Whether it's the desire for tradition or the hopes of a fairy tale, expectation doesn't always meet reality in marriage; couples talk through their experiences with compromise and communication as they journey toward ultimate acceptance.

A diverse set of couples detail the early days of their relationship and how they knew the other was the one. From meeting and marrying in under a year, break ups to make ups, dating a coworker, and a pre-prison proposal, these couples highlight their beginnings and the hurdles they faced on the path to their "I do."

A couple shares how suddenly losing their child taught them a deeper love.

Couples share the lessons that have helped them through their marriages, even in the moments when they don't agree or don't even like each other. Featuring Rebecca & Terry Crews, LeToya Luckett-Walker & Tommicus Walker, David & Julie Arnold and more.

"Black Love" couples get real about personality differences, pet peeves and how they handle arguments when a spouse is not on the same page. Featuring Salli Richardson & Dondre Whitfield, Kandi Burruss & Todd Tucker, David & Pamela Mann and more.

"Black Love" couples share their experiences from the true tests of marriage, from experiences with drug abuse, pornography addiction, depression from a miscarriage and more.

Newlywed couples talk about what changes the day after people say “I do,” and the good and bad experiences that have taught them what long-term commitment really looks like.

Couples remember meeting their soul mates and recount the twists and turns of their relationships; couples recall challenges and triumphs as their love evolves into, successful, long-lasting marriages.

Seven couples share the darkest times in their relationships; from one tragic event that changed everything, to working together through years of turmoil, they discuss how they managed to stay together.

"Black Love" couples discuss how they came to really know their spouse through their past traumas and how they used these moments to strengthen their marriages. Featuring Tommicus Walker & LeToya Luckett-Walker, Salli & Dondre Whitfield and more.

Couples discuss the intersection of work and love lives, and roles at home. They admit that knowing when to turn off the business brain and transition to home life is a constant battle. Features Kenny & Jessica Burns, Kandi Burruss & Todd Tucker and more.

Love stories from the black community explore the secrets behind successful marriages. First up: the nine couples recall the often-imperfect moment they entered each other's lives.