Our journey began in the most unexpected of places: a kindergarten classroom. Though we were just children, life had already planted the seeds of something special. Years later, we crossed paths again in high school and became the best of friends, inseparable in spirit.

People often assume we were high school sweethearts, but our love story didn’t truly begin until after graduation. Nate went off to serve our country in the Army, while I stayed behind, building a foundation and creating a home for the future we envisioned.

In time, we bought our first house and welcomed Jamal into the world - a perfect start to our little family. Life blessed us with joy, but it also tested our strength. We experienced unimaginable heartbreak when our daughter Kirsten was born but couldn’t stay with us. Then came Olivia, our beautiful baby girl, a light that healed and completed our hearts.

Our wedding was as unique as our love. In July 2000, we celebrated our union on the sun-kissed shores of Jamaica. It was an intimate and magical moment- just the two of us and two kind resort staff who witnessed our vows. That quiet beginning is why we’ve chosen to renew our vows now, surrounded by the family we’ve built by blood and by love.

Over the years, our love has continued to grow alongside our family. We outgrew our first home and moved to a new home in Dover, but our hearts called us back to Harrisburg, where we now live in the home we’ve made our own.

We’ve watched Jamal graduate high school and navigate life’s ups and downs with courage. He has blessed us with two beautiful grandchildren, Saimir and Jha'zi, who fill our lives with so much joy. Jamal and Olivia are both thriving in college pursuing their dreams, and Nate has built a successful law practice.

From traveling the world together to building a life rooted in love and resilience, our journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. After 25 incredible years of marriage, we’re ready to renew our vows and celebrate the love story that began in the simplest of places but has grown into something timeless and inspiring.