We Shirley Do!

Javette & Derrik's Marriage Celebration

It was 2003 in Norfolk, VA, when Javette traveled to Old Dominion University to visit her twin sister, Javaren. The occasion? A concert that would go down as the event of a lifetime. Javette, joined by Nicole and Janell, made their way to the Ted Constant Convocation Center now known as Chartway Arena to see Lil Jon and the Eastside Boys, Ying Yang Twins and other artists light up the stage for an unforgettable night. But the night didn’t end there.

After the concert, the group headed to IHOP on Military Highway in Norfolk, VA. And that’s where fate stepped in. Javette met Derrik for the first time, and amidst laughter and late-night pancakes, they exchanged numbers. The rest, as they say, is history.

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​​Though separated by over 150 miles, Javette in Northern Virginia and Derrik in Norfolk, they bridged the distance with countless hours of phone calls and cherished visits to each other’s cities. During this time, they connected deeply, sharing conversations about family, friends, music, sports, travel, and relationships. They laughed endlessly and bonded over Derrik’s legendary stories. If you’ve ever heard one, you know he’s a storyteller through and through!

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After 18 years apart, but always keeping in touch, Javette and Derrik found their way back to each other in 2021. What began as the rekindling of a deep friendship soon grew into a beautiful love story. Their journey together took a pivotal turn when Derrik proposed at their first place together on October 8, 2023.

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From that moment, it was clear they didn’t want to wait any longer to begin their life as husband and wife. On December 22, 2023, in Norfolk, VA in an intimate courthouse ceremony with only God and their officiant as witnesses, they said “I do,” starting a new chapter filled with love, faith, and togetherness.

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Life as a married couple has been nothing short of amazing. We've created new traditions, supported each other through challenges, turned ordinary moments into magic, and laughed until we cried over things no one else would understand. From mismatched socks and meal experiments to road trip playlists and inside jokes, our love has settled in like a favorite song... familiar, comforting, and always making us smile. We’ve learned that marriage isn’t just about the big moments, it’s the stolen kisses in the kitchen, the way we reach for each other in our sleep, and the quiet certainty that we’re in this together, forever. For this to be only the beginning, what a beautiful adventure we’re on.