“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.”

Love in the Office: Mel + Tezarah

Hey everyone! Lets meet our final couple of the Love Experience Cycle 4, Mel and Tezarah! Lets not waste any time and jump right in. Check out their story below:

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

Mel: We met at work, and I was instantly drawn to her. Tezarah has a very beautiful and bold presence. I was also drawn to her sarcasm. We both have that in common.

Tezarah: Let me put this out there first, I don’t do “work” relationships. Originally, I was thinking of Mel as a colleague and not necessarily a partner. My first impression of her was that she would be the type to buck the system, which is something I really admire about her. Also, Mel is very fashionable, and I noticed that from the beginning.

What are some of things that keeps your relationship growing?

Tezarah: Just being upfront about our feelings, even if the other person doesn’t agree with how we feel. In addition, we try to do a lot of lighthearted things together. We really enjoy laughing.

Mel: From photo projects to road trips, we do a lot of adventurous things together. We try to keep the fun alive in our relationship. That keeps us connected!

What is the biggest strength of our relationship?

Mel: I wouldn’t say I have the greatest boundaries, but Tezarah helps me stay centered. My lack of boundaries is very unconscious on my part. Tezarah always reminds me to take care of myself. Speaking of self-care, that’s a big part of our relationship. We focus on our individuality first, and then come together as one.

Tezarah: We’re very similar, yet different. Our value system, humor, and personal interests are on one accord, yet we’re still two completely different individuals.

As couple, what do you do together for fun?

Mel: We love a road trip, especially if it’s paired with anything photography related. We’re both photographers (She’s the professional and I’m the amateur)! Also, we love attending art events together!

Tezarah: We love to watch bad movies together. For the record, a bad movie is a film that you know is going to be horrible. Think about all those Lifetime movies (Terrible acting and ridiculous dialogue). You don’t watch those movies expecting Oscar worth performances. Bad movies are hysterical and make us laugh!

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

Tezarah: I’m not the best communicator at times, but Mel has shown me how to communicate more effectively. Also, compromise is important. We both come from two completely different backgrounds, but we’ve found a middle ground. Both of our wants and needs are fulfilled.

Mel: Your baggage is going to resurface at some point in any relationship. There’s no way around it. When that happens, we instantly go into self-protection mode and become a little selfish.  Remember, we only experience the world through our own lens. Our relationships would run a lot smoother if we can look at things objectively. Literally take yourself out of whatever situation you’re currently in and calm down. There are two people in this relationship with different perspectives. You’re not always going to agree, but you can talk out any issues you have with each other. You want to come from a place of understanding rather than trying to win.

Please feel free to comment, ask questions, and connect with both Mel and Tezarah on Instagram below:

@mtsuei @tezarah

Thanks for reading! See you next year!

“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 Second Time Around: Tré + Hireem

Lets welcome our next engaged couple, Tre and Hireem! Their journey began back in college, when they met through a mutual friend. Fast forward a decade later, Tré and Hireem are currently engaged and planning a future together! Do you want to know more? You can check out their full story below:

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

Tré: We met through a mutual friend of ours. I came home for the weekend (I was a away at college), and looking for something to do. Our mutual friend suggested me to take his best friend out (Hireem). He gave me her number, we spoke, and went to a lounge that night. We had a really great time!

Hireem: The way I recall the story is a little different. We did meet through a mutual friend, but Tré allegedly saw my photo and inquired further. After that, my friend put me on that phone with Tré, since they were always together. It was me who said, “Do you want to take me out,” since that’s how I used to talk at the time. We did go to the lounge, and had a great time. So, that was the first time we ever met, but we didn’t start dating until much later. Now, that’s the story I remember!

How long have you two been together or engaged?

Hireem: We’ve been engaged for a year and a half.

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

Tré: I knew she was the one for me when I realized how she dealt with me. I’m very aware of  my flaws, and Hireem has been very patient.

Hireem: Early in our dating phase, one of my friends presented a scenario: If Tré proposes, would you accept? Since I hesitated with my response, I knew that we weren’t ready yet. Mid-way through our second time around though (We got back together in 2015), I was absolutely certain about our future together.

What is the biggest strength of your relationship?

Tré: Spontaneity! It helps keep things fun and exciting, which has been very helpful for us.

