Quiantae & Aaron
Last year, during our 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, thousands of us got engaged as Aaron dropped to one knee and put a ring on his love, Quiantae. They thought we were playing when we said we would be keeping tabs. NOPE, we are serious people.
And what better time to check in than Valentine’s Day? Right??? Read along as we learn how their love started, how it grew, why Black love is revolutionary, and why all of us might be caravaning down to the ATL…
Image by Vonecia Carswell
Get To Know
Cousin Quiantae &
Cousin Aaron
Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Quiantae is a versatile performer with a rich background in dance,tv,film,and musical theatre.As an accomplished actress, dancer, and singer, she has graced both stage and screen with her dynamic presence. Beyond her own career, she finds fulfillment in mentoring aspiring artists, helping them pursue their dreams of becoming professional performers.
Also hailing from Atlanta, Aaron, ignites a fervent passion for activating individual and community agency. With expertise spanning racial equity & DEI, violence prevention, workforce development, and trauma-informed training, Aaron equips others with the tools needed to thrive. Beyond professional pursuits, he finds solace in outdoor adventures, the power of words, and prioritizing physical well-being.
How and when did you meet?
Aaron: Our story began on Instagram, sparked by a photo from a mutual friends' wedding – she knew the bride, and I knew the groom. That 'like' on the photo started a conversation that’s been going strong ever since.
Quiantae: I noticed Aaron in a birthday shoutout on our friends' Instagram. His pictures caught my eye, and after liking a few, we started talking. The rest, as they say, is history.
What was it about each other that made you want to get to know each other?
Aaron: I was drawn to Quiantae's courage, her commitment to self-improvement, and her passion-driven life. And of course, her stunning beauty.
Quiantae: Aaron’s genuineness shone through right from the start. Our conversations were intriguing and organic. Plus, a mutual friend confirmed he was a genuinely kind and loving person, which certainly helped!
When and how did it get serious?
Aaron: From our very first interaction, there was an extraordinary connection, a kind that I had never experienced before. It was almost as if the universe was responding to the conversations I had been having with God, seeking signs about my path forward. And then, these signs came, overwhelmingly so, pushing me towards what I deeply desired but hadn’t dared to pursue. It was a call to bravery, to step beyond my fears and seize the chance at a love that felt divine, almost as if it was the love of the Most High embodied in a person.
The moment that really turned everything up a notch was when Quiantae expressed her fears about our relationship seeming 'too perfect.' It resonated deeply because, in my heart, I felt the same way. Her vulnerability and raw honesty struck a chord in me, lighting up a profound realization. It was more than just a fleeting emotion; it was a recognition that I wanted, needed, to be a part of her life, regardless of what the future might hold.
Before Quiantae, love existed in different forms, each shaping me for the profound connection we share today. I remember telling myself that I would rather face death knowing I had pursued the possibility of love than live under the veil of fear, never knowing what it meant to truly love and be loved as a healed man. With Quiantae, that pursuit became reality. It's a love built on understanding, growth, and the courage to face the unknown together, a love we're re-imagining on our own terms. We stand at the start of something extraordinary, a love that redefines what I thought possible.
Quiantae: It all shifted to something serious when Aaron came to see me in California. We had been weaving this tapestry of our relationship over the phone for a couple of months, but you know, there's this thing about needing to feel the energy and vibe in person to really gauge the depth of a connection. Interestingly, just a day after we first interacted on Instagram, while he was still in Colombia, he sent me flowers all the way to California. The note read, 'Shooting my shot from afar - Aaron.' That gesture alone was a clear signal that Aaron was someone with serious intentions, someone who didn't shy away from expressing his feelings, even from a distance.
This whole journey felt like it was guided by our mutual paths of healing. Before meeting Aaron, I had emerged from a toxic relationship, an experience that was tough but taught me a lot about myself, especially about my boundaries and what I wouldn't tolerate anymore. So naturally, stepping into something new, I was hesitant. You see, when you've been in defensive mode, guarding yourself against trauma for the majority of your life, opening up to genuine love can be incredibly daunting.
Aaron, in his unique way, taught me early on about the power of moving from a place of love, to surrender control and trust in what God has planned. It wasn't easy, but as I began to let go, to be vulnerable and to truly allow myself to be guided by faith and love rather than fear, everything started falling into place. I could feel in my heart that this was more than just a fleeting romance; it was a profound connection meant to be.
Adding to this journey of self-discovery and healing, I've been working with a life coach. This guidance has been instrumental in equipping me with the tools I needed to navigate my past traumas and embrace this new chapter of love and vulnerability with Aaron. It's been an incredible journey of growth, learning to receive and give love in its purest form, and I believe that both our individual journeys of healing were what ultimately brought us together in this beautiful, unexpected way.
How long from meeting to dating, and dating to engaged?
We first connected in August 2022, and by October, our relationship had taken a remarkable turn. Aaron wasn't just coming to see me perform; he joined me in almost every city on my tour, where we shared dates, exploring each city together. This series of adventures marked the beginning of our official dating journey. The swift transition from our initial meeting to dating, followed by our engagement in June 2023, has been an extraordinary whirlwind – a journey marked by deep connections, shared experiences across cities, and significant personal growth.
How have you navigated long distance?
Aaron: Through honesty, authenticity, and trust. FaceTime has been invaluable, and this distance has allowed us to grow individually and together.
Quiantae: FaceTime is our lifeline! Respecting our individual journeys while supporting each other's dreams has been key. We understand the sacrifices we make now will enrich our future together.
What does Black Love mean to you?
Aaron: Black love means courageously redefining love on our terms. It's about active gratitude, patience, empathy, and healing together.
Quiantae: Black love is revolutionary. It's about defying societal expectations and honoring our past and future generations. It's uniquely empowering.
What have you learned about each other and yourselves?
Aaron: I've learned that our past shapes us, but with intentionality and effort, we can clear our view and grow. It starts from within.
Quiantae: Learning vulnerability has been transformative. I've discovered the power of emotional intelligence and what a real partnership feels like. Aaron has shown me the beauty of a love that feels like home.
How is wedding planning coming along?
It's been an amazing journey, filled with love and support from all sides. We're excitedly preparing for our big day this year in our hometown Atlanta, Georgia!
