“The Love Experience” is an editorial project that features dynamic couples in love. The series, shot by fashion photographer Bryce Lennon, celebrates diversity through the perspective of underrepresented relationships.”

Checking in with Love: Chris + Nivi

Hey everyone! Lets meet our final couple of the Love Experience Cycle 3, Chris and Nivi! What started as a simple date, became something much more lasting. Sounds interesting, right? Read about their beautiful story below:

How did you two meet? What were some of you first impressions?

Chris: We met on a dating app called Hinge!

Our first date was at a restaurant. When she walked in the door, I was pleasantly surprised! Nivi was more beautiful than I expected, and she was great to be around. We had great conversations the entire evening.

Nivi: Chris made everything so easy, even during those awkward first date moments. He seemed like a great guy, and I was very intrigued.

What are some of things that keeps your relationship growing?

Nivi: Communication is a big component of our relationship, and Chris is really good with checkpoints (How are you feeling? How are things going?) We normally check-in with each other throughout the week.

What is the biggest strength of our relationship?

Chris: It goes back to communication. Our daily check-ins are very important.

Nivi: For me, this relationship feels very different. Chris creates a space of safety and security, especially when it comes to my feelings (A quality that should never be taken for granted).

As couple, what do you do together for fun?

Nivi: Anything relating to good movies (We’re obsessed with the Marvel Cinematic Universe), television shows, listening to music and podcasts, and hanging out with each other. I’m interested in seeing what he’s interested in. We’re still in the early stages of our relationship, since its only been a year and a half. It’s so interesting learning more about Chris.

Chris: We spend a lot of time traveling to different states together (DC, New York, Chicago, and San Diego later this month).

For anyone struggling in the dating world, what advice would you give them in regards to sustaining a healthy and loving relationship?

Chris: Get a sense of your priorities. Think about some of things you value, and find that within your partner. Also, don’t compromise on your core values! That’s very important.

Nivi: Go to therapy! It sounds intimidating, but its worth it! I needed therapy before getting into a healthy and happy relationship with Chris. I wouldn’t be here without it.

Where can we reach you?

Instagram: @chrisjinthelab @lifebynivs

“The Love Experience” is an editorial project that features dynamic couples in love. The series, shot by fashion photographer Bryce Lennon, celebrates diversity through the perspective of underrepresented relationships.”

#RNBDREAMSCOMETRUE: Roséa + Bianca

It’s time to meet our next married couple, Roséa and Bianca! These love birds met through a mutual friend, while attending a wedding.  They’ve been inseparable ever since! Lets take a moment and check out their full story below:

How did you two meet? What were some of you first impressions?

Roséa: We met through a mutual friend, Angie (She was the lovely person that hooked us up). During her own wedding, Angie made the connection by asking Bianca for her phone number (I didn’t do any work). We just hit it from there!

When I first saw Bianca I was drawn in by her eyes! I knew she was going to be mine.

Bianca: Roséa is right! She did absolutely nothing to get my number. We’ve been together ever since then!

How long have you two been together or married?

Bianca: We’ve been together for five years, and married for three.

At what point in your relationship did you realize you wanted to get married?

Roséa: It was our first official date at Bistro Romano on South Street. We had a conversation about some of our future goals, plans, and expectations. Luckily, everything aligned, and we hit it off from there. The following year, we took our relationship to the next level.

Bianca: By our second date, I played no games. I laid out all my expectations up front, and we had the same goals (I knew that I wanted to get married and have children, and she wanted the same for herself).

Nevertheless, we did connect right away, as we began planning our future.

What is the biggest strength of your relationship?

Bianca: We have a really good partnership, especially with a toddler involved. I don’t have all the answers, and we figure things out together. There are times when I need to sleep in a little longer, and she jumps right in to help. We’re really blessed to have each other!

What do you do together for fun?

Roséa: We love to travel, eat, and watch Netflix. Now that we have a little one, we love to spend time together (She loves the aquarium).

Bianca: We started traveling with the little one last year (The pandemic).

In addition, we love trying out new restaurants. It’s a little hard with our toddler, but we make it work.

For anyone struggling in the dating world, what advice would you give them in regards to sustaining a healthy and loving relationship?

Roséa: Understanding your partner’s feelings or where they’re coming from. If you don’t understand, be comfortable with compromising or meeting in the middle.

Also, you can’t expect the other person to do the things for you that you wouldn’t do for yourself. Remember, we are all individuals first. Your partner has their own unique set of life experiences, but isn’t that why you fell in love with them in the first place?

For me, I don’t expect Bianca to be who I am. For example, I’m an early bird and she’s a late nighter. So, I take care of the toddler in the morning. Its all in how we communicate and understanding our different personalities.

Bianca: Communication is key, and self awareness goes a long way. Understand that their may be gaps in your communication, and you may have to meet your partner halfway.

