I Do, I Do: Colette Rivers and Marvin Trotter

"The most unusual thing that happened at the wedding was that my veil caught on fire," laughed Colette Rivers. "But that was during the photo session and everything was okay."

Unusual is a word that could characterize the romance of tall, graceful, composed Colette and the equally impressive Marvin Trotter.

Marvin, the baby in the family of seven children born to Lois and John Trotter Sr. and only-child Colette, the daughter of Evelyn Britton, were like two meteorites circling in a long orbit, destined to collide.

"We hadn’t seen each other in 20 years. We both went to Petersburg High School and graduated in 1988," explained Colette. "I knew who he was, but we never really talked."

"I knew who Colette was," Marvin quickly interjected. "In fact, I had a little crush on her. Our families had ties—my father was actually her mother’s softball team coach and I had been their bat boy."

Brainy, hard-working Colette was wrapped up in academics. Athletically gifted Marvin was demonstrating his talent on the basketball court. "He was in the ‘cool’ group," laughed Colette.

After graduating from North Carolina A&T State University, Colette became a real estate investor, associated with A Better Place, LLC, in Richmond. In the fall of 2006, she was planning a business trip to Houston.

"An old school friend, Dwayne Jefferson, told me Marvin was there," she recalled. "So I left a message."

Still-single Marvin, who had become a mortgage specialist after attending Virginia State University, wasted no time finding out Colette’s marital status. "I called Dwayne first, then Colette—and I asked her out."

Colette was sitting at the bar in Applebee’s when Marvin walked in. "Oh, he’s cute!" was her reaction. Marvin took one look at his beautiful former schoolmate and soon hurried her off to another restaurant for dinner.

"We’re having a good time and in walks my brother Michael who also lives in Houston. He sits down and orders a meal!" laughed Marvin.

After some body- language hints, Michael remembered an important appointment and left the two alone.

"Later, when we were outside, Marvin asked me for a kiss. I had never had anyone do that before," smiled Colette.

As the romance unfolded, busy Colette was also finishing up her MBA at Averett University and graduating on Dec. 6.

"I told my mom, ‘By the way, Marvin Trotter is coming to visit from Houston. ‘Oh?’ she said," laughed Colette.

As things progressed, Marvin moved back to the Richmond area. "We were learning a lot about each other," remarked Colette. The two grew close and the inevitable wedding ring topic came up—and up—and up.

"I said to Marvin, "We’ve looked five times, make it happen!" laughed Colette.

On Aug. 14, 2009, Marvin arranged a dinner at deLux on West Main Street. "We were walking up to the second floor—I felt so nervous."

"I was relaxed," remembered Colette, who had settled into an overstuffed chair. "Marvin started talking about how much I meant to him. I was just enjoying listening. He paused so I excused myself and went to the ladies’ room."

"And then my phone rings. It’s my sister. ‘Did you do it yet?’ she asked," laughed Marvin.

Colette returned, and once again Marvin started talking.

"All of a sudden I look over at him—"

"And I’m on one knee!" laughed Marvin.

 "Then he pulled out a ring!" said Colette. " It was amazing. But seriously, when I was much younger, I had written a list of what I wanted in a man. And recently when I looked at the list— I said, ‘It’s Marvin!’ "

Colette and Marvin’s Shout-Out Section
Brides to Be & C.W. Tuxs | Groom’s Tuxedo | www.brides2be.yolasite.com
Flowers by Mona Ray | Bridal Flowers | www.flowersbymonaray.com
Kimie James of IYQ Photography.  | Photography | www.iyqphotography.com 
Personal Touch Sedans | Transportation | www.ptsedan.com