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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 · January 15, 2014October 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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.”

07
Our Daily Bread

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

08
With This Ring

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

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.

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.

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.”

12
Remember the Time

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

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.

14
Circle Of Love

Family and friends surrounded the newlyweds on their special day.

15
Checkmate

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

16
Give and Receive

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

17
Mission Impossible

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

18
Served With Love

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

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.

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.

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.

22
Pay It Forward

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

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.”

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.

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