Bride: Yvonne Morgan
Groom: Keith Morgan
Homebase: New York City
Original Wedding Date & Location: November 28, 1970; Orange, New Jersey
Vow Renewal Date: November 27, 2010
Vow Renewal Location: Riu Montego Bay, Jamaica

Young Love “She used to come over my house to visit my sisters,” says Keith when asked how he and his wife of forty years met. Yvonne confirms adding that she thought Keith was quiet and handsome. Keith says while courting Yvonne he often “took her out and bought her things.” He immediately identified her as someone he would marry. And that he did.

Our Day, Our Way The young couple met in their native Jamaica, West Indies but had migrated to America by the time they tied the knot. Void of bells and whistles, the pair said “I Do” in the home of Yvonne’s aunt before fifty or so loved ones. Yvonne admits that she knew Keith was the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with after they became husband and wife. Together they made their way to the big city of New York determined to make it with little more than their love to help along the way.

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[All photos courtesy of The Morgans.]

For Richer and Poorer, In Sickness and Health No one ever said love prevents life’s valleys and challenges from finding all of us eventually. Keith brought a son to the marriage and together the couple had a daughter. While their children brought them joy, the financial responsibilities of raising them at times proved stressful. “Both of us were unemployed at one time and bills still needed to be paid. However, we stay focused until we got back on our feet,” reflects Keith who also says that in 40 years of marriage he’s learned to take care of his family. Yvonne shares another particularly rough time for the couple, “The first time I saw my husband sick with pneumonia in the hospital.” As trying as these times were, the Morgans persevered and after being hitched four decades they are still crazy in love with each other.

Second Time Around To commemorate their 40th anniversary, Yvonne and Keith decided to return to their homeland and the place responsible for bringing them together, Jamaica. “We were excited to exchange vows there because it is our birthplace,” exclaims Keith. One hundred friends and family members journeyed to the island over the Thanksgiving holidays to witness Yvonne and Keith say “I Do, Again”. In addition to the renewal of their vows, loved ones enjoyed a turkey dinner (in honor of Thanksgiving) together prior to the ceremony, plus participated in many fun activities such as day visits to Dunn River Falls and Bob Marley’s home. The entire affair was orchestrated by their daughter, LaToya, who was more than happy to lend a hand for her parents big day. “I was committed to make their dreams come true for this milestone occasion,” she shares. “Our theme was love,” Yvonne notes. When Keith is asked why it was important for him to renew his vows he answers honestly: “Because my wife wanted to do it.”

*BONUS* The Morgans Share their Advice for Nearlyweds & Newlyweds:

Keith says: “Be a faithful husband and be an unmiserable wife.”

Yvonne says: “Trust your spouse.”

The Morgan’s Money Saving Tips for Future Brides:

Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day When Yvonne and Keith first wed, their nuptials were quite modest and intimate. They made the discerning decision to wait until they were financially secure (they’ve since sent their children to college and even witnessed their youngest child become a homeowner) to host a bigger affair in celebration of their resilient love.

Use Resources Wisely The Morgans didn’t hire a professional wedding planner but enlisted the expertise of their daughter LaToya, who has a background in special events and marketing, to execute the details of their renewal. Not only was she free but truly had the couple’s best interest at heart in every step. 

Get and Stay Focused “Know exactly what you want the end result to be.  For example, we brought in our own preachers (rather than using those offered by resort) to ensure the ceremony could be in the evening and private for the price we wanted to pay,” shares LaToya.

Take a look at past Tie the Knot Tuesday features here.

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