Adult Pre-Wedding Party

Gosnold's Hope Park

Wedding Family BBQ

The Mariners' Museum & Park

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Lawn Games and Mimosas

Our Wedding

Shuntell's "How We Met" Version

I first noticed Ohio in a group that we were both a part of on Facebook. I recall loving his conversation. We bumped heads many times but still connected.&nbsp; What I saw and still see him is such a wonderful father....&#160;I took notice.
&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; A couple of years later ( Oct 2016) he just so happen to&#160; have a load to San Antonio, TX (where I had recently moved) and we had dinner that evening. I recall thinking that he was so cute....and so amazing to talk to.&nbsp; After that "date" we spoke everyday for months....At the same time, the group was planning a Meet and Greet for the following July in Dallas. I found myself hoping he would attend....and he did. I remember entering the airport and wanting to do the movie run....you know the one where everything slows down and she runs and jumps into the man's arms....(I didn't though). I had developed feelings for him and didn't know if he felt the same. Luckily he fel "something" and we stuck together that entire weekend....As the weekend came to a close and I dropped him off at the airport, I asked him had he ever thought about us as a couple. He said that he had thought about it but that he wasn't ready for a relationship. I cried....knowledge can be so freeing and crippling as well....all I knew was that I wanted him.&nbsp; Later I called our friend Crystal and her words were...."Wait....give it 6 months....I see something there and that's all he'll need"....Thanks Crystal....I recall praying that while God worked on my patience....he would work on Ohio's heart. I stood still and waited....And while I was dating him long before he was dating me....he caught up and we've been on this great adventure ever since. He became my best friend....The love of my life....I could not imagine a day without him in it.

Joseph's "How We Met" Version

How we met huh? Well, her story is similar to mine but since she is making me write my own I guess I also have to use my own words and spin on the story. I wish I could start off by saying it was a beautiful day, sun shining, birds singing. Well I could but that would be a lie. It was thru a facebook group with a bunch of other people just running off on whatever topic it was that day. While the group was fairly active, there are always those that pop in, comment, and leave as quick as they may. Shuntell was one of those people, she didn't say much most of the time, just a line here or there. Yet, what she wrote gave me interest. So I started to pay attention to her. Started making smaller comments directly to her to hopefully get her attention. While I was not looking for a wife, let alone a girlfriend at the time, I wanted to know more of her. So fast forward about a year or so, and we are sitting down at a table, trying to use chop sticks and not sound like a dummy. Life does not give you many chances to make a first impression so I really didn't want to mess this up. So while that went well (puffs up chest) it was not until our next meet up, with friends from the group, that I realized how special she was for me. I guess I was trying to ignore my feelings or just didn't want to give in to them but I was so looking forward to her being there that I guess I went just to have a reason to be near her. I mean, I didn't get many chances to travel to Texas so I was not about to let this pass. If only had I known, as I returned to work, that my life was changing before my eyes. Did I move slowly, yes I did. Was I being cautious, perhaps. Yet day by day, week by week, I was unable to see a day when she was not meant to be a part of it.

This Is "US"!!

We can confidently say that neither of us saw the other one coming. A polite compliment, a playful response that is proving to be prophetic, more than a few conversationns, and two people not just talking but doing major work to build a strong friendship and foundation for a marriage and BOOM...this is US!&#160; Even at the moment when he was oblivious to what was taking place, God kept me for him and him for me. He showed me exactly who we were going to be and since that day we&#8217;ve built one of the most true and beautiful love stories ever, Admittedly, neither of us profess to be perfect, but we believe that God created us to be perfect for one another.&#160; And if that wasn&#8217;t enough, he and my children have created their own bond and language of love and respect. As well as his children and myself. That was extremely important to us both.&#160; Finding each other has been the biggest blessing of our lives and we look forward to our marriage being even more blessed and enjoyable than anything we experience before the day we say "I do!"

Our Story

Holiday Inn Express and Suites

Country Inn and Suites

Newport News Marriott at City Center

Nearest Airports

ORF (Norfolk)
 
RIC (Richmond -an hour away)

Travel

Newport News Park

Virginia Living Museum

Virginia War Museum

Painting With a Twist

Things to Do

Jacqui is the best friend, wisdom and accountability partner of the bride. She was born in Boston but currently resides in Sugarland, TX....She's the nonchalant sweetheart

Jacqui Smith (Friend)

Keyma is the best friend, voice of reason and shared Nomadness tribe member to the bride. She was born in Wisconsin but currently resides in San Antonio, TX....She's the mean one.

