Good relationships are not just about the good times you share; they’re also about the obstacles you go through together, and the fact that you still say “I love you” through it all.
Gustavo:
We’ve known each other since we were kids. As neighbors, our families were good friends, but our relationship didn’t happen until we were in college. Despite her beauty catching my eye, the thought of asking her out had not crossed my mind, as I was caught up in my crazy life.
As a young man, I had whatever one could “dream of.” Money, girls, and no responsibilities ultimately led to trouble. Combined with disapproval and distance from my father, I found myself in a bad place, feeling invisible to my Dad. I had no financial support, or a single clue as how to earn his respect, or how I could get my life back to where it was. My everyday only reminded me of my mistakes and failures. To make things more challenging, the icing on the cake was finding out my friend was dating my crush…
Luchy:
Walking down the school hall on a random college day in 2004, I ran into Gustavo. He seemed very upset and overwhelmed. I said “Hello,” and started a casual conversation in hopes of calming him down. Gustavo asked “why haven’t we gone out on a date?” My answer was… “You never asked!” Gustavo has more than one version about how I fell for him. Just ask him what happened and how I literally “fell into his arms”. It is a good one!
His friends really liked us together. Due to Gustavo’s financial situation, they sponsored our dates for some time! Thanks Jose “Cabe”, Alberto Mario and Eduardo for picking up the tabs and for driving us around… all without me really knowing how broke he was at the time 😉 ♥
Gustavo:
But wait, it wasn’t love at first sight! Remember my crush and the friend from earlier? During one of our dates while out with friends I was too distracted by the excessive PDA in front of me and it drove me nuts! It took a good friend to put me in my place and point out how distracted I was instead of paying attention to the “Bollo” next to me. “Bollo” by the way means “the hottest”. I did just that, I focused on Luchy and we danced the night away and had an amazing time. I remember every detail about that night, from the first song we danced to (El Gran Combo, “Brujeria”) to her outfit. From that day on, there has not been a day when my focus and my eyes have not been on her. Thanks Alberto for your help that night bro!
Luchy:
After spending a lot more time together, we made it official on April 7th, 2004 (my favorite number, that has story too). I started to fall in love with him, and I promise you it wasn’t hard. He was a giant gentle teddy bear, a big guy with a big heart! I fell for him knowing there would not be another man or person with a heart as big as his. I knew he was young and we were growing up but I had no idea his heart could get bigger or that he could become more generous, loving, responsible and so many more qualities everyone being witness of our union can clearly see about him. As the years went by our love became stronger. And then… the time for a big decision came.
Gustavo:
I fell in love with her! My friends and family adored her as well. Luchy has always been good and very patient with kids. The way she would show my little brother Nicolas love and attention made me love her even more. Did you know she is also an artist? She could turn an empty canvas into a true work of art. I think that’s what she did with me.
In 2008, she decided to leave Colombia. I didn’t think she would be gone for long, but I had already realized she was “The One!” She had made the decision to stay in Chicago against any and all obstacles. I was willing to do anything and everything to be together. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I never imagined we would experience half the sacrifices and shed as many tears during the difficult process. Adapting to a new country, culture, and a new life apart from our families and friends was very hard for me and for my loved ones. Despite all of the hardships, I am certain we’d do it all over again. Being there for each other and supporting one another in love has been our only way. I am so full of joy and happiness to be so close to saying “I DO” in front of all of you.
Luchy:
After many ups and downs… years, tears, and experiences later, we are stronger without a doubt and have a never-ending love and commitment to each other. We are ready and our day is almost here! We would love for you to join us in Colombia and witness our union as we say our vows in front of God, family and friends.
