Coach Martez & Dr. Woodrina Layton, LPC

Founders

ANNUAL WALK | COUPLE MIXER | LOVE CELEBRATION & GALA

June 05 – 07, 2026
Birmingham, AL

Ronnie & Shamari DeVoe

Marriage Ambassadors & Vision Partners

Presented By:

Coach Martez & Dr. Woodrina Layton, LPC

Founders

ANNUAL WALK COUPLE MIXER LOVE CELEBRATION

AUG. 22-2025

Ronnie & Shamari DeVoe

Marriage Ambassadors & Vision Partners

Our Last Event

7th Annual M4LW Recape

Friday Night Couples Game Night & Mixer

Saturday Morning Walk Event

Saturday Love Celebration & Gala

JOIN US FOR 8TH ANNUAL M4LW

Our Guests

David & Tamela Mann

Special Guest

Dontá & Bonika Wilson

M4LW City Host Couple

Marvin & Sharyn Ellison

Married 4 Life Walk Commitment & Legacy Award Recipients

Manny & Tracie Ohonme

Inspirational speakers

Fly Ty

MC Weekend

Ohavia Phillips

MC Couple Mixer

Bryan & Melanie Pratt

Couples Panel Guests

DJ SHAKIM

DJ Krazy T

DJ Derek Ice

Jay D Jones

Musical Guest

WHAT TO EXPECT

SHARE

With Other Couples

Whether your marriage is thriving, growing, or overcoming, the Walk is an opportunity to share your journey with other couples—offering encouragement, inspiration, and hope as you walk together in unity and purpose. 

STAND

with others

There is power in community! Stand alongside couples from every walk of life who are committed to building strong, healthy, and lasting marriages. Together, we create a visible declaration that love, unity, and legacy still matter.

CONNECT

& create a deeper bond with your spouse

Reconnect, refresh, and reignite your bond. This hand-in-hand walk is a powerful reminder that love grows deeper through intentional moments—no matter where you are in your journey, you and your spouse can walk forward together, stronger than ever.

Friday June 5th, 2026

Saturday June 6th, 2026

The Annual Married 4 Life Walk

The mission of the Married 4 Life Walk (M4LW) is to reinforce the principle of “Walking in Unity.” The purpose of this two-mile walk is to encourage couples to connect, walk, and celebrate with other like-minded couples who are committed to stronger and healthier marriages.

"IT'S NOT JUST A WALK,
IT'S A MARRIAGE MOVEMENT"

*Saturday June 6th, 2026 from 6:30pm - 11pm

The Love Celebration & Gala– A Evening of Elegance & Inspiration

Formal attire. Red carpet entrance. Live music. DJ. Celebrity performances. Heartfelt moments. Bring your dancing shoes and join us for a night where love, joy, and connection fill the air. This is more than an event—it’s the celebration your marriage deserves!

FOUNDERS

Coach Martez & Dr. Woodrina Layton, LPC

Coach Martez & Dr. Woodrina Layton are the co-founders of the Married 4 Life Walk and Dream Builders Marriage Coaching & Counseling, a nationally recognized faith-based relationship practice. Married for over 33 years, this powerful husband-and-wife duo has dedicated their lives to helping couples reconnect, restore trust, and build lasting, purpose-driven marriages.
Coach Martez Layton is a Certified Professional Life & Marriage Coach, military veteran, and recipient of an honorary doctorate in theology for his outstanding work in community development and kingdom building. With over two decades of experience in coaching, counseling, mentoring, and ministry, he is widely known for his prophetic insight and transformative approach to marriage. His life’s journey—from growing up without a father figure to becoming a beacon of hope for men and couples—gives him a unique ability to speak into the heart of marital struggles, reignite purpose, and break unhealthy patterns.

Dr. Woodrina Layton is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and expert marriage coach with over 20 years of experience in education, counseling, and behavioral health. She holds master’s degrees in both Education and Counseling from Regent University and a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Memphis. Her evidence-based, empathetic approach has helped countless women bridge the gap between pain and forgiveness, leading to emotional healing and deeper spiritual connection in their relationships. She also holds an honorary doctorate in theology for her impact in ministry leadership and community development.
Together, the Laytons have shared their story and expertise on platforms such as the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), The 700 Club, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Sister Circle, Good Day Atlanta, and Good Day DC. Their annual Married 4 Life Walk draws thousands of couples each year who are committed to recommitment, reconnection, and fortifying their love. With two adult children and a thriving legacy of hope and healing, Coach Martez and Dr. Woodrina continue to lead the charge in helping couples everywhere build strong, God-centered marriages that last a lifetime.

