When Kim and Aaron Rhodes met in 1998, she was managing a store, and Aaron, who was in the military, got a part-time job there.

A work friendship soon developed into a mutual attraction, and sparks began to fly.

“We started dating and got married a couple of years later,” Kim said.

Then problems arose. Problems that didn’t appear to have a solution and grew bigger and bigger.

“We were both very young, and the marriage didn’t last,” Kim said. “Over the first 15 years after our divorce, we did not have the best relationship with each other.”

Their young son, however, provided a bridge to help his parents gradually find mutual ground.

“We grew to a point where we started to become friends through co-parenting our son well,” Kim said.

That teamwork began paying off.

Before they knew it, Kim and Aaron found that a little ember remained from that spark that they thought had long been extinguished. That renewed interest led to a date. Then another and another. And then Kim and Aaron found that their love was rekindled.

Soon a more permanent reconciliation appealed to both of them. That led Aaron to think about his second proposal to his love.

“We discussed marriage a few times, but she didn’t know when it was coming,” Aaron said. “I chose a location that she would least expect a proposal. I knew she would want to share the special moment with her sister, so we planned it together. I proposed, and she said yes, but still in disbelief that it was happening. I can remember her saying ‘stop playing’ until she saw the ring and her sister crying.”

Kim and Aaron decided to get married on their original wedding date. And even with all the excitement, nerves and busyness of the day, there was one special moment on that second wedding day.

“It was seeing both families there together in one place loving on each other,” Aaron said. “The families always have had mutual admiration for each other.”

The Coastians went to the Bahamas for their honeymoon. Aaron is now a retired military veteran, and Kim, who is from Pass Christian, is a housewife.

Kim has some words of advice, gleaned from years of experience.

“Life isn’t always perfect and true happiness doesn’t come easy. It’s overcoming obstacles, challenges and fighting to be together. It was worth every second, minute and hour because we are here together.”

 

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VENDORS

Photographer: Steve Linhoss Photography

Ceremony venue: Oak Crest Mansion

Reception venue: Beach Blvd. Steamer

Florist: Village Florist

Caterer: Beach Blvd. Steamer

Makeup: Michelle Fields

Hair: Hair Power

Shoes: David’s Bridal

Wedding gown: David’s Bridal

Tux: Men’s Warehouse

Bridesmaid dresses: David’s Bridal

Clergy/Officiant: Dwayne Watson, Coastlife Church

Cake: Fleur de lis Gourmet Bakery