How long have you been married?
DeShaun & Terri: It will be nine years in July 2015.
How did you guys meet?
DeShaun & Terri: We met in High School—starting talking in the hallway one day.
What were your first impressions of each other?
DeShawn: My first impression of Terri was that she was beautiful.
Terri: My first impression of DeShaun was that he was a really nice guy and had a great smile.
What made you want to get married?
DeShawn: I wanted to marry Terri because I was excited about spending my life with her and one day having a family. I wanted someone to spend my life with and grow old with, and I wanted it to be with her.
Terri: I wanted to get married because I wanted to share my life with someone I loved. I wanted to marry DeShaun because he had been my friend for a long time and I saw a future with him.
How did you propose?
DeShaun: I proposed at a restaurant on “my” birthday so that she wouldn’t suspect anything. I got on one knee while a pianist played in the background.
Does your faith play into your marriage?
DeShaun & Terri: Yes, it helps guide us in our decisions and provides wisdom for how we should love and support one another.
Do you have any marriage survival tips?
DeShaun & Terri: Prayer is important in a marriage, as well as friendship and talking openly with one another.
How do you keep the fire burning in your relationship?
DeShaun & Terri: Continue to date one another and be open to what brings each other pleasure.
Is there anything you would do differently looking back on your marriage?
DeShaun & Terri: There’s nothing we would do differently. Everything we’ve experienced with one another thus far has provided us with wisdom.
Why do you think African Americans have the lowest marriage rate, but the largest divorce rate?
DeShaun & Terri: Because many African Americans don’t have role models of marriage.
If you were giving advice to a couple who wanted to get married, what would you say?
DeShaun & Terri: Pray about it and be sure you’re marrying for the right reasons (there’s no rush). If these things are in order, go for it!
What does marriage mean to you?
DeShaun & Terri: It means a commitment, patience, unconditional love, partnership, and joy.
