Today we are showcasing some beautiful Southern Black Love. We are beyond excited to showcase the 25th Anniversary shoot of Mr. and Mrs. Gaines of Fredricksburg, VA along with their beautiful daughters. This military family with strong Virginia roots, share with us some of their tips for marriage, the love of their family and love story. This family is the perfect way to start your week.
Photos by: Terri Baskin Photography
Bouquet by Pretty Petals Florals
Southern Black Love: 25 Anniversary Shoot with the Gaines Family
Family Names:
Husband: Lawrence Gaines
Wife: Dwan Barnes- Gaines
Daughters: Morgan and Sydney Gaines
How did you two
Lawrence and I met at a nightclub in Dayton, Ohio. I noticed that he couldn’t stay off the dance floor so I figured I’d take my chance and ask him to dance (a first for me!). He accepted and we danced the remainder of the night. The following weekend, I decided to go out again, and as luck (or fate) would have it, we saw each other again! We connected, danced, talked, and realized we had quite a bit in common. We were from the same state (VA) and had run in some of the same circles! This time, we exchanged information before leaving and decided to keep in touch. Our friendship developed quickly into a three-year courtship until it was time for him to move to his next duty station, and he knew I would not move with him unless we were engaged to be married. So, he popped the question and almost twenty-five years later, here we are, happily married with two daughters! Now he’s stuck with me!
Can you talk about the different locations you’ve lived and how your marriage survived?
Being a military family, it feels like Lawrence and I have lived all over the US! We met in Ohio, moved and married in Virginia Beach, Virginia where we had our daughters. After three years, we relocated to New Orleans, Louisiana, then Monterey, California for a few years before settling back on the east coast in Fredericksburg, Virginia. We were very fortunate that during Lawrence’s 26-year military career, we did not have to endure any deployments or major separations. I believe our relationship withstood the trials and tribulations of moving and rebuilding because we are grounded in our faith, and though we did not have family around, we learned to appreciate depending on and being with one another.
Can you tell us about your family?
Our family is quite the comical bunch!! We seriously need our own reality tv show. The four of us each bring our own unique contribution to the family. Lawrence is the know-it-all, Sydney, the comedian, Morgan, the lawyer, and I am the voice of reason!!! Throw us all under one roof and we’re bound to get up to something! We are a family of foodies and shopaholics, who also love to travel. We live life 
Do you have tips for younger (newly married) couples on how to sustain a marriage?
Stay steadfast in your faith, laugh often, and date each other forever! However, Lawrence would say “save your money and buy her whatever she wants”!
FULL GALLERY
Comments
Michiel is a Black Southern Belle living a lowcountry life. I love all things fashion, home decor and southern! When I am not running around doing fun stuff for Black Southern Belle, I live in antique stores and have a minor obsession with historic homes :)
We had so much fun shooting this even though it was quite chilly outside! Terri always works her magic and makes us look fabulous! Thanks for the feature!