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Home · Weddings

Bridal Bliss: Ressurrection and Deven

After losing her home and business, God lead Ressurrection to a homeless shelter. While living there she met Deven, a homeless veteran trying to rebuild his life. They overcame the odds together and after getting engaged they decided to marry at the Jefferson memorial on the 50th anniversary of the march on Washington. See their wedding day!
By Charreah K. Jackson · Updated October 27, 2020
01
We Found Love

Ressurrection Graves ended up at a homeless shelter after losing her home and business in 2011. It was there she met Deven, a homeless veteran. Two years after meeting, the couple married on August 28, 2013 – the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington.

Bridal Bliss: Ressurrection and Deven
02
A Special Prayer

After closing her massage business, Graves was living in her car when Hurricane Irene hit Washington, D.C. “I asked God to make clear what would end this cycle,” she shares. “His instructions were clear:  go to a particular homeless shelter in Virginia. And I did.”

Bridal Bliss: Ressurrection and Deven
03
Shower Of Love

The couple got married at the Jefferson Memorial on a rainy Wednesday. “I’ve always seen rain as a sign of cleansing and harvest,” Graves shares.

Bridal Bliss: Ressurrection and Deven
04
Historic Moments

The couple’s first choice was to marry at the Lincoln Memorial where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech. Since it was the 50th anniversary of that day, President Obama had first dibs. They married at the Jefferson Memorial.

Bridal Bliss: Ressurrection and Deven
05
Fresh Start

Within a few months of meeting at the shelter, Deven was working fulltime. “I felt this was the final sign I needed,” Graves says. “He worked and it transformed our life. He proved himself to be faithful, diligent and a provider with integrity.”

Bridal Bliss: Ressurrection and Deven
06
My Vow to You

“It was important to us to have a faith ceremony,” she says. “The person we really focused on and gave honor to was God.”

Bridal Bliss: Ressurrection and Deven
07
Our Daily Bread

The couple took communion at their wedding, wrote their own vows and exchanged rings.

Bridal Bliss: Ressurrection and Deven
08
With This Ring

The couple took communion at their wedding, wrote their own vows and exchanged rings.

Bridal Bliss: Ressurrection and Deven
09
Vision Of Love

Graves wasn’t sure why she ended up at a shelter but could hear God’s voice throughout her journey. “He told me to look for selflessness, and Deven kept showing up,” she recalls.

Bridal Bliss: Ressurrection and Deven
10
For You I Will

Deven would walk five miles to Graves’s job at a local grocery store just to bring her lunch, then make the return trek.

Bridal Bliss: Ressurrection and Deven
11
Step By Step

After five months of dating they started to discuss marriage. Deven had an opportunity to move into a home and asked Graves to come with him as his wife. “I was in total shock that “the one” had finally come,” she says. “I felt this overwhelming gratefulness to God.”

Bridal Bliss: Ressurrection and Deven
12
Remember the Time

“We have a picture of our first night out of homelessness,” she recalls.

Bridal Bliss: Ressurrection and Deven
13
Worth the Wait

Graves had decided to be celibate and knew any man she dated would have to already have made his own vow. “I believe that no-sex-before-marriage is a commitment that each individual has to personally make with God, independent of each other,” she says.

Bridal Bliss: Ressurrection and Deven
14
Circle Of Love

Family and friends surrounded the newlyweds on their special day.

Bridal Bliss: Ressurrection and Deven
15
Checkmate

While living in the shelter the couple enjoyed playing chess together.   

Bridal Bliss: Ressurrection and Deven
16
Give and Receive

Instead of a traditional reception, the couple visited various parks in Washington, DC and offered food to the hungry.

Bridal Bliss: Ressurrection and Deven
17
Mission Impossible

The couple started Glory Soldiers Global (http://www.glorysoldiersglobal.org/), an organization to help end poverty and homelessness.

Bridal Bliss: Ressurrection and Deven
18
Served With Love

“The homeless were so appreciative and were happy that we chose them on our wedding day,” Graves says.

Bridal Bliss: Ressurrection and Deven
19
Warrior’s Heart

“I believe that all men should have an opportunity to take care of their families and get back on their feet with dignity,” she says.

Bridal Bliss: Ressurrection and Deven
20
Belle Of the Ball

Graves selected her wedding dress the day before ceremony. “I purchased it off of the rack without all of the pricey add-ons, and I worked it,” she says.

Bridal Bliss: Ressurrection and Deven
21
Sweet Surrender

“After I got into the shelter and met Deven, there were many confirmations that he was indeed the reason that I ended up there,” she says.

Bridal Bliss: Ressurrection and Deven
22
Pay It Forward

The couple now helps others overcoming homelessness after being supported in their time of need.

Bridal Bliss: Ressurrection and Deven
23
Dream On

Since the duo married on the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s famous speech, their theme was “I Had a Dream and It Came True.”

Bridal Bliss: Ressurrection and Deven
24
The Power Of Love

Inspired by this beautiful story? Share your favorite moments below. To support their organization, visit GlorySoldiersGlobal.org. Want to see your wedding featured in Bridal Bliss? Email us now.

Bridal Bliss: Ressurrection and Deven
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