In xoNecole's Our First Year series, we take an in-depth look at love and relationships between couples with an emphasis on what their first year of marriage was like.
You might know LaToya and Adam Ali from YouTube where the couple share their life and love alongside their two adorable children, Samia and Zayn.
And if you watched any of their videos on their hit family channel LaToya's Life, it won't take long for you to label these two "relationship goals." With their obvious love for one another, coupled with their strong friendship, LaToya and Adam give us a look into a modern day life of black family and all its realness. But regardless of how much they personify "relationship goals" and all we may seek in our own love lives, the Ali's want us all to know, they are just like any other couple.
LaToya, best known as LaToya Forever, is a YouTube personality, author, and founder of health and wellness site ShesTough.com. Her husband, Adam best known as @AdamWontLose, is a YouTube personality, fitness professional, and brand marketer. Within the last 8 years, these two have gotten married, expanded their YouTube brands LaToya's Life and LaToya Forever, started a family, and have been involved with multiple business ventures together.
But before their success as a couple, it all started down in the DMs.
Back in 2011, Adam reached out to Latoya in hopes of collaborating on a fitness video. At the time, he was expanding his own fitness brand and reached out to LaToya, hoping to build a team of influencers that support one another. She obliged and before the collab could even officially take place, they met up and had an instant connection. Although their initial meeting was completely professional and they then went on to shoot the first of many video collaborations, the connection between these two was quite obvious. Soon after, they began dating, fell in love, got married, and started their family.
But what makes their love story so admirable, is their authenticity. These two aren't trying to be some perfect fairytale love story, nor do they wish for you to idolize their relationship, they are simply showing their own life and love with all the chaos and realness that comes with it. "Don't look at us as perfection, yes we may do some things that you can aspire to want in your relationship but just focus on your relationship and how you can improve individually and together with your partner," Adam expressed.
While other social media couples may aim for perfection, likes, or subscribers, these two focus on the authenticity of their life, love, and their family.
It may have all started unintentionally with a DM, but their relationship has since grew into a loving marriage, a family of four, and a YouTube brand of positive black love. And by the looks of it, the Alis are just getting started.
Here's their story.
The One
LaToya: I knew that Adam was the one for me because he never let me walk all over him like my ex boyfriends. He's super manly, super business oriented, and he puts me in my place and I needed that at that time in my life because I was like crazy, wild, super energetic, kinda lost and he knew how to get me to become a better version of myself.
Now, we play so many roles together, we do business together, we're parents, we're lovers, we're best friends.
Adam: I felt like we complemented one another and we were both looking to build and that's what was important to me, someone that I could build with so that's what showed me she was the one.
Building Together
LaToya: Before marriage, we had already been living together so we knew each other's habits and what irritated each of us. Now, if you want to talk about how was life after purchasing our first home, that's a whole other ball game! We had to be smarter with our money, especially with a newborn. We had to figure out how to keep this place in order, especially because we worked from home. We hired a cook because we had no time to prepare all these meals because we had to film. Adam took it upon himself to manage our finances because if I were to do so, I would be serving Louis Vuitton bags for dinner.
Love Work
LaToya: One thing that makes our relationship work, would be love. Putting love first makes it work! I'm at my best when he shows me he loves me, shows me he appreciate me, shows me that I'm worthy. I'm an emotional person so love, love is the answer (laughs).
Adam: Communication! I think we're at our best when we communicate with each other.
Learning Each Other's Love Language
LaToya: It takes a lot to be mindful to showcase a love language that you're not too accustomed to do. Again, it requires intent, eqo dropping, and emotional investment to make love work. It's been a process of reading and learning.
We both come from different cultures, which means we [have] seen love displayed in different ways.
The Real Behind Relationship Goals
LaToya: Don't compare your relationship to other peoples' relationship that you see on social media because that's not even half of their story. There is so much people go through off of the pictures, off of the videos. So, just put your best selves out there every single day and do your best.
Nobody's perfect and we show that in our videos.
That's why a lot of the times if I do something crazy in our videos, it's expected because I put myself out there in a real way. Just keeping it real, you know! (laughs)
Adam: Whenever you look at a screen, it's so natural to typically look for perfection. Whether it's TV, or a movie, anything that's a tube, your expectations typically are that it should be perfect and that's not reality, this is not the movies and they can't come look at our content expecting that everything is lovely and dandy, that's just not how real relationships go. And then you guys want to be surprised when you look at these other couples you adore, all of a sudden are no longer together or they divorce or stuff like that, you know they can't fake it forever. I would say don't look at us as perfection, yes we may do some things that you can aspire to want in your relationship but just focus on your relationship and how you can improve individually and together with your partner.
For more on their journey be sure to subscribe to their YouTube channels LaToya Forever and LaToya's Life as well as follow them at @LaToyaForever and @AdamWontLose.
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It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Alistair Berg/Getty ImagesStep 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Getty ImagesStep 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
DMP/ Getty ImagesStep 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
However, to my surprise, I received an email that read: “It’s with great excitement that we announce your film, Super High: A Period Piece, has been selected for the 24th Anchorage International Film Festival.” After looking at the flight distance from Atlanta to Anchorage—a solid 10 hours one way— I’d decided this would be one I wouldn’t attend.
That was until there was a follow-up email that shared that the festival was sponsoring two excursions for filmmakers: A Northern Lights Tour and A Glacier Hike.
