guys!!
Being the youngest of the Donaldson Five, I am very careful of who I approve to engage in courtship with my other four siblings; one of which I had no say in (hint hint: Alcide ;)). Anyways, Lauren has always been pretty decent when it comes to choosing guys, but Big Brother Jason was something different. Quiet and reserved at first impression, Jason’s presence bought an unfamiliar flavor to the room which complemented my sister so well. His calm nature lies in perfect harmony with Lauren’s off-the-wall energy. I have seen Lauren and Jason in their walks with Christ, in their faith, and individually, and I couldn’t ask for a better man to be my sister’s husband. Cheers (of sparkling grape juice) to a beautiful marriage overflowing with the glory of God. I love you both very much!
Hello, I’m Tiffany and I have been the best friend of the bride for the past 22 years! At 8 years old we met at a church barbeque playing tag and we have been running together ever since. Even then, I knew that Lauren was someone special. She is one of the kindest, most generous people I know. As I begin to articulate how much she means to me and who she is to me…friend, sister, laughing partner, shoulder-to-cry-on, prayer warrior… I’m left with two simple words that can sum it all up perfectly and affectionately call her just “my best”.
Having known Lauren most of my life has been a blessing and being able to call her friend has brought so many amazing memories and shared experiences. Our imaginations and dreams have always carried us on this journey, whether we were imagining ourselves as the next big singing “girl group” in elementary school or fantasizing about what countries we would travel to in college once we landed our first big job. And of course, many nights were spent wondering who would accompany us at the altar one day. There were countless phone calls about whom she would end up with (and when would he arrive and whether the last name would pair perfectly and where would they would live…)
When Jason entered her life, I knew we did not have to imagine anymore because my dream for her had come true…that she had found her person! Lauren has always had a sparkle in her eye and a smile on her face, but with Jason in her life, her eyes light up a little brighter and her smile shines a little bigger. She has met her equal, another person in this world that is as deserving of her as she is of him. And I know that she is complete now… and that fills my heart with so much joy because I know “my best” is in the best of hands.
I’m so thankful God has brought them together and that they complement each other in the most, unexpected, but perfect way. If anything their story has reminded of the passage in book of Corinthians: faith and hope abide, and the greatest of these is love.
I cannot wait to share in the love on their big day as they Journey to Johnson. They make a wonderful pair and I know that they will continue to make each other happy in their new life as they keep imagining and keep dreaming together.
She was cute and bubbly and smiled a BUNCH
If I remember correctly, she knew everyone in school
While I was nervous and shy, wandering around like a fool
That’s when she said hello and invited me to have a seat
She introduced me to her friends and I had something to eat
I had no idea when I sat down that day,
That this girl would be in my life and never go away
She became my best friend in a matter of hours
From track practice, to dance routines, to carnation flowers
Mel and La, Ligg and Migg, a couple ways people knew us
But most importantly she reintroduced me to Jesus
Fast forward 10 years and she’s met this new dude
She seemed excited about him and I didn’t want to be rude
But I’d wiped tears in the past and his name began with another “J”
And I had told her to leave “Js” alone when she moved away
As petty as that may seem she was my best friend
And I feared another relationship with a disastrous end
But they continued to date, next thing I knew she was in love
Swore up and down this man was sent from above
Now I knew Lauren’s drama, so I took that with a grain of salt
And mentally prepared myself in case the relationship came to a halt
But then a year later this “JJ” and I would finally meet
At an ATL Wine Festival probably near a Peachtree street
She was bouncing off the walls as Lauren tends to do
And Jason was reeling her in, while somehow enjoying her too
It was in this moment that I realized he could really be it
The only question was if he would EVER commit
Well here we are now, and my best friend is engaged
And in just a few months forever vows will be exchanged
I couldn’t be more excited for you all’s future as one
I love you soon to be Mr. & Mrs. Son Son!
I first met Lauren in 2014 when she magically appeared A-skipping through Jason's apartment and I don’t think I’ve ever seen Jason so happy.
I met Jason back in the Eighth grade. I just moved to the area. I played football for the opposing school instead of playing on Jason’s Team. He used to talk trash all year because we were the better school but ended up losing to them that year. Till this day he never lets me forget. We were tight all through high school and when he decided to transfer from Fort Valley I talked him into coming to FAMU which low key May have been the best decision he ever made other than wifing Lauren.
I met Lauren a few years back when we were still living in Florida and we came to visiting Ga and we went to check out his new place.
She was very friendly and welcoming and the way J talked about her I knew she was going to be special.
I want to wish the best for Lauren & Jason. I always want to see black love succeed so I’ll be praying for healthy and successful marriage with plenty of kids because my babies need some playmates.
Jason has always been a leader, a clear thinker, that matriculates through life exuding nothing but positivity through direct honestly, and objective driven precision. So when I met Lauren for the 1st time, the girl that was poised to take my best friend off the market forever, it was no surprise in seeing her portray all of the same beautiful qualities and more. The Michelle to his Barack... the combination of Her presidential class and his executive leadership, make for a once in a lifetime love story. It is with great honor I wish this beautiful, brilliant, black couple nothing but piece and prosperity in this sacred union!
#MagicJohnsons #JammingWithTheJohnsons #JoyiousJohnsons
