Gregory & Carol Cole
Greg and Carol Cole are Wichita residents who’ve been married since 1991. Greg is originally from Baltimore and met Carol, a Wichita native, when he was on active duty in the Army and had just arrived in Wichita. He’s a business owner and she’s an executive secretary. Combined, they have three children and seven grandchildren.
How did you meet?
Greg and Carol connected thanks to a hookup by her sister, Carla Eckels. Greg was on the campus of Wichita State University, where Carla worked. When they met, Carla thought he would be a great catch for her sister and asked if he was married. She invited Greg to their church, St. Paul AME, to meet Carol. That was Feb. 1990 and the couple married 18 months later. When you know, you know.
How was your first date?
Greg – Our first date was at Bennigan’s. We shared wings and dessert together, which is a big deal because Carol doesn’t allow ANYONE to eat off her plate.
The Turn (How did you know he/she was the one?)
Greg – I knew she was the one for me when she was hesitant to allow someone to get close to her child without first knowing the character of the person and the fact that she did not enjoy cooking on a regular basis. (Sounds like Greg’s the cook in this house.)
Carol – I knew he was the one when he took me to Baltimore to meet his family. They are just like him,
so loving and kind.
What were a few memorable parts of the wedding?
The day we married was the heaviest rainfall in the city in a long time, still to this day, and yet everyone that was invited showed up and had a ball.
Greg – I remember the music and song selections that were sung by our friends and the reception that followed with a cake that had three flavors.
Carol – The ceremony was spirit filled and the after party was EPIC with lots of dancing!
Who’s the neat freak?
We both share in the effort of keeping things in order. Neither of us is compulsive about it though.
What chore does your spouse hate doing the most?
Greg does not like cleaning bathrooms and Carol prefers not to cook if she does not have to.
Who does the cooking?
Greg, Greg, and Greg because he is much better at it. (Confirmed, Greg does the cooking.)
What have you learned to appreciate about your wife/husband that you didn’t know when you were first married?
Greg – I appreciate the fact she lets me be the authentic me and she does not let anyone try to take advantage of my kindness and generosity.
Carol – I appreciate how incredibly generous he is with his time, talent and treasure.
Words of wisdom for other couples?
Continue to date throughout your marriage. Cultivate your friendship. Be active listeners and strive to move on from adversity and hardships. Actively appreciate each other and value what they bring to the relationship. Always say “please” and “thank you.”
What song is on your romantic playlist?
Our playlist is always evolving so anything by Babyface and After7. They always seem to get it right!
Dr. Jesse & Mary Barnes
Dr. Jesse Barnes, Ed.D., from Wichita, and Mary from Kansas City, have been married since 2006 and made Kansas City their home. Jesse is executive director of Grace United Community Ministries and the Aim for Success educational program. Mary is a contract and compliance administrator for the Port Authority of KCMO. They have no children.
How did you meet?
Jesse and Mary were introduced by a mutual friend on the steps of the Atlanta University Library. Mary attended Clark Atlanta University and Jesse went to Morehouse College.
How was your first date?
Ten years after meeting in Atlanta, they became reacquainted when the two were bridesmaid and groomsman in their respective college friends’ wedding in Memphis. Jesse reached out to Mary and visited her in Kansas City. He sent her a dozen pink roses in advance and took her to dinner at The Cheesecake Factory.
What were a few memorable parts of the wedding?
Over 300 guests attended their wedding at St. John’s United Methodist Church on Ward Parkway. The couple was escorted in a vintage 1955 Bentley to the three-course dinner reception at the Country Club Marriott. The music included a string ensemble, trumpets, a guest soloist from Atlanta, and a serenade by the groom to the bride during the ceremony.
Who’s more social?
Both Mary and Jesse are outgoing and active in the community including: church ministry, Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, boards, and a host of cultural affairs including the symphony, theater, banquets, and philanthropic events.
What place within 200 miles would you like to go to spend a few days? What would you do there and why?
Jesse and Mary enjoy visiting Branson, MO, for the lakes, quaint restaurants, shopping and spending time together.
Who tends to be more romantic?
In our relationship, it depends on the time of year and our schedule. Sometimes it’s Jesse with romantic nights on the town, and then it’s Mary setting the scene for a romantic evening at home.
Who’s better at gifting?
Early in our marriage, we read “The Five Love Languages: How to Express Commitment to Your Mate” by Gary Chapman. One of Mary’s love languages is receiving gifts. Jesse enjoys finding special gifts, and over the years has built her jewelry (and other collections) through gifting.
What have you learned to appreciate about your wife/husband that you didn’t know when you were first married?
Jesse – She provides significant insight into various situations, is a supporter and has assisted me through the years in my role as a nonprofit executive.
Mary – He is a wonderful encourager, confidant, and has thought provoking conversation that ensures as long as we are together we will always have an enjoyable time.
Words of wisdom for other couples?
Placing God at the center of their lives is essential to a happy marriage. Communication is important and spending time together is also a foundation of a good relationship.
What song is on each of your romantic playlist?
“Forever” by Jason Nelson
“Overjoyed” by Stevie Wonder
“Sentimental Reasons/Tenderly/Autumn Leaves Medley” by Natalie Cole
