The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel

50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration

St. Matthew Catholic Church

Thanksgiving Mass

Our Wedding

Two Hearts That Beat as One

Fifty years of marriage blossomed from taking things one day at a time. It was a humble beginning that started with love at first sight in Atta, Imo State, Nigeria.

We got married on October 11th, 1976 in Edinboro, Pennsylvania, though to us it seems like it was yesterday. It took courage and determination to take those giant steps at such a young age. It was scary; we did not know what to do with each other. We weren't even sure we knew what love was. But we refused to give up on each other. And as we learned how to love each other, our marriage grew stronger and sweeter with each passing day. We became two hearts that beat as one.

We mapped and discussed our future endeavors, our ambitions. We navigated all difficulties life presented together, with joy and happiness. Life took us from Nigeria to Edinboro to Philadelphia to Laurel Springs, New Jersey to Waxhaw, North Carolina, and places in between. Along the way, we decided to have a family. God blessed us with five beautiful children (three boys and two girls), a son-in-law and a grandson. As God would have it, they are all doing very well. Today, Goddy has retired after working forty-one years as an Industrial Chemical Engineer in Research and Development. Anne continues to work as a Finance Professional.

Our Golden Anniversary is a celebration of enduring love, partnership, care, and commitment; and, it is the embodiment of our souls as one. Unity and love reign supreme, as it has always been in our fifty-year journey.

We were Blessed and continued to be Blessed. Thanks to the Almighty Father who is all the time in our midst and made our journey possible from then until now and forever. To Him, we give the Glory.

Our Story

On October 27, 2001, we celebrated our 25th Wedding Anniversary with a vow renewal and reception. Family members and friends who played an important part in our journey were there. It was one of the happiest days of our lives. A day we will never forget. Take a trip down memory lane as we excitedly await to celebrate our Golden Anniversary with you all (again).

Relive Our 25th

Check-In: Friday, October 30, 2026Check-Out: Sunday, November 1, 2026 Rate: $299/night + taxTo secure this rate, reservations must be made by September 30. Reservations can also be made by calling (800) 325-3589. You must mention Godknows &amp; Anne Ibekwe 50th Wedding Anniversary to receive the discounted room rate.

The Ballantyne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte

FIND ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS FOR LODGING BELOW.

All of these hotels are less than a 10-minute drive to the venue. Please note we do not have discounted rates at these places.

-<a href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/cltae-ac-hotel-charlotte-ballantyne/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AC Hotel (Charlotte Ballantyne)</a> -<a href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/cltbl-courtyard-charlotte-ballantyne/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Courtyard by Marriott (Charlotte Ballantyne)</a> -<a href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/cltbt-springhill-suites-charlotte-ballantyne/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">SpringHill Suites by Marriott (Charlotte Ballantyne)</a> -<a href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/cltcd-courtyard-charlotte-waverly/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Courtyard by Marriott (Charlotte Waverly)</a> -<a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/cltpght-home2-suites-charlotte-piper-glen/?SEO_id=GMB-AMER-HT-CLTPGHT&amp;y_source=1_MTMyMTIwMDItNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Home2 Suites by Hilton (Charlotte Piper Glen)</a> -<a href="https://www.airbnb.com/s/Ballantyne--Charlotte--NC/homes?refinement_paths%5B%5D=%2Fhomes&amp;monthly_start_date=2026-05-01&amp;monthly_length=3&amp;monthly_end_date=2026-08-01&amp;price_filter_input_type=2&amp;channel=EXPLORE&amp;date_picker_type=flexible_dates&amp;checkin=2026-10-30&amp;checkout=2026-11-01&amp;flexible_trip_lengths%5B%5D=weekend_trip&amp;search_type=autocomplete_click&amp;price_filter_num_nights=2&amp;zoom_level=12&amp;place_id=ChIJO9L2lSidVogRPhzB4XTGSzU&amp;location_bb=QgxD%2B8KhoNpCDA86wqHAsw%3D%3D&amp;acp_id=t-g-ChIJO9L2lSidVogRPhzB4XTGSzU" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Airbnb</a>

Accommodations

Getting to Charlotte

For any guests who plan on traveling by air, we recommend flying into Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).

Getting Around Charlotte

The Charlotte metropolitan area is a driver's city. If you will not have your car, your best options for getting around is Lyft/Uber or renting a car. Many of the major car rental companies have offices at CLT airport.

Event Parking

There is free parking available on the premises.

Transportation

Dining

<a href="https://thebowlnc.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Bowl at Ballantyne</a>A walkable complex with restaurants and shops. <a href="https://www.theportershouse.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Porter's House</a>Steakhouse. <a href="https://www.roosterskitchen.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rooster's</a>Seasonal American fare. <a href="https://midwoodsmokehouse.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Midwood Smokehouse</a>Barbecue. <a href="https://800degreescharlotte.com/charlotte-south-park-8000-carolinas-lounge" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The 800° Lounge</a>Cocktail bar. <a href="https://www.ombbeer.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Olde Mecklenburg Brewery</a>Local beer garden. <a href="https://www.iamaflowerchild.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Flower Child</a>Healthy food with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. <a href="https://www.waverlyclt.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Waverly</a>A walkable complex with restaurants and shops. <a href="https://www.eatandys.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Andy's Frozen Custard</a>Drive-through / walk-up dessert service.

Activities

<a href="https://middlecjazz.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Middle C Jazz Club</a>Intimate music setting with small bites and cocktails. <a href="https://topgolf.com/us/charlotte/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Topgolf</a>High-tech driving range and lounge.

Anne & Godknows

Anne & Godknows

A&G

50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration

Thanksgiving Mass