It’s not common for you to see love boasted in the Haitian culture. Most of the time, Haitian couples leave their stories woven with threads of resilience, tradition, and passion. But, never public, always in silence.
We interviewed three Haitian couples and Caribbean couples across generations and preference who found their own unique paths to lasting love. From chance encounters to digital connections, love stories that remain untold.
Imagine a wedding in New York, 39 years ago. A bridesmaid walks by, holding a piece of cake. A charming gentleman approaches with a smile and asks, “Can I have some?” This simple question marked the beginning of Sandra Nonez- Mera and Fito Mera beautiful journey together.
Their courtship spanned four years, with Fito moving closer to Sandra in New Jersey. They shared a church, shared values, and eventually shared their lives, marrying when Sandra was a freshman in college.
What’s their secret to nearly four decades of marriage? “Patience, respect, and forgiveness,” Sandra shares. “There’s no perfect relationship, but learning to forgive one another is one of the keys to keeping us together for this long.”
Both born in Haiti, Sandra and Fito found strength in their shared cultural background. “That made our relationship much easier,” Sandra explains. “Our choices of foods, activities, etc., were similar. “However, she emphasizes that the key to any relationship is to “embrace each other’s culture, show love, respect, and maintain communication.”
In the heart of Harlem, a different kind of love story unfolded. Karl and Erry’s romance began in the digital age, connecting through the dating app Grindr, the world’s largest social networking app for gay, bi, trans, and queer people. Despite their different cultural backgrounds -Haitian and Jamaican – they discovered a wealth of shared experiences and interests.
Six years into their relationship, Karl and Erry continue to celebrate their cultural differences. “Our different cultures enrich our relationship by introducing us to diverse perspectives, traditions, and values,” they explain. This cultural exchange has deepened their appreciation for one another and made their relationship more dynamic.
For Karl and Erry, black love means “celebrating and cherishing the unique experiences and histories we share as a Black couple. It’s about embracing our identities, supporting each other’s growth, and building a future together while honoring our roots.”
Sometimes, love strikes in unexpected places. For Emylie and Alex, it was at Asu Rooftop in Haiti. What started as a chance encounter quickly blossomed into a relationship. Now, almost six years later, they just celebrated their first wedding anniversary.
Emylie and Alex’s partnership is built on mutual support and shared goals. “We both compliment each other very well,” Emylie shares. “I push him in his line of work and he pushes me in mine. We’ve honestly always seen each other as being on the same team.”
For Emylie, Haitian love holds a special significance. “It’s about being married to someone who shares the same culture and values as me. It’s such a deep connection because of our traditions and cultural experiences, and I can’t wait to pass them down to our future kids.”
These three stories, each unique in their own way, showcase the beauty and diversity of Haitian love. Whether it’s a decades-long partnership, a cross-cultural connection, or a whirlwind romance, these couples remind us that love, in all its forms, is a powerful force that can bridge any gap and withstand any challenge.
As we celebrate these Haitian love stories, we’re reminded of the universal truths of love, respect, understanding, and the willingness to grow together. These Haitian couples show us that whether love begins with a piece of cake, a digital message, or a rooftop encounter, it’s the journey that follows that truly defines a relationship.
