Devale Ellis Marks 15th Wedding Anniversary

Devale Ellis took to Instagram last week to celebrate a major personal milestone: nearly 15 years of marriage to Khadeeja Janelsa Smith. In a carousel post, the actor shared a series of stylish images alongside a simple yet heartfelt caption: “This time last week. Can’t believe it’s almost 15 years married. We’re just MAGIC baby! 🤍✨🖤 #EllisEverAfter.” The post, tagged with a host of creative collaborators, quickly drew praise from fans and fellow celebrities alike.

Instagram Carousel Captures The Moment

Ellis’s carousel included five polished shots that blend moody lighting with chic styling. The duo appears in matching black-and-white outfits, each photo framed to highlight their connection. Production credits in the post call out photographer Joshua Dwain (@joshua_dwain), wardrobe by House of Gray (@houseofgray_), colorist Colordujour (@colordujour), nail artistry from Nail Mannered (@nailmannered), florals by Lê Thanh Hoa (@lethanhhoa_official), and jewelry details from Earring Envy (@earring_envy). The final image shows the couple sharing an intimate embrace, the glow of soft backlighting underscoring the caption’s message of love and magic.

A Love Story Spanning Over Two Decades

Though they’ll mark their 15th wedding anniversary soon, Ellis and Smith’s romance dates back much further. In an earlier Instagram post from the 2025 BET Awards, Ellis wrote, “You did this one thing almost 23 years ago and I been trippin’ ever since 🥰🖤 What a ride baby!” That post highlighted the length and depth of their bond, recalling the moment they first met in high school. Over the years, the couple has balanced careers, parenthood and public life—raising four sons while Ellis forged his path as an actor and entrepreneur.

From Nfl Fields To Tv Screens

Before his turn in Tyler Perry’s hit series Sistas on BET, Ellis was a standout wide receiver for the University of Windsor Lancers in Ontario. After pursuing pro football, he shifted into acting, landing guest spots on shows such as Rookie Blue and being cast as Aaron Caldwell in Sistas. His chemistry with co-star Khadeeja Smith—who makes cameo appearances in his social posts—underscores their off-screen rapport. In recent years, they’ve co-starred on his podcast and web series projects while championing causes around fatherhood and Black love.

Sharing Family Moments Online

Ellis often uses his platform to spotlight family life. In one social post, he joked about their four boys rallying around his wife whenever he’s on set: “Mom doesn’t eat alone & she doesn’t sleep alone while Daddy is gone,” he wrote, calling his sons the “built-in reparations for Dad.” These candid glimpses add a playful counterpoint to the curated anniversary reel, reminding fans that the pair’s relationship thrives both in front of the camera and off.

Throughout their time together, the couple has remained intentional about celebrating each other. Smith’s own feed reflects complementary shots from the same anniversary session, complete with behind-the-scenes clips and personal reflections. She later reshared Ellis’s carousel, adding a caption of her own: “Magic indeed. Here’s to forever, baby.”

As the #EllisEverAfter hashtag trended among followers, friends and family chimed in with congratulations. Actress KJ Smith called them “goals,” while several fans noted the couple’s “timeless style” and genuine rapport. The anniversary post also underscores a shift in celeb culture: using high-production social content to convey authenticity and deepen connection with an audience hungry for positive narratives.

Love, for Ellis and Smith, appears to be both a private promise and a public celebration. By blending professional creative talent with personal storytelling, they’ve crafted an anniversary tribute that feels equal parts glamorous and genuine. With the next decade and a half ahead, fans can expect more collaborative shoots, heartfelt captions and family-centered moments as this dynamic pair continues to inspire.

Together, they’re proof that long-term partnerships can thrive in the spotlight—when magic, style and sincerity collide.

Trivia

Devale Ellis is known for his role as Malik in the popular web series 'The Cycle.'