“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:
Thanks for reading!
