“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 calm after the storm: Shanel + Malcolm
Introducing our first engaged couple, Shanel and Malcolm. Similar to our previous couples, they spent most of 2020 weathering the pandemic together, and even got engaged! Find out how it all went down below:
Where and how did you two meet?
Malcolm: I saw Shanel for the first time on UnRegisteredStyle, and I thought she was very attractive (She had on this green jumper, and boots). Months later, I met her in person at a hotel party, hosted by Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. We chatted and danced throughout the night, and we got a chance to know each other once everything settled down.
Shanel: After that point, we kept in contact. Although we exchanged numbers, I didn’t think he would actually call me. He lived in Virginia, I lived in New Jersey, and I thought to myself, “This is never going to work!” By February, he came to visit me, and we started dating in March.
When did you two realize you loved each other?
Shanel: The night Malcolm and I met, I text my best friend, “I found my husband!” That was the first time I’ve ever felt that way, and I knew he was going to be part of my life for a very long time. The moment I realized that I was in love with Malcolm happened after we went through a rough period. He was there for me, and was willing to do whatever it took to make the relationship work. He was very supportive of my feelings. I thought to myself, “I really love this man.”
Malcolm: Even with the mistakes that I made in the relationship, I was willing to do whatever I needed to do to win her back (To get back in her good graces). She was the one for me, and I didn’t want anyone else to be with her. That’s when I realized I was in love with her.
Malcolm, at what point did you realize you wanted to marry Shanel?
Malcolm: There wasn’t an actual event that took place where I felt like I wanted to marry Shanel. Look at it from this perspective: I’ve been with this woman for so many years. Even through the ups and downs, we’ve always weathered the storm together. She’s always been so supportive of me whether its been professionally, spiritually, and emotionally. So, I didn’t want to alter or halt our time together any longer (I had marrying Shanel on my mind since 2019, and everything else was just saving up for the ring).
Shanel, what made you accept the proposal?
Shanel: As we developed and grew in our relationship, it was even more apparent to me that this was the person I needed to marry. To be clear, I was ready to marry him in 2019, and maybe at the end of 2018 (I was ready to take things to the next level, and I wanted to start a family)! I’m a firm believer in matrimony, and uniting us in front of our family, friends, and God. I was ready!
How has your relationship grown through the pandemic?
Malcolm: As a teacher, we went virtual in March. I was home with Shanel. She serves on the frontline as a nurse. So, we spent most of our time together. One night in bed, I told Shanel that I really like being around her. I didn’t have any issues with us being at home, and spending more time together. When you’re in love with someone, you actually have to like them first. To my point, the pandemic didn’t hurt our relationship, it brought us closer together. I did my best to support Shanel, since she was still going to work. I just enjoyed being around her.
Shanel: It was such a huge moment for Malcolm and I when we sat down to have a serious conversation about the pandemic. I asked him, “Babe, do you want me to stay somewhere else?” We didn’t know how this virus was going to affect our lives. I have some colleagues that were living apart from their families. Everyone was so scared, and we didn’t want to bring the virus back home. Malcolm said, “No, I’m going to stay here . I’m going to stick this out with you. We’re going to stay here in our apartment together. If you get COVID, I’ll get COVID.” That was so meaningful to me, which was a defining moment in our relationship.
For anyone struggling in the dating world, what advice would you give them in regards to sustaining a healthy and loving relationship?
Shanel: Communication is a foundation of any relationship. It’s not just you in the relationship. You have two different people, with their lives merging together. Remember, your partner is not a mind reader. So, they’re not going to know when some things are bothering you or what you like and dislike. You have to talk it out with them.
Malcolm: Be patient, and take your time (Don’t be in a rush). Make sure you’re ready to take on a relationship. You have to 100% be in love and full within yourself before take on someone else. When you do take on someone else, trust them! It’s a very important component. If you can’t trust your partner, it’s not going to be beneficial for your relationship.
Where can we reach you?
Instagram: @shaneleastcoast_