Joey Lawrence and Chandie Yawn-Nelson: How 15 years of love that began on Disney World trip ended in divorce
Joey Lawrence has filed for divorce from his wife Chandie Yawn-Nelson after 15 years of marriage. Here's all you need to know about their love and separation. The former 'Gimme a Break' star Laurence filed for divorce from his wife of 15 years Yawn-Nelson on Tuesday, July 14, according to reports.
Lawrence has starred in several movies including 'Oliver & Company', 'My Fake Fiancé', 'Jumping Ship', 'Saved by Grace' and 'A Goofy Movie'. A few weeks ago, on Father's Day, the actor shared a beautiful fatherly tribute on an Instagram post for his daughters, where he said: "My Reason for Life. My greatest blessings," he wrote on Instagram.
"Being the father of these two amazing, strong, powerful young ladies (and of course my son pictured there in the middle..lol) has brought more joy and happiness into my life than I ever could have imagined." He added, "God bless all the fathers out there who enjoy and share the same blessing of being a Dad. Our job as fathers is unparalleled and literally the most important and meaningful responsibility we ever could have."
Little did the star's followers know that a few days later, the couple will file for divorce. Here's a timeline of their love and separation:
According to Lawrence, it was while he was going to an ice cream parlor in a yacht club resort in Disney World that he bumped into a girl in a yellow poncho. It was Chandler Yawn-Nelson. Later, they went on an ice-cream date . In an interview with People magazine, Lawrence recalled, "Being the cheesy romantic that I was, I said, 'Hey look, there's the Disney wedding chapel. Maybe we'll get married there one day'."
2002: Lawrence marries Michelle Vella
After having a romantic time in Disney World, Lawrence and Yawn-Nelson parted ways and he got married to Michelle Vella.
2004: Lawrence reconnects with Yawn-Nelson
After staying married for two years, the couple parted their ways in 2004. Shortly after his divorce, he met Yawn-Nelson again. On their first meeting, which happened after four-and-a-half years, they "hugged for about five hours", said Lawrence. Later, he proposed to the love of his life "while we were sitting in the car, literally, I didn't even plan it, so it's not some magical moment, but to us, it was," said the actor during an interview.
2005: Lawrence and Yawn-nelson tie the knot
Lawrence and Yawn-Nelson got married in 2005 — the same year when Joey's divorce from Vella was finalized. The couple welcomed baby girl Charleston together that year.
2009: Couple announce second child
In 2009, just after four years of marriage and one kid, the couple announced that they were expecting a second time and this baby was also going to be a girl. "I'm an Estrogen man. I'm from a family of all boys and when I told my best friend Dave that my wife and I were having a second girl. He said Look at you my best buddy Estrogen Man," said the actor during an interview with People magazine.
2010: Couple welcome second child
Lawrence and Yawn-Nelson welcome daughter Liberty Grace.
2020: Lawrence and Yawn-Nelson file for divorce
After 15 years of marriage, the couple filed for divorce on July 14. The reason for the same remains unkown.
