Colossians 3:14 - 20

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.  

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

I, the Bride, LaToya Neal, am from Durham, NC,  I am the daughter of Joseph & Charisse Torain.  The younger sister of Micheal Neal and the older sister of Derrick Torain. After graduating High School, I attended North Carolina Central University graduating in 2002.  Contrary to Samuel's beliefs, I did not even notice him when he was at NC A&T.

I remember meeting Sam our junior year in college and developing a lasting friendship.  He was cocky (or he would say confident), intelligent and always doing something quirky just to make me smile.  Often times I would, and still will, hold back the smile to make him work a little harder for it. Our "first" date was going to see the movie "The 13th Warrior" and I remember thinking, who watches these kinds of crazy movies. Although it was a strange movie, I enjoyed spending time with him and figured I could train him to watch more amusing movies (so long as it was Rocky). 

Through the years our friendship and love grew.  I watched Sam's passion for God grow and lead him.  His dedication to his family was always present, and he showed me that he was a sincere family man.  The qualities coupled by his drive for success drew me closer to Sam.  Every time I looked into his eyes, I could see the determination he had to be at his best.  He constantly keeps a smile on his face and does all he can to keep a smile on the faces of those around him.

In 2004 our love brought us Samuel F. Thomas, IV who has been a joy and blessing to our lives every day. Samuel has been a loving father and man dedicated to his family.  I look forward to building a God fearing family with Samuel and watching our family grow.  Without Savior at our head along with the support of our family and our friends I know that our future as one will be blessed.  And oh yeah, his movie choices have become much better after a few years with me.

1 Corinthians 13:4-12

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

I, the GROOM, Samuel Thomas, III, am from Statesville, NC.  I am the eldest son of Bishop Samuel and Karen Thomas, and the brother of Christopher Thomas.  After graduating high school, I attended North Carolina A & T State University on a football and academic scholarship (where I believe LaToya first spotted me on the football field as NC A & T Aggies soundly beat her NCCU Eagles at the Aggie-Eagles Classic in 1998. It had to be love at first site when she spotted me on the field).

In 1999 I transferred to North Carolina State University.  It was our Junior year when I officially met LaToya and began building a friendship that quickly turned into more.  Toya's love for Christ, her zeal for education, her desire to bring positive change to the black educational system, and her passion for success drew me into her more.  Her ability to laugh at my corniness, to embrace my oddities and accept my love for football made me see that she was the woman for me.  She even endured going to see "The 13th Warrior" on our first date (Not one of my brighter moves). 

Prayer and laughter has been the backbone of relationship.  Prayer has strengthened our faith, enhanced our communication and helped us overcome.  As the bible says, "Laughter is like a medicine," and I love to make and see LaToya smile and laugh.  Her smile means the world to me.  So much so that I am willing to embarrass myself (and often times her) just to hear her giggle and see her smile come across her face.  She has a smile that will brighten up any room.  Her heart often times makes her go above and beyond for the people in her life.  She will sacrifice to make sure others have what they need.  I thank God daily that she was brought into my life to help me become a better person.

Over the years, our love continued to grow and we shared many joyous moments and life experiences.  In 2004, we celebrated the birth of our son, Samuel F. Thomas, IV who has blessed us daily in his own special way.  Little Sam has been blessed to have a mother who cares for him, supports him and pushes him to be his best.  I can't wait to have LaToya by my side as my wife, as my rib, as my partner.  With God on our side, who can be against us?