12 Years of Love Celebrated in Beautiful SC Vow Renewal: Shun’Tanna + Terrance

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. ~1 Corinthians 13:7

Shun’Tanna and Terrance’s marriage exemplifies this Bible verse and speaks to the endurance of true love. They met while in the military and recently celebrated their 12 year anniversary with a glamorous and sentimental vow renewal ceremony. They hosted their family and friends for a week-long celebration in Charleston, SC. Shun’Tanna shares, “We were able to enjoy the beach, seafood and amazing weather.  It was a time that we will never forget!” The fact that guests traveled as far as New Mexico, Texas and Qatar to celebrate this couple’s beautiful union shows the effect that their love has had on those closest to them.

Their renewal was truly a family affair. Shun’Tana’s brother Melvin escorted her down the aisle, their children served as the attendants and groomsman, and Shun’Tana’s aunt was the officiant. During the ceremony the couple asked all of the married couples in attendance to stand, and they said a special pray for them and their marriages. After the outdoor ceremony, everyone headed inside to the reception space, which featured classy black and gold décor.  The infectious smiles on every guest’s face show how much they enjoyed the renewal, and how inspired they were by witnessing the transformative and uplifting power of love.

Quick Facts

How They Met 

Terrance worked as a Dental Hygienist on Fort Gordon, Georgia. Shun’Tanna had just graduated Advanced Individual Training, and was getting her dental exam prior to out-processing the installation as a trainee. He asked for her phone number and she asked how old he was because Terrance at 23 looked about 16 years old. He told Shun’Tanna that he was of legal age and could even buy her a drink if he wanted to so Shun’Tanna gave him her number. She was coming back to Fort Gordon as her first duty assignment in the Army and thought that they could be friends. Shun’Tanna and Terrance started a friendship that eventually blossomed and they became boyfriend and girlfriend a few months later. Their courtship survived Terrance’s first two deployments. Two years later, Terrance asked Shun’Tanna to be his wife and to blend their families of Antquan and Kania together. They married in the conference room at the North Augusta sheriff’s department in North Augusta, South Carolina. Almost a year later they welcomed baby Anika into the world. They have lived around the world—Georgia, Korea, Alaska, and Georgia again where it all started. 12 years of marriage is to be celebrated.

Re-newal Style 

Her favorite Accessories were an heirloom bracelet that was Shun’Tanna’s grandmothers Badgley Mischka Ocean Moon Earrings, and Swarovski Crystal headband. The dress is an ivory Strapless taffeta trumpet gown that features beaded appliques on bust and hip, a ruched bodice, and corset back. The shoes were by Badgley Mishka. The best accessory was a bracelet given to me by grandmother who had passed away a few months earlier.

Incorporation of Culture 

Yes, we jumped the broom and participated in the Covenant of Salt Ceremony.

Most Memorable Moment

Terrance custom designed my wedding ring & band himself with a 3 ct. black diamond center diamond. On wedding/vow renewal day, he surprised me with a pair black diamond studs and bracelet and I gave Terrance a pair of black diamond earrings as gifts. My aunt blessed me with real pearls and a pearl necklace.
It was truly about family. My brother Melvin escorted me down the aisle since both my father and mother are deceased. Our daughters Anika + Kania were Jr. Attendants and Antquan was Terrance’s groomsman. Shun’Tanna’s aunt (maternal) officiated the ceremony. We (entire family) performed a salt ceremony and Terrance and I jumped the broom at the end of the ceremony. During the ceremony we made sure to have all of the married couples in attendance to stand and prayed with them and for their marriages. Our first dance was to Musiq Soulchild – Love. Terrance always sings that song to me!

Another “best memory” of the wedding was seeing all of our friends that we’ve met in the military come from far away (one came all the way from Qatar!). It meant so much to us that our bonds of friendship are that strong that they moved heaven and earth to be there for our celebration. We had friends from Alaska, Kansas, Missouri, Texas, Virginia, Ohio, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Washington State, and Qatar, Our families traveled from Ohio, Virginia, South Carolina, and Georgia.

My bridesmaids made custom t-shirts for everyone that said “KEEP CALM Shun’Tanna + Terrance Are renewing their VOWS.”

Help a Bride Out!

Before you get married, seek counseling, or at the very least decide how you as a couple will attack problems and issues that come up in life. Always be a team! Communication is KEY!

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