Courtney Elise 

Johnson   

Eric Antonio 

Martinez  

story by Courtney Murray |  photography by Jessica Smith Photography

Newlyweds of Pensacola       

29

  

F

riendship is the secret to a long lasting romantic 
relationship. Courtney Elise Johnson and Eric 
Antonio Martinez met through mutual friends and 

had a romance that blossomed after years of laughter and 
friendship. After a lunch date they will never forget, their 
romance was formed and the rest was history. The proposal 
was even more unforgettable because Eric’s daughter was 
there for it. He got down on one knee if front of Moe’s 
BBQ in downtown Nashville and Courtney’s world forever 
changed when he asked her to be his wife. 

Courtney is from New Orleans, LA and Eric is from 

Pace, FL. The couple now reside in Pensacola, Florida and 
they decided that Scenic Hills Country Club would be the 
perfect venue for their dream wedding. They quickly began 
planning and set the date for their big day; October 20, 
2018. Courtney got ready in a champagne monogrammed 
robe with the help of hair stylist Lily Blackburne with Hair 
+ Co and makeup artist Lori Weekley who created her 
perfect bridal look.  “It was everything I could have ever 
dreamt of, from the chaos in the dressing room before to 
that hold your breath moment when I was being walked 
out,” described Courtney. Her gown was from Bridal Bliss 
NOLA and fit the elegant traditional theme of the wedding 
perfectly; entirely draped in lace with a key hole cut out 
back, delicate cap sleeves and a corset lace up.

There were sentimental touches scattered throughout 

the day from a joyously tearful personalized hanky gift 
presentation to her Grandmother to sweet moments 
snuggling their blue eyed baby boy while getting ready. The 
groomsmen wore blue suits to compliment the bridesmaids 
in flowing dusty lilac gowns. Their flowers were created out 
of foam from Lings Moments and looked stunning in varying 
shades of mauve, lilac, and plum with pops of greenery. 
Every priceless moment on this crisp fall day was captured 
beautifully by Jessica Smith Photography. The newlyweds 
entered the ballroom and cascaded across the dance floor 
to Michael Warren’s song, “You Changed Me”. The couple’s 
name and wedding date was projected onto the dance floor 
as DJ Matt Powell with Powell Entertainment kept the party 
going all night long. The wedding cake from Publix Bakery 
was purple and white ombre icing with rose bud accents, 
coordinating perfectly with the décor. Courtney recalls, 
“The reception area was decorated so beautifully, it was like 
something out of a movie.” Courtney and Eric are loving 
newlywed life along with being new parents and plan on 
honeymooning in the mountains soon. 

F

29-31 Wedding Johnson – Martinez.indd   1

12/27/18   3:06 PM