Kim & Krickitt Carpenter, the real couple who inspired The Vow movie, sat down with their local newspaper yesterday to discuss what it’s like having your life made into a major film.
The Carpenter Family
It’s been 19 years since the Carpenters were in an automobile accident in which both were badly injured and wife, Krickitt, who doctors said had a less than 1% chance of survival, was in a coma for weeks. Krickitt woke, having lost all her memory of the year before the accident – the year that included all memories of her husband.
“The doctors asked her who her husband was and she said I’m not married,’” Kim said (Daily-Times.Com) “They said, Krickitt, you are married. Do you know who your husband is?’ And she said ‘ Todd.’ Todd was an ex-boyfriend.”
To this day, Krickitt cannot remember that lost chunk of her life. Yet, she is still married to Kim and now they have two children, Danny age 11, and LeeAnn age 8.
When asked about the accuracy of the movie in comparison to their lives, they alluded that Hollywood’s version is sensationalized and contains many inaccuracies.
Carpenters Meet Rachel & Channing On Set for The Vow
“I would love to say that I fell in love with him again because that’s what everybody wants to hear,” Krickitt said. “I chose to love him and that was based on obedience to God, not feelings … I chose to love him because I made a vow.”
“And there’s no baseball,” Kim said. In reality, baseball was what brought Kim & Krickitt together. Kim was a baseball coach and at the time, Krickitt was working for the company that Kim ordered team jackets from. That was how they met.
The Carpenters also mentioned how important it was to them to keep the message of the movie as close to the true story as possible.
“At one point in time this movie was going to be rated R and oh man, I threw a fit,” Kim said. “It had the F-word in it and that was not acceptable. It takes a lot for me to say a bad word. In our family, if you say a bad word, you have to pay for it.”
The couple wrote a book first published in 2000. Now they are releasing a new version of the book to coincide with the movie.
“It keeps our story intact,” Krickitt said. “It’s our story; we wrote it.”
Learn More About Kim & Krickitt
The Vow BOOK written by Kim & Krickitt Carpenter
Join the forum discussion on this post
Hi everyone,
We are really excited about the movie coming out. Krickitt and I have been very blessed. Thanks for all of the support, encouragement, and anticipation to see the movie. Krickitt and I have seen the movie and are really excited for you all to see it. Even more exciting is the new book we are releasing. It too will be on shelves the 10th of February. I wish you all the very best of a safe and Happy New Year. God Bless you all and see you at the movies.
Kim and Krickitt Carpenter
The true story behind the movie…
Kim – I saw the trailer for the movie and I wondered if it was your story. We met many years ago when I worked in the legal field. I was so excited that you and your wife were finally having your story told big screen. I will defintiely see the movie and I will be buying the book. I am happy to see you all are still living in New Mexico. I wish the best to both of you!!
Kim and Krickett,
My name is Leslie, and I was at Highlands when you guys met and were married. My ex-husband, Reb Brock, and I were there when he was a football coach from 1992 to 1995. Krickett’s mom used to be one of Reb’s teachers in high school, so he has knew Krickett as a little girl growing up also. I have many memories of talking to Krickett in the Fitness Center at Highlands before and after the accident, and listening as she shared the crazy story that had become your lives. In the beginning I followed your story, but after you were remarried I guess I didn’t see much else about you guys in the press. I am so happy to see that you are thriving as a family, and am so anxious to read the book as soon as possible and then see the movie when it comes out! When I saw the preview for the movie last night, I told my husband that I knew a couple that had something similar happen to them shortly after they were married. He was amazed when I told him the whole story and the wonderful outcome. This morning I decided to Google the movie and there you guys were! Again, I am so happy for you guys and would love to chat sometime and learn more about your family.
The best to you always,
Leslie Cabellos (Formerly Leslie Brock)
I can’t wait until the movie comes out! Wishing you all the best!
Wow your story is really inspiring. I can’t wait to see it in the big screen with my husband on our anniversary date. I don’t want to cry but I think this movie will make me cry. hmmm… really can’t wait. I love Rachel, she’s really pretty.
Hey Kim & Krickitt,
First off, I would like to say your story has changed my entire perspective on Marriage. Lasting, fighting marriages are not common in my family (with the exception of my Grandparents). When I think about my future I always tell myself “What’s the point in monogamy when eventually, may it be 2 or 10 years later, a nasty divorce follows??” Your inspiring story has enabled me to see the importance and severity of Marriage – commitment, dedication and true unconditional love & I am thankful you have managed to share your life with the world, especially me. I am a college-student athlete (softball) at North Carolina A&T SU and I am writing you in high hopes to come in contact with you. Enrolled in a Marriage & Family course, I am expected to complete a project informing our class about a movie with Marriages and or Families facing adversity. Immediately my groupmates suggested “The Vow” and informed me it was based off a true story. We started our research and encountered an inconvenience. A part of our project requirements is to come in some form of contact with the persons the story is about via email, phone or skype. With great optimism, my groupmates and class as well as our Professor would greatly appreciate any source viral or *crosses fingers* physical contact with either of you. Thank You for your time, hope to hear from you soon.
Dominique Majorr Smith
Email: nikkimaries7@yahoo.com
your story rally is inspiring the week the book came out in 2000 my grandma bought it and you guys signed it for her. we just want to wish you guys luck and we are glad you all are okay!
Kim and Krickett,
I remembered your story when the book was published and recently saw trailers at the movie theater and was blown away. I was your neighbor while attending NMHU and Kim was coaching. We met most days in the courtyard of the apartment complex. I immediately called a friend of mine in Phoenix and asked if she remembered you guys as well, which she did . I believe it was the summer and fall of 1994 when I lived in that apartment complex across from you two. I am so happy for you both and your children. As many were, I was saddened by your tragedy but delighted with your outcome. Best wishes!
Hey there Kim and Krickitt! Congratulations on the film. I’m such an idiot, I didn’t even snap to the movie until it premiered this week. When I heard the story line I knew it was you two immediately. The best of luck to both of you. Come to visit in Albuquerque! 232-1120. I’m going to the movies this week for sure!
Dr Krell.