FOUNDERS

Coach Martez & Dr. Woodrina Layton, LPC

Coach Martez

Coach Martez Layton is a Certified Professional Life & Marriage Coach, military veteran, and recipient of an honorary doctorate in theology for his outstanding work in community development and kingdom building. With over two decades of experience in coaching, counseling, mentoring, and ministry, he is widely known for his prophetic insight and transformative approach to marriage. His life’s journey—from growing up without a father figure to becoming a beacon of hope for men and couples—gives him a unique ability to speak into the heart of marital struggles, reignite purpose, and break unhealthy patterns.

Dr. Woodrina Layton

Dr. Woodrina Layton is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and expert marriage coach with over 20 years of experience in education, counseling, and behavioral health. She holds master’s degrees in both Education and Counseling from Regent University and a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Memphis. Her evidence-based, empathetic approach has helped countless women bridge the gap between pain and forgiveness, leading to emotional healing and deeper spiritual connection in their relationships. She also holds an honorary doctorate in theology for her impact in ministry leadership and community development.

The Laytons – A United Force for Marriages

Together, Coach Martez and Dr. Woodrina Layton embody the strength and beauty of partnership. Married for over 34 years, they share a united mission of helping couples heal, rebuild trust, and create marriages that thrive with purpose and joy.

As co-founders of Dream Builders Coaching & Counseling, Healing Hearts Healing Homes, and the Married 4 Life Walk, The Laytons combine faith, coaching, and counseling to inspire couples everywhere. Their life and work are a living testimony that with clarity, perseverance, and God at the center, every marriage has the power to transform and leave a lasting legacy of love.

MARRIAGE AMBASSADORS & VISION PARTNERS

Ronnie & Shamari DeVoe

Ronnie DeVoe

Ronald Boyd DeVoe Jr, aka “Ronnie”, is a luminary and legend in the music industry. Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, he continues to make his mark as an renowned entertainer and member of New Edition and Bell Biv DeVoe. Beyond music, he's a family man, philanthropist, and enterprising entrepreneur. In addition to his musical success, Ronnie's ventures, like DeVoe Real Estate and Mission Bound Academy, highlight his commitment to advocating through education and wealth creation. As a public speaker, Ronnie leverages his experiences, resources and relationships to help impact lives in communities across the world positively. Healthy marriages, uplifting our youth and mental health awareness are among a number of causes that he supports frequently. In his words, “It’s a blessing to use my gifts and talents to fuel my ultimate purpose, which is to bless others...!

Shamari DeVoe

Shamari DeVoe, born in Detroit and raised in Atlanta, epitomizes the spirit of a modern Renaissance woman. Beyond her roles as a devoted wife and mother to twin boys, she seamlessly navigates diverse realms as a thriving businesswoman, award-winning artist, and accomplished actress. Rising from her pivotal position as one-third of the platinum-selling R&B pop trio Blaque, Shamari has showcased her versatility in iconic films such as "Bring It On" and "Honey," while also gracing the screens of "Housewives of Atlanta" and "BET Presents the Encore." With a dynamic career spanning over two decades, including three albums, notable features, triumphant stage performances, and significant contributions as both an actress and writer, Shamari’s journey is a testament to talent, resilience and ongoing success.

The DeVoes

Renowned for their unwavering commitment to both music and entrepreneurship, Ronnie and Shamari DeVoe, a dynamic power couple celebrating 18 years of marriage, have emerged as influential figures in the world of R&B. Featured in prestigious publications like Essence Magazine and Ebony Magazine, and highlighted on VH1’s “Couples Retreat,” they've earned the title of R&B Royalty. Beyond their musical success, their dedication to family, raising twin boys Ronald and Roman, has transformed them into authentic and relatable Marriage Ambassadors. Sharing their real-life journey, the DeVoes aspire to guide couples through the complexities of long-term relationships. Their upcoming book delves into the tools that fortified their own healthy marriage and family bonds, emphasizing the importance of family unity.

Thank You To Our Previous Community Partners