Kelley Louise Carter had always dreamed of meeting the love of her life in a serendipitous moment at Whole Foods. She imagined him wearing a Michigan State University alumni sweatshirt as they both reached for almond milk and locked eyes. However, when she met Moreno Quintell McCalpin in 2021, they were living in different cities, making that fantasy unlikely. Nevertheless, McCalpin became the man who redefined love at first sight for her.
Carter, 46, is a senior reporter at ESPN’s Andscape division, where she covers Black entertainment. McCalpin, 42, is a freelance chemist and lab manager who is passionate about sports. When they connected on Twitter in February 2021, McCalpin instantly recognized Carter’s face from her interviews with athletes and celebrities. To Carter, McCalpin was just one of her many followers on social media, but his kindness brought her comfort during a difficult time.
Covid had taken a toll on Carter that winter, with the world still waiting for the development of a vaccine. She had recently moved into a new house in Los Angeles, leaving behind the daily interactions of apartment living. Stuck at home alone without even a pet, she felt isolated. On the third anniversary of the movie “Black Panther,” she posted a photo of herself with the late Chadwick Boseman on Twitter. McCalpin commented on the picture, complimenting her smile. Carter, touched by the gesture, sent him a direct message to express her gratitude.
Their interaction marked the beginning of a romance that initially made McCalpin question if it was too good to be true. He couldn’t believe that someone like Carter would be interested in someone like him. McCalpin had a challenging upbringing, being raised by his great-grandmother in Memphis after his mother’s struggle with addiction. Sports became his refuge, leading to a scholarship at Lane College. However, his plans to attend pharmacy school were put on hold when he became his great-grandmother’s caregiver after she was diagnosed with leukemia. Since then, he had been working steadily in laboratories, and it was during this time that Carter entered his life.
Carter, on the other hand, had a loving childhood in Southfield, Michigan. Her parents, both involved in education and coaching, created a lively environment for her. Growing up, she developed a passion for Michigan State basketball, thanks to a family connection with former player Kevin Willis. Carter graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in journalism and eventually joined ESPN as a reporter in 2016.
Before transitioning from Twitter messages to late-night phone calls, Carter described her love life as “tragic.” She wanted to find love while also pursuing her career. McCalpin’s story and his kindness captured her attention. Despite facing adversity in his past, he remained positive and caring towards others.
McCalpin, who had experienced interesting relationships in his 20s and 30s, was ready for something more serious when Carter flew to Atlanta for their first date. They explored the Atlanta Botanical Garden, had foot massages, and shared a romantic dinner. By summer, they were flying across the country to see each other regularly, and in June, they officially became a couple. Carter’s best friend, Jemele Hill, was relieved to see the connection between them.
Less than a year later, McCalpin sought Hill’s advice on choosing an engagement ring. On September 25, 2022, during a trip to Dreams Tulum in Mexico, he proposed to Carter with her dream ring—a cushion-cut diamond with baguettes on the band. Carter tearfully accepted, and to her surprise, they were surrounded by friends and family who had flown in to celebrate. Months later, McCalpin moved from Atlanta to Los Angeles to be with Carter in her View Park neighborhood.
On July 14, Carter and McCalpin tied the knot at the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa in Huntington Beach. Their wedding had a vintage Hollywood Governor’s Ball theme, and their 200 guests were asked to dress accordingly. The celebration was filled with love and well wishes for the newlyweds.
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