NHRA News: NHRA.com's exclusive photos of T.J. and Mel's wedding (1/2/2004)

NHRA.com's exclusive photos of T.J. and Mel's wedding

By Rob Geiger, NHRA.com
1/2/2004

Tommy and Melanie Johnson

Professional drag racers Tommy Johnson Jr. and Melanie Troxel were joined in holy matrimony New Year's Eve in a small ceremony in downtown Indianapolis. NHRA Chaplain Ken Owen presided over the event in the grand ballroom of the Radisson Hotel.

"It was a night I'll never forget," Johnson said. "It was a very simple ceremony, which started at 7 p.m., and then we celebrated all the way into the New Year. We intentionally planned it on New Year's Eve to make it fun for everyone and it was.

Pastor Ken Owen presided over the event.

"Of course, Melanie looked beautiful and we both enjoyed the day from start to finish. It was actually a very relaxed day. I even had some friends say that I seemed exceptionally calm. Maybe it was just shock. I guess we were a little on the non-traditional side because we hung out with each other before the wedding and I even saw her in her gown before the ceremony because we wanted to get all the photos done early. But it all worked out well and I have to say the first day and a half of married life has been great."

The couple have quite a honeymoon planned as they will be spending 10 full days in the Hawaiian Islands.

Sealed with a kiss.

"We leave Sunday for Hawaii," Johnson said. "We'll be in Honolulu for three days and then Maui for seven days. It should be pretty awesome. I'm going to enjoy every minute of it because when we get home it'll be time to get back to work. The season will be here before we know it."

The couple elected to stand alone during the ceremony but they were joined by several family members including Troxel's mother Barbara and sister Michelle. Johnson's parents Tommy Sr. and Sarah also were on hand to lend support.

The traditional first dance.

"It was a small group for the most part," Johnson said. "I think someone said about 65 people were there. It was all family and drag racing friends. Don [Prudhomme, Johnson's car owner] was there. Jim Brisette, who was my first crew chief when I started driving Top Fuel way back when, was there. My crew chief Mike Green and all the crew guys and their wives were there. I even got the champ, Larry Dixon, and his wife Allison to come out. They were celebrating their anniversary because they also got married on New Year's Eve.

"We hired dueling pianos as the entertainment and they were great. They even talked a few of the guests into getting on stage and singing along. At midnight we all rang in the New Year together. It was a lot of fun."

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