Also, understanding your partner’s needs and love language is important too.  For example, Roséa may need and extra cuddle. Although I may not be the most affectionate person, I’ll still give her a hug.

Where can we reach you?

Instagram: @_.mvrck @miss_docb

“The Love Experience” is an editorial project that features dynamic couples in love. The series, shot by fashion photographer Bryce Lennon, celebrates diversity through the perspective of underrepresented relationships.”

The “Go with the Flow” type of couple: JaTayia + Jovan

It’s time to meet our first engaged couple of the Love Experience Cycle 3, JaTayia and Jovan! This couple went from dating long distance to planning a wedding three years later. Lets take a moment and check out their full story below:

How did you two meet? What were some of you first impressions?

Jovan: We met in the Bahamas. I was chasing after her on a jetski for two hours, and she finally pulled over to talk to me. We had a forty minutes conversation after that.

JaTayia: When I first met Jovan, I thought he looked really good. I couldn’t look into this eyes, since he had his shades on (The eyes are the key to the soul).

Jovan: The moment I met her, I felt something heavy in my soul (I was feeling something that I’ve never felt before). I knew she was going to be part of my life, whether we became friends or lovers.

How long have you two been together or engaged?

JaTayia: We’ve been together for three years, and engaged for one!

At what point in your relationship did you realize you wanted to get married?

Jovan: With my lifestyle, JaTayia just understands who I am as a person. One day, I woke up, and I knew (I was ready to take things to the next level with her). So, I reached out to her mother, and we went ring shopping.

JaTayia: I’m happy to compliment him and his lifestyle!

What is the biggest strength of your relationship?

Jovan: Communication, constantly trying to understand each other through our growth, and looking to grow together!

JaTayia: We’re very accepting of each other’s differences and similarities, which comes with respect. We take each other  at face value.

What do you do together for fun?

Jovan: We like to skate, travel, and watch movies. It’s limitless!

JaTayia: We’re that “Go With the Flow” type of couple. That’s just how we move.

For anyone struggling in the dating world, what advice would you give them in regards to sustaining a healthy and loving relationship?

Jovan: Try to be as transparent as possible so the other person knows what they’re getting themselves into. When it’s time to make adjustments and have tough conversations, there’s nothing you two can’t handle as a couple.

JaTayia: Don’t have unrealistic expectations of each other. You’re both human with flaws. Just take the time to learn one another.

Where can we reach you?

Instagram: @djatayia @the_chosen_one_1126

“The Love Experience” is an editorial project that features dynamic couples in love. The series, shot by fashion photographer Bryce Lennon, celebrates diversity through the perspective of underrepresented relationships.”

From Friendship to a Lifelong Commitment: Billy + Chaneika

It’s time to meet our next married couple of the Love Experience Cycle 3, Billy and Chaneika! Today, they’re here to discuss their two decades worth of love and friendship.  Please take a moment and check out their full story below (You won’t regret it):

How did you two meet? What were some of you first impressions?

Billy: We met a long time ago, back in elementary school.

Chaneika: We grew up on the same street, went to the same schools, and had a lot of mutual friends. With all that being said, we never paid attention to each other. We were always friends though.

How long have you two been together or married?

Billy: Romantically, we’ve been together since senior year of high school. That puts us at twenty years. We’ve been married for twelve.

At what point in your relationship did you realize you wanted to get married?

Billy: For me, it was the moment we decided to purchase a home together. I came to the realization that Chaneika deserves more than a girlfriend title, especially since we purchased a home together. It was time to solidify her position as my wife.

Chaneika: As a woman, there are certain characteristics you look for in a partner. Billy has all of them! He has a great personality (Such an awesome guy) for starters. Plus, he’s very handsome. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What is the biggest strength of your marriage?

Chaneika: Laughter and humor! On our down time, we like to crack jokes on each other. Pretty much, we’re a comedy show.

What do you do together for fun?

Billy: Laughing, joking, and having fun. We like to attend parties and events together (We love music), going out to eat, and spending time with our children.

Chaneika: Like he said, joking, laughing, and partying. Also, we like to watch old comedy movies.

For anyone struggling in the dating world, what advice would you give them in regards to sustaining a healthy and loving relationship?

Chaneika: It has to start between the two individuals as a couple. You can’t let people dictate what you do in your relationship. That has to decided amongst you two. You have to be an individual first in order to come together as one. Know yourself!

Billy: Accepting change! Everything that lives, goes through a development process. We are constantly evolving, resulting in growth and change. Once you are able to identify those changes within yourself, a true of understanding your ever evolving relationship will come to light.

Chaneika: Eighteen year old us and thirty eight year old us, that’s a lot changes and development. What we wanted back then is different from what we want right now.

Where can we reach you?

Instagram: @__billmatic @imuneik