Gabrielle Union reflects fondly upon a multitude of cherished moments shared with her beloved Dwyane Wade. To commemorate their eleventh wedding anniversary with the Miami Heat legend, the beloved actress from "Bring It On" curated an enchanting montage of snippets spanning each year of their journey, tracing back to their joyous 2014 wedding ceremony. On August 20th, Gabrielle posted a heartfelt caption on Instagram, saying, "Eleven years of marital bliss, and I still awaken beside my dearest friend, laughing through our escapades, dancing through trials, and indulging in midnight snacks together. This love feels like the ultimate slumber party that we get to call our home."
Accompanying the nostalgic clips showcasing her and the retired NBA star's evolution through the years, Gabrielle expressed her gratitude to their cherished circle of friends and family, punctuated with playful wordplay. "Heartfelt thanks to all who continually bless our union with prayers, walk beside us unwaveringly, and enrich our family fold – we cherish every bit of support," she continued. "Here's to countless more years of love, laughter, and all the magic in between. For us, forever stretches into eternity."
When the couple first embarked on their romance in 2009, their bond didn't immediately meet with Dwyane's family's wholehearted endorsement. Notably, his older sister Tragil harbored reservations about Gabrielle, who is nine years his senior.
During their August 20th appearance on Michelle Obama's IMO podcast, Gabrielle revealed, "When I first met his family, the older sisters, who are closer to my age, embraced me warmly. We clicked instantly. However, Tragil, being his protector and gatekeeper, had a more guarded demeanor. She's the watchdog, ensuring he stays focused and uninfluenced."
Beyond Tragil's watchful eye, Dwyane's mother Jolinda also harbored her own misgivings. "In the nascent stages of our relationship, before I became 'the wife,' Tragil and his mom perhaps wondered, 'What do you seek? Who are you, this older woman? What are your intentions?'" Gabrielle shared.
Nonetheless, the 52-year-old lady, who also doubles as the stepmother to Dwyane's children—Zaire, 23, Zaya, 18, Xavier, 11, and nephew Dahveon, 21—swiftly and sincerely dispelled their misgivings. She recounted, "I thought to myself, 'We've both recently gone through a divorce; we're in a similar situation. I didn't have children when I was younger, and I'm still in no rush to start a family now. I'm financially independent and self-sufficient. I simply adore him, and as for the future, we'll let it unfold naturally.'"