Four Decades of Harmony: Celebrating CeCe and Alvin Love II's 40th Wedding Anniversary

Written By Amber Pruitt // EEW Magazine Online

Congratulations are in order for the beautiful couple, CeCe Winans and Alvin Love II, on their 40th wedding anniversary. (Photo: Hannah Corwin / Illustration: EEW Magazine)

In the world of gospel music, where inspiring voices convey messages of faith and love, none shines brighter than CeCe Winans.

This month, the most-awarded female gospel artist of all time and her husband, Alvin Love II, celebrate a significant personal milestone: their 40th wedding anniversary. Their lasting partnership offers a harmonious example of the enduring power of Christ-centered love.

In a heartwarming Instagram tribute, CeCe shared, “Happy 40th Anniversary! It’s been 40 years Mr. Love, and I’m still in love with you,” accompanied by a series of photos that highlight their romance. The post not only celebrated their union but also showcased the joy and mutual respect that have characterized their relationship over the years.

(Photos: Hannah Corwin / Illustration: EEW Magazine)

The couple's love story began in the 1980s during a family bowling night in Detroit, Michigan, where Alvin was introduced to CeCe by her late brother, Ronald Winans.

Although their first meeting was understated, with CeCe focused more on her burgeoning music career than romance, the seeds of a deep connection were planted. "We didn’t even talk that night," CeCe recalled in an interview with Today’s Christian Woman. "He was cute, but my mind was on singing, not dating."

Their friendship blossomed when Alvin visited the Winans family in Charlotte, North Carolina. During this trip, CeCe saw a side of Alvin that felt both familiar and comforting.

"Alvin joked around like he was one of my brothers, not like someone I didn’t know from Adam," she reminisced. Their ease with each other quickly deepened into affection, and despite their significant age difference—with CeCe at 17 and Alvin at 33—their relationship grew into a profound love.

Winning over CeCe's parents was crucial, and Alvin did so with his sincere Christian faith.

"I asked both her parents, 'Do you have any objection to me dating CeCe?' They said 'Do you love Jesus?' That was their only requirement,” recalled Alvin. “They knew that if I loved the Lord I would love CeCe. Nobody in her family ever questioned me about my life before I became a Christian."

Within a year, the couple wed on June 23, 1984, and their love has thrived ever since. Reflecting on their journey, CeCe shared, “Thank you for picking me Mr. Love and for making our life really sweet.”

CeCe and Alvin II wed on June 23, 1984 and have been going strong ever since. (EEW Magazine)

Attributing their marital success to divine grace, CeCe said, “God’s unconditional love for us makes it possible for us to love each other unconditionally.”

The Loves’ successful union isn’t the only thing they’re celebrating. The two are also proud parents and grandparents. Their family includes their son, Alvin Love III, who married Jasmine in November 2022, and their daughter, Ashley Rose, a wife and mother of two. The couple's grandchildren, Wyatt, Rooney, and Honey, add even more richness to their lives.

In ministry as in life, CeCe and Alvin are partners. They founded Life Christian Church in Nashville in 2012, initially gathering in their home with just 34 attendees. Today, their son Alvin III leads the congregation, continuing the family’s legacy of faith.

To commemorate their 40th anniversary, the Loves participated in a special photo session with renowned photographer Hannah Corwin in Nashville, capturing the essence of their lasting commitment.

As CeCe revels in a season of celebration, her influential presence in the gospel music scene further enhances her joy. Her latest album, More Than This, her second live recording, has garnered widespread acclaim, enriching her already remarkable career.

As the Loves reflect on their four decades together, CeCe and Alvin Love II continue to embody an inspiring narrative of enduring love and faith. Their lives resonate with a symphony of dedication and happiness, dedicated to serving each other and their community.