With that, I knew I had to make the trip to the 49th state! I flew Delta, which offered the shortest layovers—just 50 minutes each way. For a more comfortable flight on the longer legs that were about six hours between my layover city and Anchorage, I upgraded to first class with an in-app discount for $256 (the regular price of a first-class ticket runs about $2,100), which was so worth it for additional space and service for the six-hour trek.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
"So What’s Alaska Like? Did You Have To Wear a Snowsuit? What’s the Food Like?"
These are among the major questions I’ve gotten. Anchorage reminds me less of a bustling major city and more of a small town with an easygoing feel. When I arrived, they’d just had snow a few days before, so it was cold, and the streets were slick. So, I was so happy I’d invested in a pair of snow boots. For my first few days, the locals said it was warm. Warm to them being 20s at night and mid-30s during the day.
However, by the time I left, fresh snow was on the ground, and temps were well into the single digits—and it felt like it. Oh, the sun doesn’t rise until 10:30 a.m., and it sets around 4 p.m. That was among the most challenging things to experience because I felt like I never really woke up. So, between the lack of sun and the four-hour time difference, I felt tired the whole time I was there.
As for food, I didn’t explore a ton because I was so cold. But I found two gems! First was Whiskey and Ramen. If you enjoy ramen and exceptional service, this is a must-visit. I’d make a trip back just for their Wagyu ramen and their special take on an old fashion!
And, for coffee, I thoroughly enjoyed That Feeling Co. The coffee was great, and being surrounded by plants helped to perk up my spirits.
The Northern Lights
Iceland is one of the most popular places to see the Northern Lights, so I was very excited to know that Alaska also gets to see the Aurora Borealis light show. Typically, many people visit Fairbanks to see them, but there are tours offered in Anchorage too! When prepping for the late-night tour, we’d heard that the night we were heading out to see the lights, the cloud coverage likely meant we wouldn’t be able to see them. Bummer. I know. So, we could sit the tour out or still try. But, in my mind, I was like, why would I come all the way to Alaska not to try?
So, at about 9:30 p.m., we piled into vans and headed out to chase the Northern Lights. We traveled about an hour and a half from Anchorage, and when we stepped out of the van, it was cold and pitch black. And unfortunately, after a couple of hours in the cold, those clouds in the sky never parted for us. I know that when we see the posts of people who do get to see Mother Nature do her thing, we don’t have all of the context of the science, which is Aurora Borealis.
Sometimes, the weather just doesn’t do what we earthlings would like, which can lead to disappointment. However, our guide did give a recommendation. When you book a trip to see the lights, give yourself four to five days to see them. Don’t bank on one day because, at the end of the day, this is science.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
Now, On to the Glacier!
Just six hours after returning from the Northern Lights tour, we were up for the glacier tour because they were back-to-back! I was exhausted and so excited. If someone had told me I’d hike on a glacier, I would have given them a mean side-eye. I mean, where on earth does one climb a glacier? Let me share a few destinations with you, just in case you want to plan an icy adventure: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Chile, Argentina, and Alaska.
Aside from the fact the Matanuska Glacier is 22,000 years old, it’s the largest glacier accessible by car in the United States—27 miles long and four miles wide, making it one of the easier ones to see IRL. As a girlie with generalized anxiety disorder, I get anxious about doing this kind of thing because I know that to see these world wonders is usually a mountainous trek.
This one was two hours long, one-way, up snow-capped, windy, mountainous terrain. However, my therapist always reminds me to push myself to do what scares me (as long as it’s for a reason, of course). I held my breath for the journey there and back! And white-knuckled it from time to time, too.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
Once we got there, we were surrounded by fresh, fluffy snow, and it was COLD! In the negative cold. I was thankful, I’d over-prepared. If you even go on a glacier tour, I recommend a few things: Balaclava, heavy-weight gloves, cashmere socks, snow boots, and lots of layers.
Here’s what I wore. My first layer was Ann Taylor leggings and a Wolford Turtleneck. Then, I layered a cashmere turtleneck and cashmere joggers. A COACH down vest, which I’d recommend anyone own just for winter, in general, because it’s SO warm! For my feet, I wore Ann Taylor cashmere socks (I love these because they’re affordable and so warm) and Adidas Adifom Superstar Winter Boot and topped all of that with a Brandon Blackwood ankle-length parka. I know BB is known for his accessories, but the brand’s outwear is truly amazing and worth the investment. After two hours on the ice, I felt great!
If you’re open to adventure travel, I highly recommend putting a glacier tour on your list of things to do. There are a few reasons. First, standing on an ice age-old massive piece of glacier was my 2024 version of touching some grass. I was reminded that I’m a speck on this spinning rock and need to spend more time grounded in that fact as I move through the world. I looked to the sky and thought of how proud my ancestors would be, even though I know they’d be telling me to get my butt home and off a dog on a glacier!
Secondly, I gained an ever-large appreciation for Mother Nature as I learned that glaciers are the world's largest reservoir of freshwater, containing around 69% of the world's freshwater. Again, another fact that helped me gain perspective. Lastly, it’s just fun and stunningly beautiful!
After this, I’m looking forward to my next cold-weather adventure! Iceland and Argentina are at the top of the list!
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Featured image courtesy of Bianca Lambert