A couple brought back together by a love letter that was lost behind a fireplace for a decade have finally married.
Steve Smith and Carmen Ruiz-Perez, both aged 42, wed in Brixham, Devon on Friday some 16 years after they said goodbye to each other.
photo credit: erin MC hammer
Their story which emerged on Valentines’ Day this year captured the imagination of lovers around the world.
The pair could have been reunited much sooner – had not the letter Mr Smith posted to Ms Ruiz-Perez’s mother’s home in Spain been misplaced.
The note only found its way into her hands after it was discovered by builders during repairs to the villa.
When Ms Ruiz-Perez, who was then living in France, finally opened the envelope she didn’t take long to pluck up her courage and call Mr Smith.
He flew from his home in Paignton to meet her, the old magic clicked back into place and soon they were engaged and planning their wedding.
Friday’s ceremony at the Berry Head Hotel marked the happy ending to a long story that started when Ms Ruiz-Perez was staying in the South West as a foreign exchange student.
Despite falling in love the visitor had to return to her home country and they drifted apart.
Mr Smith later found an address for the villa and sent the letter that then languished for 10 years.
Mr Smith told the Herald Express: “When we met again it was like a film. We ran across the airport into each other’s arms – within 30 seconds of setting eyes on each other we were kissing.”
Ms Ruiz-Perez said: “I kept picking up the phone then putting it down again – but I knew I had to make the call.”
No related posts.
