WALB is working to produce a video specific to this story. In the meantime, watch other Love Stories above.

ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Sometimes, the right relationship doesn’t happen at the right time.

For Reginald and Bernetta Sweet, love didn’t begin perfectly but it began intentionally. Their journey included a rejected first invitation, an unexpected direct message, and hard-earned lessons from previous marriages.

Now approaching their eighth wedding anniversary this September, the South Georgia couple says their story is rooted in growth, resilience, and a decision many couples struggle to make: choosing to stay, even when it’s hard.

A love story that started with a DM

Like many modern relationships, theirs began online — but not exactly how Bernetta planned.

She recalled making a social media post explicitly stating she did not like when people asked her out through Facebook Messenger.

Reginald laughed as he remembered his response: “And I inboxed her anyway.”

That bold, rule-breaking move worked.

“He gets about an 8 out of 10 for that DM,” Bernetta joked.

What started as a simple message quickly developed into a relationship built on friendship, mutual understanding, and an abundance of laughter.

The date that changed everything

Their first date wasn’t extravagant. With money tight at the time, the two chose something simple: a walk through Turtle Park.

What they lacked in budget, they made up for in connection, spending more than three hours talking, laughing, and learning about each other’s lives.

One unexpected moment still stands out to Reginald: watching a large man walk a tiny poodle. The sight sent the pair into uncontrollable laughter.

For the Sweets, that shared humor became a cornerstone of their foundation.

“Even in hard times, we find a way to laugh,” Bernetta said.

Sometimes, timing makes all the difference

What many people don’t know is that Bernetta actually made the first move long before that social media message.

She admitted that she had asked him out first.

Reginald turned her down.

At the time, both were coming out of previous marriages and working through their own personal healing.

“I didn’t think she was ready,” Reginald said. “And honestly, neither was I.”

Looking back, both agree the timing mattered and protected what was to come.

“If we had started then, we might not be here now,” Reginald added.

A blended beginning

When they finally came together, they brought more than just themselves — they brought four children.

Reginald entered the marriage with a son and a daughter, while Bernetta brought two sons of her own.

“It was a full house,” Bernetta said with a smile. “It’s not a full house anymore because they are all grown.”

Today, the Sweets are enjoying a new chapter as proud empty nesters. Their adult children have built lives centered around service and education: their oldest son serves in the U.S. Air Force, the next oldest works for the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, their daughter earned a criminal justice degree from Alabama A&M University, and their youngest son is preparing to join the U.S. Navy.

Getting to this peaceful chapter, however, took intentional work.

Blending two households meant merging parenting styles, personal beliefs, and single-parent routines while adjusting to a brand-new marriage.

“Blending that family — not only just blending the children together, but blending our parenting styles, our beliefs — that was an adjustment period for everyone,” Bernetta said.

Reginald emphasized that dedication and grace carried them through the hardest growing pains.

“We had challenges, like all married couples that have blended families, but we were dedicated and committed to make sure that this transition would be smooth,” Reginald said. “And gave ourselves grace, because there were mistakes along the way.”

Doing the work

As a second marriage for both, the Sweets understood they could not carry old habits or unresolved pain into a new relationship.

“I had to ask myself, ‘What did I do wrong?’” Bernetta said. “I didn’t want to bring those same issues into this marriage.”

That honest self-reflection led to personal growth and therapy so she could show up as her best self.

Today, the couple uses those lessons to guide others through their relationship coaching platform and counseling business, The Sweet Spot.

Their philosophy is simple: you cannot coach someone through challenges you are unwilling to work through yourself.

“We can’t coach others through something we’re not willing to work on ourselves,” Reginald said.

Space, grace and growth

One of the elements the Sweets value most is the freedom to evolve as individuals while building a life as a unit.

“I love that we give each other space to grow and evolve,” Bernetta said. “We don’t hold each other back.”

Whether it is spending time with friends or pursuing personal interests, they believe maintaining individuality strengthens their marriage.

“We’re one,” Reginald said, “but we’re still individuals.”

A rule that changed everything

Early in their marriage, the couple made a pact that fundamentally shaped their future: divorce would never be used as leverage or a threat during conflict.

“We took it off the table,” Bernetta said.

Rather than allowing separation to linger as an escape hatch, they committed to working through disagreements together. That mindset helped them navigate tough seasons without losing sight of their permanent commitment.

Anchored in faith and 1 Corinthians 13, Bernetta noted that true love is patient, kind, and keeps no record of wrongs.

“I’ve learned to love him with grace, even when it’s not easy,” she said.

Reginald agreed, emphasizing that love is a daily commitment: “No matter what happens, love is always there. You just have to choose it.”

What they admire most

Even after years together, mutual respect remains at the center of their marriage.

Bernetta points to Reginald’s consistency and character.

“His determination to be better every day — as a man, husband and father — that’s what I admire most,” she said.

For Reginald, it is Bernetta’s heart.

“She has a passion for helping other women and uplifting people,” he said.

And when asked who is more stubborn in the household? Neither hesitated.

“Bernetta,” they both laughed.

Worth the fight

Through every adjustment, difficult season, and lesson learned, the Sweets say their core message to other couples is simple: don’t give up.

“There were times it would’ve been easy to walk away,” they said. “But it was worth the fight.”

Reginald reflected on how their early efforts paved the way for where they are now.

“We worked hard in the beginning,” Reginald said. “Now we get to enjoy the bigger things.”

Through The Sweet Spot, Reginald and Bernetta continue to pour into other couples, sharing the blueprint that sustained their own household. Their story serves as a reminder that lasting love does not mean avoiding challenges — it means having the courage, patience, and intentionality to face them together.

Want to share your love story? CLICK HERE.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2026 WALB. All rights reserved.