

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.
Ladies, how many of you can say you met your future husband when you were just 12 years old? Don't worry, I'll wait.
While most of us were experiencing puberty, disgusted with boys, or trying to figure out the changes in our preteen bodies, this woman randomly met her future husband and future father of her kids at a children's carnival. What are the chances?
Ama and Quincy Schreyer initially met at a Notting Hill carnival in 1995. Ama, who was just 12 years old, met Quincy, who at the time was only 15 himself, by connecting with mutual friends.
Three years later, Ama ran into an 18-year-old Quincy at The Afro Hair and Beauty show in London. It was soon followed by weeks filled with hanging out and talking and the chemistry between the two was obvious. But their age difference, coupled with Quincy's cockiness delayed a potential relationship.
After dating on and off, the two would eventually take a break when Quincy went to study and play football in California, while Ama remained in the U.K. to begin her music career. But as they say, true love will always find a way, and so it did. Once Quincy returned to the U.K. after school, it wasn't long until they reconnected and he popped the question. On Ama's 19th birthday, Quincy asked for her hand in marriage, and of course, she said yes!
The two wed in 2005 in Notting Hill, London where their love story all began. 19 years later, they are parents to an adorable baby boy, Rocco, and have built a beautiful life together. Ama and Quincy are the real life examples of a teenage love affair turned into a lifetime romance.
*Alexa play Alicia Keys' "Teenage Love Affair"*
Here's their story:
The One
Quincy: Marriage was never really considered, as we were both so young when we met. I thought, this is a girl you could make long-term plans with. She had it all.
Ama: I just liked him. I never knew we'd end up married with a kid, all these years later.
Building Together
Quincy: Ama was like a fish in the bathroom, she would wet the floor so much. It used to annoy the heck out of me.
Ama: Quincy is a very tidy person but I didn't realize how tidy. He would do too much laundry in the week, whereas I like to do it all in one day. After speaking about it over the years, we've learned to adapt and be flexible with each other's annoying habits. It was hard at times but also funny and part of our journey as a married couple, living together.
Baggage Claim
Quincy & Ama: Communication played a big part in marriage. We both had to learn different ways of communicating to get the best results in any situation. We are still learning and believe it's a journey that will continue forever.
As you change as individuals, so do your needs.
Love Advice
Quincy & Ama: Know each other's love language and if you really love each other, keep going! Communication is key.
To keep up with their journey in life and love follow them at @AmaSchreyer.
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Ashley McDonough is a writer and producer in New York City. When she's not busy writing or producing culturally conscious content, she is patiently waiting for Oprah and Stedman to adopt her. Keep up with her journey via social @Ashley_Milani or check out her work on www.AshleyMcDonough.org.
'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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Celebrate International Women's Day With Wellness, Empowerment & More
International Women’s Day, celebrated on Saturday, March 8th, presents an excellent opportunity to honor and celebrate women. As March marks Women’s History Month, there are numerous chances throughout the month to pay tribute to the remarkable contributions of women.
Both International Women's Day and Women's History Month serve as reminders of the progress made toward gender equality and the work still left to do.
They inspire ongoing advocacy for women's rights, fostering discussions on issues such as workplace discrimination, healthcare access, and representation in leadership. By celebrating women's contributions and amplifying their voices, these observances help pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
Here are four ways to celebrate International Women's Day and Women's History Month.
Attend a Women History Month Event
This month, there are numerous events happening, particularly for International Women’s Day. One such event is organized by Media Girls Network, which will be held over a multi-day period starting on Thursday. The entire event is dedicated to celebrating women.
On Friday, the organization will honor prominent women in business and entertainment, including the OMG Girlz, celebrity restauranteur Gocha Hawkins, and more.
On Saturday, guests can indulge in a day of wellness and self-care, featuring a fitness class, massages, a journaling workshop, and other activities. For more information about these events, visit www.mediagirlsontour.com.
Support a Woman-Owned Business
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Reports indicate that women constitute 39.1% of business owners, and this percentage is steadily rising. In light of this, let’s celebrate and support women-owned businesses this month.
Here are a few ways to do so: shop at their establishments, leave positive reviews, follow and engage with them on social media, collaborate with them, or contribute to their crowdfunding efforts.
Support Women's Rights Groups
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Since President Trump took office, we’ve witnessed an unprecedented number of rights being reversed, including DEI programs. Women have been particularly concerned about his decision regarding abortion and reproductive rights. Recently, he dismissed the Idaho Emergency Abortion case, which was a legal battle to ensure Idahoans had access to emergency abortion care.
Writing in her Substack blog, Abortion, Everyday, journalist and abortion rights advocate, Jessica Valenti, said, “By dropping this case, the Trump administration is sending a clear message that anti-abortion states don’t have to adhere to [the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act] by giving pregnant patients life-saving care.”
Instead of waiting on Trump's next move regarding women's rights, support women's rights organizations and charities like In Our Own Voice Action Fund and Planned Parenthood.
Empower Others
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Use your voice to raise awareness about the challenges women encounter. This can be achieved through social media platforms or by speaking at local rallies and events. By leading by example, you can inspire others to get involved and contribute to the support.
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