Couple renews vows on eve of their Valentine’s Day 10th anniversary

Jessica and Derrick Prout of Monessen got married 10 years ago.

Love was in the air as two Valley sweethearts renewed their vows on the eve of their 10th anniversary, which falls on Valentine’s Day.

Jessica and Derrick Prout of Monessen held their vow renewal at the same place where they were married, at St. Vincent de Paul’s banquet hall in Monessen. For Jessica and Derrick, renewing their vows meant recognizing how much they’ve grown and changed alongside each other over the past decade.

From left at Friday’s vow-renewal ceremony are Scarlet, Aubree, Jessica, Lilah (in front) and Derrick Prout. Ladimir Garcia / Mon Valley Independent

“In 10 years, you have a lot of different experiences, and I think the first time I said my wedding vows, I had no idea what I was doing or saying,” Jessica said. “Not that I didn’t mean my vows, but I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t know what my vows actually were. This time, I think it has actual meaning to it, so I think it’s more special this time.”

Jessica and Derrick have three children, Aubree, Lilah and Scarlet. Over the years, they’ve also developed their own careers.

“I’m a truck driver, she’s a nurse,” Derrick said. “We work hard. We have a lot of stuff we’re trying to accomplish, and set up the kids for a better start than what we might have had when we were young.”

Jessica and Derrick added that finding God has also helped their journey over the years.

On Friday, with friends, family and their children in front of them, they once again declared their love for each other. Santino Lopez, Jessica’s brother, introduced the couple during their vow renewal ceremony and highlighted the strength of their marriage.

“Derrick, you have walked through trials with strength and steadiness for the good of your family; It is an honor to call you my brother,” Lopez said. “Jessica, you fight for your family with everything you have, no matter what stands in the way. Together with God, you have raised intelligent, loving and beautiful children.”

Derrick was the first to start with his new vows.

“When I stood here 10 years ago, I had no clue the things that would come with marriage or what God had in store for our future,” he said. “In our 10 years, we’ve had some hard times, but the good times have by far outweighed the bad, and as I stand here today, I’m not the same man you married back then, and you deserve so much credit for the man I’ve become.

“You helped me to find God. You helped me become a real father, and you helped me grow from the boy I was then to the man I am today.”

Derrick emphasized how much the choice he made 10 years ago means to him now.

“I made the best decision of my life on that Valentine’s Day, and two more beautiful daughters later, there isn’t a thing I would change,” he added. “I’m so blessed to call you my wife. You’re my favorite person in the world, and I love you more than my words can explain. I’m so happy to be here celebrating our 10th anniversary, and I’m even more excited to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Jessica was next to renew her vows, highlighting how she has seen Derrick grow over the years.

“You are, without a question, the greatest person I’ve ever met,” she said. “Throughout the years, I’ve witnessed you mature into a man of God, and that journey has brought an extraordinary depth and resilience to our family. You’ve transformed your life for us in ways that show your commitment without ever needing to say a word.

“You’re patient, kind and loving. Every day I pray to show even a fraction of the same grace that you show so naturally. I love that after all these years, we still get to laugh like the teenagers who chose to skip swimming class every day together.”

Jessica said she admires how much Derrick loves being a father and that it’s been one of her greatest joys. Jessica continued with her vows, but not without having to fight back tears.

“One unshakable truth that I had to learn in the last 10 years, starting with the first time that we walked on the aisle, is that no matter where we are in life, you will always show up for me, and in many ways, you’ll never understand how you saved me,” she said. “So today, I choose you again with intention and with a love that has been tested, strengthened and refined, fully understanding my commitment to you and wanting to choose you every day for the rest of my life.”