Article By Rebecca Johnson // Love & Marriage // EEW Magazine

In a day and age when toxic relationships, cheating scandals, and high-profile divorces make headline news regularly, it’s nice to see a drama-free, strong Christian married couple thriving.

Dianna Hobbs, the award-winning Founder of Empowering Women Ministries, is celebrating 21 years of marital bliss with her husband, Pastor Kenya Hobbs, by sharing sweet throwback photos of the couple’s 1997 engagement.

The happy wife celebrated the milestone on the Instagram page she started six months ago, writing, “My husband Kenya and I were talking early this morning and reflecting on how grateful we are to have each other. It is a joy to wake up next to him daily. He's my best friend.”

The best-selling author and web publisher told followers that one of her sisters sent the candid photos of Hobbs’ younger self.

“I was 20 years old. We were at a Church of God In Christ banquet. There were 500 guests in the room and I was astonished when Kenya dropped down on one knee,” reminisced Hobbs, 42. “It was the best day ever! I boo-hooed for at least about an hour. I couldn't compose myself. I was in shock.”

The sweet images, which show the emotional then bride-to-be, had not been previously shared publicly.

“I remember the way he hugged me that evening,” continued Hobbs. “He hugs me just like that 21 years later. I remember how happy I was that evening. I'm even happier 21 years later.”

The pair is well-known and respected in their hometown of Buffalo, NY, having received the “Family of the Year” award from the city’s mayor, Byron W. Brown. The two lead City Church Buffalo, an inner-city missions-based ministry, and are the proud parents of four children.