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Meet The Black Couples Saying 'I Do' In Season 14 Of 'Married At First Sight' In Boston

Get to know more about both pairings, including one groom's connection to Jephte Pierre, and get a peek at the other hopefuls looking for love in Beantown.

Courtney Hizey Photography

By Victoria Uwumarogie · Updated November 22, 2021

As it prepares to come to a close, Season 13 of Married at First Sight has certainly taken viewers on quite the emotional rollercoaster. There have been outbursts, tears, gaslighting, locked doors, secret dating apps and shocking splits. But as MAFS viewers know, when one season concludes, another is right on the horizon.

Enter in Season 14. The experts are returning to Boston (that’s where we were introduced to Shawniece and Jephte, who remain married, share a daughter and appear on the spinoff Couples Cam), this time with five couples. The series will return on January 5, 2022 with a three-hour premiere, and is preceded by the Season 14 Matchmaking Special on December 29 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, and the Kickoff Special with Kevin Frazier on December 30 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

Of the five couples set to be featured, two are Black, which is always exciting — especially if they hit it off and have a healthy, lasting connection. There’s 29-year-old Jasmina, saying “I do” to Michael, 28. They’ve overcome past trauma and struggle dating apps to take part in the experiment and are putting their faith in the experts.

Then there’s Katina and Olajuwon, both 29, who after self-love journeys and playing the field (aka, being a “playboy”), are ready to settle down.

Get to know more about both pairings, including one groom’s connection to Jephte Pierre, and get a peek at the other hopefuls looking for love in Beantown.

Katina and Olajuwon

After spending two years loving on and becoming the best version of herself, Katina is ready to be a wife and mother and to do so with help from MAFS experts. Her groom is Olajuwon, who admits he was a “playboy” at one time. He’s since realized he’s been lonely and is ready to share his life with someone. Olajuwon actually went to school with Jephte Pierre, reconnecting at a recent homecoming celebration. Jephte had nothing but great things to say about his experience on the show in Season 6, which encouraged Olajuwon to give it a shot when it returned to Boston for casting.

Courtney Hizey Photography

Article continues after video.

Jasmina and Michael

An early childhood education teacher, Jasmina always knew she wanted kids, but she needed the right partner to make that happen. Believing the experiment works, she signed up for MAFS and to find her happily ever after. As for Michael, he was encouraged by his sister to try and sign up for the show after growing frustrated with the dating app game. He too is ready for a family and is believing the experts can help bring that to fruition.

Courtney Hizey Photography

Alyssa and Chris

Other pairs include Alyssa and Chris. After spending her time rescuing animals worldwide, Alyssa, 30, is ready to find love. Experts are hopeful that her match, Chris, 35, who has been in long-term relationships since high school, will be just right for her.

Courtney Hizey Photography

Lindsey and Mark

Lindsey, 34, is looking for the kind of love her grandparents (married more than 70 years) have, while Mark, 37, has struggled to find women who are ready to settle down to date. They’re both hopeful that this experiment will bring them closer to lasting love.

Courtney Hizey Photography

Noi and Steve

After falling in love easily and being let down hard, Noi, 33, is seeking help from the experts to find her Mr. Right after so many Mr. Wrongs. Her match is Steve, 38. He found out his grandparents’ marriage was arranged (and they have been together 60+ years), so he’s looking for the same happy, healthy outcome in his own love life and is confident the experts can make it happen.

Courtney Hizey Photography

TOPICS: Black Love marriage Married At First Sight

Kandi & Riley Burruss Share the Taste of Tradition with Coca-Cola®

Kandi and Riley Burruss are serving up more than just recipes—they’re dishing out legacy, one bite at a time.

By Essence · Updated March 26, 2025

Food is more than just nourishment—it’s history, love, and the heart of our culture. For Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur Kandi Burruss, along with her daughter Riley Burruss, the kitchen is where family bonds strengthen, stories unfold, and traditions come to life.

In an exclusive sit-down, the mother-daughter duo invites us into their world to celebrate the flavors that connect generations. From the unmistakable aroma of home-cooked meals to the joy of passing down cherished recipes, Kandi and Riley remind us that food is a love language—and Coca-Cola® is the refreshing companion that makes every moment even more special.

A Legacy Served with Love

For Kandi, cooking isn’t just about the meal—it’s about uplifting family traditions and honoring the past. “Some of my best moments with family have been in the kitchen,” she shares. “There’s something special about preparing a dish that’s been in the family for years. It keeps us connected to our roots.”

Riley, who has grown up watching her mom master both the stage and the kitchen, agrees. “Food is a huge part of our family traditions,” she says. “And I love that I get to learn these recipes and carry them forward. It’s not just about eating—it’s about keeping our connections strong across generations.”

Flavors That Bring Us Home

As they prepare their favorite dishes, Kandi and Riley reflect on how cooking together is about more than just the food—it’s about togetherness and celebrating the love that makes every meal special. Whether it’s a Sunday soul food spread or a quick meal shared between busy schedules, every bite tells a story. And with Coca-Cola®’s crisp, refreshing taste, the experience is made even sweeter.

“There’s just something about having an ice-cold Coke with a good home-cooked meal,” Kandi says with a smile. “It’s been a part of our family gatherings for as long as I can remember. It’s that perfect, refreshing finish that makes every meal feel like a celebration.”

Kandi & Riley Burruss Share The Taste Of Tradition with Coca-Cola®

Bringing Culture to the Table

At ESSENCE, we celebrate the beauty of Black culture—and that includes the flavors, traditions, and stories that define who we are. Kandi and Riley’s journey through food is a reminder that our history lives in the meals we share, the joy we pass down, and the love we pour into every dish.

So, whether you’re recreating a beloved family recipe or making new memories at the table, let every bite be a tribute to the generations that came before us. And with Coca-Cola® by your side, every meal is a moment of uplift, connection, and refreshment worth savoring.

Watch the full video above and get inspired to celebrate your own family traditions!

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