Keyma Dixson (Friend)

Sylvia is the younger sister to the bride. She was born in Shreveport, La, but currently resides in Spring, TX where she works as a Manager in Hospitality....She's the classy hood one

Sylvia Jones (Sister)

Corey is the older sister to the groom. She currently resides in Hampton, Va....She's the funny fighter

Corey Goins-Major (SIL)

Rosetta is the sister of the groom. She is a current resident of Hampton,VA....She's the quiet trouble

Rosetta Crosby (SIL)

Chloe is the oldest daughter of the Groom. She is currently in 5th grade and loves modeling? She also has a great interest in cooking. 

Chloe Goins (Bonus Daughter)

Addyson is the youngest daughter of the Bride. She is in PreK4.  Addy loves to sing and dance....and wants to be a model.

Addyson (Daughter)

Aydon is the eldest son of the Bride.  He is a sophomore in high school and hopes to one day work in Computer Science or be a Music Producer. He'd also like to begin taking guitar lessons. 

Aydon Barr (Son)

Chase is the eldest son of the Groom. Chase is a freshman in high school and he loves not only WWE but is a huge fan of the Dallas Cowboys. He hopes to be a Sports Announcer when he grows up if his basketball career doesn't work out. 

Chase Goins (Bonus Son)

Daryl is the older brother of the groom. He currently resides in Hampton,Va where he is a school principal.

Daryl Crosby (Brother)

Quendell is a friend of the Groom. They attended high school school together. Quendell currently resides in Hampton, VA. 

Quendell Eldridge (Friend)

Mike is a friend of the Groom. They went to high school together and he currently resides in Hampton, VA. 

Mike Mitchell (Friend)

Mark is a friend of the Groom. They grew up together and he currently resides in Hampton, VA. 

Mark Cherry (Friend)

Shaune is a friend of the Groom. He currently resides in Atlanta,GA. 

Shaune Lee (Friend)

Langston is the middle son of the Bride. Langston is in 5th grade. He loves WWE and hopes to be an engineer when grows up.

Langston Barr ( Bonus Son)

Joseph is the youngest son of the Groom. He is in 2nd grade and loves Legos. He is currently still debating on his life goals. 

Joseph IV (Son)

Niyla is the youngest niece of the Bride. She loves to play video games and hopes to be a doctor when she grows up. 

Niyla Johnson (Niece)

Cameron is the nephew of the Bride. He is currently in 9th grade and love video games. He aspires to be a Video Gamer/Coder. 

Cameron Chestnutt (Nephew)

Wedding Party

Black love

Photos

Registry

Brunch

Chicken
Waffles
French Toast Souffle
Fish
Grits (cheese optional)
Eggs/Omelette to Order 
Roasted Potatoes
Bacon
Cereal (Variety Bar)
Fresh Fruit
Lemonade/Sweet Tea
Mimosas (Cranberry, Orange)

What Time Should I Arrive?

Seating will begin at 10:30am and the ceremony will begin&nbsp; promptly at 11am.&#160; Late arrivals will not be permitted into the ceremony space.

What Is The Dress Code?

The dress is informal. We'd prefer you not wear jeans and t-shirt....but we certainly want you to look your best and be comfortable. Please feel free to wear that flowing sundress or those slacks and button down. If possible, we are asking guests to wear neutrals, shades of champagne or shades of sage to match the theme of the wedding.

Where Are You Registered?

Please check out our "Registry" Tab.&#160; Thank you in advance for your love.

May I Bring My Significant Other?

We would love nothing more than to be able to accommodate all plus ones....However, because of certain restraints , we asked that if your invitation was not addressed to include a plus one, that one not attend.

Will The Reception Be Kid Friendly?

We love your little ones, but due to the venue type and restrictions, we want this to be an opportunity for you to let your hair down and and enjoy a semi-adults only reception.&nbsp; (12 and up only unless a part of the wedding party)

Will Transportation Be Provided?

At this time, no. However, we will update you on any changes made to this decision.

Is There Parking? Is There A Fee?

Yes there is parking and it is free to all guest?

May I Request A Song?

Absolutely!! When you RSVP, there will be a section that ask if you want to request a song....please leave your song request in that space. We can't wait to see what you request.

What Is There To Do Nearby?

Check out&#160; our "Things To Do" tab....
 
FYI: All guest will receive a pass to the museum the day of the wedding. Please enjoy all exhibits.

Have A Question Not Answered?

Please feel free to contact the bride and groom with any questions....comments....or concerns?
 
vatx2021@yahoo.com

Shuntell & Joseph

Shuntell & Joseph

Registry

Joseph and I would like to thank you for your love and support of us and our marriage.