“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.”
In the right place at the right time: Alex + Alvi
To kick of the Love Experience Cycle 2, we have newlyweds, Alex and Alvi dropping some knowledge on the blog today.
Through mutual circumstances, a house party brought these two love birds together. Read their story below:
Where and how did you two meet?
Alex: The funny thing is that we don’t have any business knowing each other. We met at a house party in Philly back in 2014. I was in Philly looking for apartments and pursuing the graduate chapter for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. I ended up staying with my line brother to be on Penn’s campus. Alvi was in town for the weekend to visit her cousin, who was graduating from the same program as my line brother. It was a Friday night, and I didn’t have any other choice but go to the party (Since I had no way to get back into his crib). We get to the party, Alvi and her cousin walk in ironically, and my line brother (Being the super “Hot Boy” that he is) thought it would be a great idea to introduce me to Alvi’s cousin, a fraternity brother from Alpha Rho. That was a great plan on paper, but I was more interested in the girl he just walked in with, she’s cute! As the night goes on, I approached Alvi, and began flirting. From her perspective, I was talking a lot. By the end of the night, I asked for her number, and she gave me her snapchat info instead. I respected the curve though! Luckily, she snapped me the next day, and we ended up snapping for a few weeks in May. Throughout June, I’m sending her pictures of my apartment, and she ends up giving me her phone number. She came back to Philly for Made in America weekend, a three day trip that lasted for two weeks. She stayed, and we ended up hanging out (And now we’re here).
When did you two realize you loved each other?
Alvi: I want to say it was five months in when we started to say I love you. When I first met him and after that two weeks I stayed there, I text my best friend, “Oh my gosh, I think I’m going to marry this guy!” Then, it happened.
Alex: I just remember for the longest time, we kept telling each other, “I appreciate you.” It eventually turned into, “I love you.”
Alex, at what point did you realize you wanted to marry Alvi?
Alex: It’s hard to identify one moment specifically, but over the course of the three years of us dating, I couldn’t imagine myself with anyone else (I wouldn’t rather be with anyone else). That ended up being the determining factor. Once I came to that realization, that was it.
Alvi, what made you accept the proposal?
Alvi: It was kind of one of those things I already knew. When I spoke to my best friend after spending that time with him, I knew if he asked me to marry him, I would say yes. Fast forward to 2017, he’s asking me to marry him, and of course I’m going to say yes!
For anyone struggling in the dating world, what advice would you give them in regards to sustaining a healthy and loving relationship?
Alex: You can’t act single, and expect married results. I had a close friend tell me once, “You can’t expect her to make commitments to you if you’re not committing yourself.” At the end of the day, you have to move with intention. It’s not to say that after the first date, you pull out the chair with the ring in your pocket. If you’re serious about what you having going on, act like it. We can get easily caught up in those games (I want you, then I don’t. Let’s see who wants who more). You have to be willing to take a risk though. Then, you have to live with what happens.
Alvi: Prioritize communication! It’s really important to talk to whoever you’re dating to get on the same page. Even weekly or bi-weekly check-ins are appropriate. If you’re considering going to counseling together, communication allows you to prioritize what you need to work on in order to make your relationship stronger.
Where can we reach you?
Instagram: @thefull_windor @alvibean