Knightly News

“Charlotte and Joffre’s decision to be married in the same chapel creates a rare, multi-generational love story that makes the setting incredibly sentimental for a Valentine’s Day celebration rooted in tradition and family.” Bailey Russell ’12

Episcopal’s Lewis Family Memorial Chapel of the Good Shepherd has already served as the venue for three alumni weddings this year. Alumna Charlotte Russell ’15 married Tom Joffre Meek II on February 14th. Sister and fellow graduate, Bailey Russell ’12, coordinated the wedding and described the celebration as blending “romance, legacy, and design.” She says the venue is one “deeply rooted in our family’s history.” Charlotte and Bailey’s mother, Beverly Hise Russell ’76, married the girls’ father, Rory Brett Russell, in the Episcopal chapel in 1993. Not only did Beverly graduate from Episcopal, but she also taught and coached volleyball. Generational connections like the Russells are common in a school community with more than 60 years of history.

Celebrating Life’s Major Milestones

Alumni Relations Coordinator Lindsay Turner ’97 says alumni weddings in the chapel allow graduates to continue celebrating life’s major milestones in a familiar setting.  For example, Turner points out that students graduate each year in the Lewis Family Memorial Chapel of the Good Shepherd. The chapel is also the venue for other important events, such as the Fifth Grade Sweatshirt Ceremony and Junior Ring Day. “The chapel is the heart of our campus, whether it’s a big event or the weekly opportunity for our community to gather in faith and communion,” says Turner. “I am thrilled to see so many alumni including Episcopal in all stages of their lives. It truly illustrates the strength of our community and how Episcopal connections last a lifetime.”

The chapel was also recently the setting for the wedding of 2018 graduate Scott Wicker, who returned to his alma mater with his new bride to start a new chapter together. In addition, alumnus Connor Pellerin ’17 married Laurel Whittington, daughter of alumnus Robert Whittington ’84, in a ceremony that featured seven Episcopal graduates. “Photos from our alumni weddings are a visual reminder for me of how truly connected our Episcopal community is,” says Turner. “In just one photo, the spirit of Episcopal is captured with a groom, a bride, bridesmaids and family members all linked through a shared educational experience unlike any other. The time we spend together here is meaningful, and having alumni return like this is a sweet reminder of that.”

Wedding Guidelines for the Perfect Day

Turner welcomes any alumni interested in celebrating a wedding in the chapel to contact her at [email protected]. She advises that there are guidelines for couples to follow, and those interested will receive those in advance of securing a wedding date. 

Join us in congratulating our recently married alumni couples. Share a message with them in the comments section below. 

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2025-2026 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.