Love, when it is rooted in faith and intention, has a way of arriving right on time, and for Bishop Marvin Sapp and his now-wife, La’Boris Cole Sapp, PhD, that time came on March 20, 2026. On the first day of spring, the beloved gospel icon and his bride exchanged vows at The Chosen Vessel Church in Fort Worth, Texas, surrounded by family, flowers, and what can only be described as the fingerprints of God all over every detail.

The wedding, which came as a joyful surprise to most of the world, was actually a year in the making. What the public witnessed was the beautiful result of two purpose-driven people who chose to build their love in private, on a solid foundation, before ever letting the world in. And for those of us from Mississippi, there is an extra layer of pride in knowing that La’Boris is one of our own, a Mississippi native who carried that quiet, rooted strength right down the aisle.

We didn’t do this because it was a secret, but because it was sacred.” La’Boris Sapp

Setting the Date Before the Ring
In what may be the most intentional love story of the year, Marvin and La’Boris actually set their wedding date before he ever formally proposed. The couple began exclusively dating in 2024 with a clear mutual understanding: this was a courtship with marriage as the destination. By 2025, they knew exactly where they were headed, and they planned accordingly. The Bishop shared that neither of them wanted to wait until 2027, so March 20, 2026, the official first day of spring, was chosen deliberately. A new season, in every sense of the word.

She Arrived by Helicopter. Because Why Not?

If there is one image from this wedding that will live in our hearts forever, it is this: La’Boris Cole arriving to her own wedding via helicopter. Wearing a stunning ensemble she had originally planned for the reception, the bride took to the skies with her father and sister for a once-in-a-lifetime bonding moment before walking down the aisle. Her father had never ridden in a helicopter before, and she created that memory with him on her wedding day. That is the kind of intentional love that permeates every corner of this story.

In true creative fashion, that reception look became her helicopter arrival look, which meant she needed a third dress for the evening. Naturally. Her wedding gown, which she designed herself and had hand-sewn in Egypt by Malton Couture, was nothing short of regal. She had sketched her vision for her wedding day look years before and stayed true to it completely. For the reception, she chose a pearl-adorned dress with a slit for dancing and an attached train that was elegant but never in anyone’s way. Three looks, one unforgettable day.

The Ceremony: Faith, Family, and Full Joy

Officiated by Bishop Neil C. Ellis of the Bahamas, the ceremony was as meaningful as it was beautiful. One of the most moving moments came when the officiant asked, “Who gives this man to be wed?” and Marvin’s three children from his first marriage to the late MaLinda Prince Sapp stood up together and said, “We do.” There was not a dry eye in the sanctuary.

The unity ceremony honored the beauty of blended family, with Bishop Sapp, his children, and La’Boris coming together symbolically as one. La’Boris, who comes from a blended family herself, made clear that her heart’s desire is for their family unit to be so tightly knit that you would never know otherwise.

As she walked down the aisle, Bishop Sapp sang her father’s favorite song, “Ordinary Just Won’t Do.” Before she walked, she paused to read aloud a letter she had written to her parents, acknowledging all they poured into her to become the woman she is today. A ballerina graced the space. A sea of flowers set the scene. And throughout it all, the couple laughed together, because that is simply who they are.

Being able to laugh during our wedding ceremony was special to me.” La’Boris Sapp

A Man Who Loves Being a Husband

Bishop Sapp was married for 20 years to his late wife, MaLinda, who passed away in 2010. For 16 years, he navigated life as a widower, raising his children and ministering to millions through his music. His transparency about grief, healing, and hope has made him one of the most beloved voices in gospel. And now, in this new season, he is stepping fully into a role he says he was always built for.

He shared that he is a better husband than he is a boyfriend, simply because he has more experience in that space. He is looking forward to being a covering, an example, a husband in every sense of the word. He calls La’Boris his first ministry, placing her above even the platform God has given him.

I’m looking forward to being who I’ve always known myself to be.” Bishop Marvin Sapp

His children, once their tight-knit crew of “us four and no more,” now joyfully welcome La’Boris and the family she brings with her. “Us four and a few more,” he says with gratitude. This is the legacy he has always envisioned.

Love That Leads with Purpose

What makes this love story so compelling is not just the fairy-tale details, though there are many. It is the intentionality behind every decision. Two goal-oriented people who chose each other with clarity. A bride who knew exactly who she was and showed up as herself, laughter and all, on the most important day of her life. A groom who never stopped believing that love could be his again. A family that chose togetherness. A God who makes all things new.

La’Boris said it best: she looks forward to doing ministry together, changing the world one person at a time, one vision at a time, with her purposed husband. That is not just a wedding. That is a calling answered together.

Congratulations, Bishop and Dr. Sapp. May your spring be long, your love be deep, and your light be bright.

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16