DeVon Franklin and Maria Castillo: Why They Didn’t Live Together Before Marriage
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DeVon Franklin, known for his work in the entertainment industry as a producer and preacher, recently shared an exclusive insight into his marriage with Maria Castillo. The couple, who tied the knot on August 2 after an 8-month engagement, opened up about their decision not to live together before marriage. In a candid interview with PEOPLE while promoting his upcoming Netflix film Ruth & Boaz, Franklin shed light on their unique journey.
Despite their whirlwind romance and wedding celebrations, Franklin revealed that the couple had yet to embark on a honeymoon due to their busy schedules. “The vision was to create an experience that felt deeply meaningful and reflective of who we are, not just as individuals, but as a couple,” shared Castillo Franklin. The couple is currently in the process of settling into their new life together post-wedding.
Apart from their personal lives, Franklin has been heavily involved in the entertainment industry this summer. From starring in Tyler Perry’s latest drama Divorced Sistas to producing Ruth & Boaz alongside Perry, Franklin’s plate has been full. When asked about the choice not to live together before marriage, Franklin pointed out that while religion may have influenced their decision, practical considerations also played a significant role.
Maria Castillo, who had never lived alone before, felt it was important to experience independence before taking the leap into living together with Franklin. This decision, while rooted partially in their faith, allowed them to deepen their understanding of each other and build anticipation for this new chapter in their lives. Franklin emphasised that marriage is not the end goal but rather the beginning of a shared journey.
The couple’s love story began in 2023 when they were introduced by Castillo’s business partner. Following a romantic proposal in Maui last year, their wedding ceremony in Los Angeles marked the official start of their married life together. Reflecting on their engagement, Castillo Franklin expressed her joy at the prospect of spending forever with Franklin, describing it as a dream come true.
On the professional front, Franklin is gearing up for the release of Ruth & Boaz on Netflix, the first project from his partnership with Perry focusing on faith-based content. The film, starring Serayah and Tyler Lepley, offers a modern retelling of the Biblical romance between Ruth and Boaz. Set to premiere on September 26, the movie explores themes of love, loss, and new beginnings.
As Franklin and Castillo embark on this new chapter of their lives, their decision not to live together before marriage serves as a testament to their commitment to understanding and respecting each other’s individual paths. By prioritising both spirituality and practical considerations, the couple has set a strong foundation for their future together. Their story is a reminder that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to relationships, and each couple must navigate their journey in a way that feels authentic to them.