What are we doing this Valentine’s Day? Well, in lieu of any more enticing prospects, we’re apparently living vicariously through others, as we do some light Instagram-stalking to see how a few celebs are celebrating the so-called “Day of Love.”
So far, things are blessedly pretty quiet on the Cupid front, which got us thinking about a few words of love and tokens of affection we’ve recently witnessed between some high-profile couples. In the spirit of the holiday, we felt they were worth sharing—you know, just to see how the other half loves.
On Grammy Sunday, Pusha T didn’t take home the Best Rap Album statuette, but as he put it, with longtime love and new wife Virginia at his side (and looking gorgeous in bridal white), he still went home with the prize.
Likewise, Courtney B. Vance has been enjoying awards season with his “boo,” clearly keeping his over 20-year marriage to the incredible Angela Bassett strong by appreciating her enduring magic every bit as much as we do.
Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian only have a little over a year of marriage (and one adorable kid) under their collective belt, but even a casual glance at his social media accounts let you know that he’s her biggest fan.
“It’s often the simpler things that are the most important. You have to show up. You have to be supportive. These are the things that matter,” he recently told Glamour. “I’m not the one racking up trophies... at the end of the day, sometimes her career really does have to come first. I try to be the most supportive partner I can be and to have conversations with her about her career goals and what she can do to reach them.”
While reaching new heights herself, Lena Waithe credits fiancée and fellow industry insider Alana Mayo with keeping her grounded, as she told Essence last year.
“The great thing is, she’s not jazzed by it,” Waithe said. “When I get home from winning an Emmy, she’s like, ‘Don’t forget to take out the recycling.’ It’s those things that I think are really helpful. She’s so laid back about it all.”
But fully excited about those mounting wins are Sterling K. Brown and wife and fellow actor Ryan Michelle Bathe. Their reaction to the recent This Is Us win at the 2019 SAG Awards was right out of the black love playbook (just keep your eyes on the right side of the screen).
Bathe doesn’t hold back on her pride in her man—and he returns the favor, pubbing her upcoming role in the all-black First Wives Club network reboot. Come through, #couplesgoals!
Viola Davis and Julius Tennon are another couple that makes true love look like something worth waiting for—as long as you don’t wait too long. Though the 53-year-old Oscar-winning actress married the former NFL player over 15 years ago, her career hadn’t even taken off yet. In fact, she paused on calling him because she didn’t have her life together. But thankfully, she took the leap—and as she tells it, life has been getting better ever since.
Of course, one of our favorite love stories is Ciara’s and Russell Wilson’s, which is a glow up if ever we’ve seen one—or a “Level Up,” in her words. Clearly Wilson helps his wife take herself to the next level, too. Rumors recently circulated that he surprised her by purchasing her masters to bolster the launch of her own label.
There have been conflicting reports on the veracity of that gesture of love, but what’s not up for debate is that the feeling is clearly mutual.
We know money can’t buy you love, but these are celebs we’re talking about. And Gucci Mane put his money where his love is this Valentine’s Day, upgrading the wedding ring of wife, successful beauty entrepreneur and steadfast supporter Keyshia Ka’Oir to a 60-carat diamond.
Admittedly, this is some next level shit, and we can think of a million other things we’d rather do with what he likely spent on this jewelry (including revitalizing a decent portion of Haiti). But as social media editor Corey Townsend quipped, “This ring just called me poor.”
But while we may not be happily coupled this year, at least one celeb invited us over to the Red Table to remind us that the greatest love of all should be inside of ourselves. Good looking out, Jada.