Meet The Marshall Family
Today’s Triple B featured couple Kimberly and Damion wed on August 7, 2009. I typically only feature couples in Marriage Matters who have been hitched 10 years or more I think you’ll agree The Marshalls have a story worth sharing now.

The couple has known each other through two sets of friends since 2000 but didn’t come together until a mutual friend re-connected them at a party in December 2008. They immediately started dating one week after the party and became inseparable. They realized they wanted the same things in life: marriage, children and ultimate happiness in a healthy partnership (marriage).

In March 2009 their love was tested when Kimberly went to the emergency room to check out a boil on her skin and the hospital failed to give me the correct medication/treatment. She was forced to have open heart surgery at 30 years old. She did most of her recovery at her mother’s apartment in the Bronx, New York. Damon maintained her apartment in Harlem, New York by doing laundry, cleaning and overseeing the upkeep. The couple made wedding plans to get married in August of the same year.

Kmberly bought her wedding dress — an off-white cocktail dress — off the rack a block away from the Court House (where they were married). Damon opted for a chambray pinstripe suit and off-white leather sneakers from discount retailer Daffy’s. Kimberly’s mother organized a family and friend reception at a family member’s home in Mount Vernon, New York for nearly 75 people.

Soon the newlyweds learned they were expecting! But Kimberly faced yet another surgery during her pregnancy for ovarian torison. Thankfully, the couple’s beloved son, Mandela Iyanu Marshall, was born the following year on May 11, 2010.

Check out their candid Q&A about love, family and not having a blueprint for marriage:

Black Bridal Bliss: What advice do you have have newlyweds reading this?
Kimberly: Being newly married is a happy time in your life as a adult but don’t forget yourself. Once you are married, you should still get dressed up, keep yourself well-maintained – hair, skin, nails and body, workout, stay current in music, film, books, restaurants and yes even sports. During your first year of marriage make sure you have date night once or twice a week — to be honest this is mandatory forever! The best overall advice is understand this is the best partnership you will ever have but like any partnership you must work hard and long at it to be successful.
Damon:Be committed to the commitment.

BBB: Damon, how has your love for Kimberly grown since the birth of your son?
Damon: Being present in the delivery room (she had a C-section so I wasn’t allowed to actually see anything) made me appreciate women on another level. Fully understanding that my wife is a giver of LIFE made my love for her infinite! She is, as all women are — a Goddess. Once you procreate with someone, a spiritual bond is formed that cannot be broken no matter your circumstance with that individual. She is my everything.

BBB: Damon, your marriage has truly endeared “in sickness and in health”. How have you and Kimberly sustained?
Damon: We have a unwavering faith in God and are really spiritual. Having our moral fiber intact along with positive energy in our inner as well as outer circle also helps.
Kimberly and Damon on their wedding day!
BBB: Kimberly, what was the best piece of marriage advice you received on or around your wedding day and why?
Kimberly: Listen to your spouse. Don’t forget about yourself. Understand that this is forever and it’s a responsibility and commitment. I think our elders shared this because in our society we are very temporary, especially in the African American community where marriage exists but is not taught. Being married in our community is not a goal for our men or women so we really don’t have a blueprint of what to do.
Damon:The best pieces of advice in general I have received is to keep lines of communication open at all times, never go to bed angry at one another and have date night at least once a week. As far as individual advice, I was told to keep your love sustained you have to keep it fresh and new as much as possible. Spontaneity is key.

What do you think of the above words of wisdom?