From the shores of Africa to the streets of New York City and beyond, Black love has moved mountains, saved lives and birthed nations – basically, our love conquers all. That’s why when it comes to love, we here at ESSENCE unapologetically celebrate it, not just on February 14th, but all 365 days of the year.
This Valentine’s Day we caught up with a few married couples who have taken their love around the world, to find out their advice on how they keep the flames of Black love burning hot as they explore with their forever friend. These photos will give you “Teenage Love Affair” vibes and remind you of the power and strength of Black Love.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
01
Love and Passports
Anquan and Dionne, married 9 years: “We travel together because it is a passion we both had that connected us initially. When we were younger we would always talk about the places we dreamed of visiting. We have now explored most of those places together. Making the things that we love to do together a priority helps keep our marriage healthy and exciting.”
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Love and Passports
Antoine and Shaunté, married 4 years: “Don’t marry someone who makes you feel tied down. Marry someone that makes you feel like you’ve been SET FREE.”
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Love and Passports
Rashaud and Mahogany, married 2 years: “Slow down and savor those private moments.”
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Love and Passports
April and Reggie, married for 8 years: “Never stop discovering each other and respect each other’s different ideas of what makes a great vacation.”
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Love and Passports
Alton and Dori, married 10 months: “Make sure to compromise on the agenda and enjoy the moment!”
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Love and Passports
Crystal and Adrian, married 11 years: “Eat, Drink…and Travel!”
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Love and Passports
Teddy and Ashia, married 13 years: “Live in the moment—everything else can wait.”
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Love and Passports
Dane and Anna, married 4 years: “Our travel motto is forever newlyweds.”
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Love and Passports
Jessie and Kendra, married 33 years: “Leave work behind, do something new and always pack a “surprise” for your spouse.”
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Love and Passports
Tee and Wiz, married 20 years: “Live your best life.”
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Love and Passports
MJ and Omar, married 10 years: “Leave the kids at home!”
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Love and Passports
Crystal and Kurt, married 5 years: “We always travel with a list of places we want to visit once we reach our destination, but we decide once we are there where we will go each day. This way our focus is on each other and exploring a new place instead of maintaining a rigid schedule.”
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Love and Passports
Karyn and Torre, married 4 years: “Travel light and be willing to go with the flow.”
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Love and Passports
Holly and Gerard, married 22 years: “Take a trip with just the 2 of you once per year.”
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Love and Passports
Len and Raychellet, married 21 years: “Keep laughing at each other, and everyone else.”
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Love and Passports
Seychelle and Andre, married 18 years: “Pack your patience and live in the moment.”
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Love and Passports
Shon and Shevvi, married 25 years: “Always find the fun and humor in any situation. Having a partner there to recount your crazy travel stories with is the best.”
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Love and Passports
Jamilah and Dontá, married 4.5 years: “Travel often, if able. It resets our relationship and allows us to focus on us.”
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Love and Passports
Stephanie and Laron, married 32 years: “Life is short, just go and don’t sweat the small stuff.”
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Love and Passports
Ramona and Jason, married 2 years: “Buy the ticket and figure everything else out later.”
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Love and Passports
Andrew and Toni, married 3 years: “Have different travel styles? Try having one experience that feeds each of your travel styles. Beach days are purely for my spirit; adventurous outdoor activities are for his. But sharing our favorite things with our favorite person makes it all much sweeter.”
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Love and Passports
Jason and Sereetta, married 8 years: “Don’t sweat the small stuff.”
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Love and Passports
Marsha and Christopher, married 4 years: “Comprise and laughter are all you need!”
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Love and Passports
Musa and Summiyah, married 16 years: “Leave the kids at home at least twice a year!”
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Love and Passports
George and Marenda, married 6 months: “Travel with someone you can laugh with. Not that chuckle-y laugh either. That we-cant-breathe-crying-laughter kind of laugh. Every time that happens, I’m excited to have married the person with whom I know it’ll happen again.”
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Love and Passports
Martin and Shatilah, married 2 years: “Always be ready for an adventure.”
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Love and Passports
Melvin and Eve, married 9 years: “Take time to actually enjoy your vacation. The best plans have hiccups so relax, exhale and go with the flow!”
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Love and Passports
Jessica and Alvin, married 13 years: “Marriage and travel are both a journey; the key is to love along the way.”
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Love and Passports
Lauren and Donzell, married one year: “Planning is all well and good, but remember to go with the flow a bit too. That’s where the memories happen.”
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Love and Passports
Veronica and Roy, married 20 years: “Just enjoy life.”
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Love and Passports
Pray and Bai, married 3 years: “Be as intentional about laughing and enjoying each other at home as you do abroad.”
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Love and Passports
Lauren and Jonathan, married six months: “Traveling is an adventure, don’t be afraid to let your plans change. But still, plan ahead and be prepared.”
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Love and Passports
Kristina and Ace, married 2 years: “Always remember while the marriage lasts longer than the trip so be fair to both.”
