These Couples Came Out To Celebrate and Spread Love at ESSENCE’s Black Love Gala In NYC
Lawrence Miner, Jr.
By Danielle Pointdujour ·
You can’t outdo Black Love! Although we highlight the beauty of Black love year-round here at ESSENCE, but on October 13, at New York City’s breathtaking Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers, we hosted the ultimate date night for couples at our first-ever Black Love Gala. Over 200 couples showed up and showed out in the name of love. The mood was set with a decadent dining experience, premium open bar, live music, photo booths and casino-themed activities designed specifically for all the lovers in the place. Black Love Gala hosts Khadeen and Devale Ellis, kept the crowd entertained all evening, while celebrity DJ couple DJ MOS and DJ Kiss kept couples on the dance floor at the turntables. Here are a few of the couple moments you missed from the gala. Trust us, you don’t want to miss the next one!
01
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
02
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Lawrence Miner, Jr.
03
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
04
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
05
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Lawrence Miner, Jr.
06
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
07
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
08
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
09
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
10
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Lawrence Miner, Jr.
11
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
12
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
13
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
14
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Lawrence Miner, Jr.
15
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Lawrence Miner, Jr.
16
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Lawrence Miner, Jr.
17
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Lawrence Miner, Jr.
18
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Lawrence Miner, Jr.
19
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Lawrence Miner, Jr.
20
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Lawrence Miner, Jr.
21
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Lawrence Miner, Jr.
22
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
23
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
24
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
25
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
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26
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
27
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
28
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
29
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
30
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
31
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
32
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
33
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
34
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
35
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
36
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
37
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
38
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
39
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
40
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
41
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Lawrence Miner, Jr.
42
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Lawrence Miner, Jr.
43
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Lawrence Miner, Jr.
44
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
45
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
46
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
47
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
48
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
49
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
50
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts
51
ESSENCE Black Love Gala 2018
Team love showed up and showed out for the inaugural ESSENCE Black Love Gala in New York City on October 13th, 2018, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Couples came out for a formal evening to remember, featuring live music from jazz-band Honey and Vinyl, tunes by married deejays MOS and KISS, photo activations, and more. See the photos and share the love.
Photo Credit: Mychal Watts

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