Anita & Kelvin Vow Renewal Ceremony

The story of our lives shows how God 's guidance and patience brought Kelvin and I together. It all started during a time in my life when there was a lot of uncertainty. It was a trying time for me because I had to refocus my life and make new plans for my family. As my life went into a new direction, all I could think about raising my four children. I knew I needed to pick up the pieces and figure it out. I prayed for God’s guidance and strength everyday. One night, I woke up in tears and prayed to God to guide me in the right direction. I asked him to show me the things I needed to do to be a great mom, provider, protector and a role model to my children. The next morning, I woke up and started researching single parent support group and decided to reached out to one of the group of single parents. My mind was racing with thoughts about how to figure out my new role. I wanted to know how other single parents managed the difficult task of raising a family, going to college and having a career. As I chatted with some of the members, I continued to pray that God continue to strengthen my heart, focus my mind and guide my soul. I knew that he would be my husband, provider and the father to my children, and he would never let us down. One day I decided to register my information ,but never added a profile picture. When I was logged in the next day, the first person to show up was Kelvin. I read through his profile and noticed that his story was similar to mine. I decided to say hi, and he responded. We talked for weeks, then months. As time went on, he asked, “Why don’t you have a profile picture.” I said because I wanted people to know me for me, and not what I looked like. After some months of conversation, I finally added my picture and our story began.....

After many years of waiting on me, I said “I do”. True love waits on the right moment and time. It our time. #Cheerstothecarnells

After getting to know more about each other, we found out we had more in common than we knew. 1. Our birthdays are in the same month one week apart. Kelvin was born a year before me. God had him wait from the beginning for me to be born. 2. Kelvin and my youngest brother have the same name. 3. Kelvin and I have one son each born a month apart the same year. 4. His son was born in Southern California and my son was born in Northern California the same year.. 5. Kelvin and I have sisters with the same name. 6. We both have two sisters. 7. Kelvin's second sister and my mom resembles. 8. Kelvin was born in Montgomery County, Tennessee and I was born in Montgomery County, Alabama.. After a long wait, on October 17, 2019, in Old Town Warrenton, Virginia we celebrated our lives with a small and intimate ceremony. Due to the pandemic, we made plans to have our formal ceremony at a later date.

No one expected the world to be in a pandemic. Due to the pandemic, Kelvin and I had to change our wedding plans from a large event to a small family affair. On October 17, 2019, Kelvin and I were married in a small intimate ceremony with our children and close friends in Old Town Warrenton. Even though we postponed our formal ceremony, we chose to hold on to our venue, and florist for our future ceremony. After a year of trying to pick a date for our ceremony, we chose August. August is special to us because, (1) my Dad “s birthday month, who is now in heaven, and the month we met. Our original wedding date in October is special too because it’s the date my dad went to heaven. We are excited to share our lives and love with the people we love. Each of you were chosen because you have been a part of each of our live . We are truly blessed and excited to have each of you to witness our love.

Kelvin and I love spending time with our Family and Friends, We love being Nana and Papa to our grandchildren, traveling, trying new adventures, and taking care of our dogs. I love collecting wine, writing, painting and interior decorating. Kelvin loves to collect remote control helicopters, drones and electronic gadgets. He says he loves checkers, but my Mom beats him at it all the time.