Hireem: We base most of our conversations around how we should communicate more. I’m the type of person that has to get everything of my chest or conscious in the moment. For Tre, he’s more laid back and has to process. I’ve learned to give him time, and that’s a huge strength for us.

What do you do together for fun?

Hireem: We have the best times when we travel together! Plus, we order a lot of “trash” pizza (Trash Pizza: Junk on a pizza).

Tré: We did a lot more before the pandemic, but our Sunday Trader Joes run are really fun! It’s an experience.

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

Hireem: Communicate and make sure you two actually like each other.

Tré: Be open minded, flexible, and don’t be too stuck in your ways. For instance, when you’re accustomed to doing something a particular way versus your partner doing it completely different. It’s a very common issue that can cause a lot of tension and resentment. It’s easier to meet in the middle

Please feel free to comment, ask questions, and connect with both Tré and Hireem on Instagram below:

@cash_nj @fabandfocused

Thanks for reading!

“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.”

Don’t Rush the Process: Jeremy + Whitney

It’s time to meet our next couple, Jeremy and Whitney! They went from dating long distance during the pandemic, to becoming engaged and planning a wedding. Ironically, it’s their three year anniversary today! Without further ado, lets take a moment and check out their full story below:

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

Whitney: We met at Hampton University’s Homecoming in October of 2019. Disclaimer: We did not know each other when we attended college at the same time. Ironically, we both stayed in Airbnb’s that were next door to each other. Jeremy ran in our house one day, and made this entire scene. Of course, I was trying to sleep.

Jeremy: I remember the story a little differently. Whitney’s friend opened the door for us, and we walked in and woke everyone up. Then, we started pre-gaming together, and that was it. On the last day, I came back in the house and got my hug from Whitney (She was wearing her blue Hampton University sweatshirt). After homecoming, I commented on one of Whitney’s Instagram stories, and we began messaging back and forth.

Whitney: Then we started texting, which led to us talking on the phone. Jeremy was just a really nice guy. Eventually, he invited me to New Orleans to visit, and now we’re here.

How long have you two been together or engaged?

Whitney: We’ve been together for three years, and we’re newly engaged!

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

Jeremy: A couple months in for sure. Since we were dating long distance, we spoke everyday on the phone and facetimed every day. Remember, we were in the middle of the pandemic, and didn’t see each other for ten months. I was living in New Orleans and she was up in Jersey. So, that was an adjustment for us both. Over time, our bond got so strong, and I just knew. I woke up one day and told Whitney I wanted to move up there, and we made it happen. Now, she’s stuck with me forever.

Whitney: Very early on, Jeremy let me know how he felt about marriage, and that’s something we’re both intentional about. Plus, we have so much in common. We grew up with very similar values, we were both raised in single-parent households, and we have a very strong relationship with God. Everything just worked!

What is the biggest strength of your relationship?

Jeremy: I would say communication for sure. Second, we can be our authentic selves with each other. We’re just comfortable with each other and can talk about anything, good or bad. That’s very important.

Whitney: The way I was raised, a woman has to be perfect all the time. We’re expected to look and behave a certain way based on our societal standards. For example, I was so nervous the first time I had to wear my headscarf around Jeremy, and he could care less. He balances out all of my insecurities. Plus, we laugh all the time.

What do you do together for fun?

Jeremy: Sneaker shopping!

Whitney: We enjoy traveling together, trying new restaurants, and spending time with all the people that we love and appreciate.

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

Jeremy: You should have two boxes: One box for the advice your friends and family give and the other box is for how you feel. Now, you can take some information from the first box, but you have to learn how trust box two, which is yourself, you will find love and happiness. If you take too much information from the outside world, you might start to second guess your decisions.

Whitney: Don’t rush the process! There are lot of people in a rush to find love, but it can really hinders your ability to find a genuine partner for yourself. Imagine spending all this time with someone that you’re not supposed to be with (All because you want to rush the process). Also, don’t force things that don’t fit. Case in point, if you’re dating someone that doesn’t want to get married (That’s perfectly fine) and you do want to get married, you’re not compatible. Don’t think you can change that person. Just because they have their own desires and needs, that doesn’t mean you have to change them to yours (And vice versa).

Please feel free to comment, ask questions, and connect with both Jeremy and Whitney on Instagram below:

@jeremyjones_14 @whitworxout

Thanks for reading!