How long-lost love letter led to couple marrying after 16 years apart

[Marilyn. 340]

A couple have married after they were reunited when a long-lost love letter sent ten years ago was found unopened behind a fireplace.

Steve Smith and Carmen Ruiz-Perez, both 42, walked down the aisle on Friday following a separation of 16 years.

The pair fell in love and got engaged in their 20s after Carmen moved to England as a foreign student.

But after a year-long relationship the couple drifted apart when she had to move back to France.

A few years later Steve wrote to her in a bid to rekindle their romance - but Carmen's mother put it on the mantelpiece and it slipped down the back of the fireplace.

It remained there unopened for the next decade until the fireplace was removed for renovations.

Carmen - who had remained single and never forgot the love of her life - was given the letter in which Steve had written: 'I hope you are well. I was just writing to ask if you ever married and if you ever still thought of me?

'It would be great to hear from you, please great in touch if you can. Steve XXX.'

Factory supervisor Steve said: 'I didn't write much because I assumed she would be remarried. I never thought it would take ten years to hear back.'

Carmen said she was initially too nervous to call as so much time had passed but plucked up the courage and the pair arranged to meet.

They met up in Paris a few days later and have now wed - 17 years after they first fell in love.

Steve, of Paignton, Devon, said: 'When we met again it was like a film. We ran across the airport into each other's arms.

'We met up and fell in love all over again. Within 30 seconds of setting eyes on each other we were kissing.

'Now we're married, I'm just glad the letter did eventually end up where it was supposed to be.'

Carmen, who is now living with Steve in Paignton, said the wedding was the pinnacle of an 'amazing' love story.

She added: 'I never got married and now I'm marrying the man I have always loved.'

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-...lace-years.html

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Wow, what a cool story. Thanks!

[Jenn! 918]

Aww, very sweet.

I think the moral is that we all need to do really thorough house cleanings more often!

[luckytxn 2,265]

If he was the love of her life then how come she allowed him to drift away in the first place?

Edited July 19, 2009 by luckytxn

[rebeccajo 14]

If he was the love of her life then how come she allowed him to drift away in the first place?

I sure wouldn't want to ever have to keep up with your standards.

Edited July 19, 2009 by rebeccajo

[trinket 30]

If he was the love of her life then how come she allowed him to drift away in the first place?

Because sh*ts happen in life, people don't have control over everything. Why can't you see something good out of this story? Very fact that they are together on this day shows he really was her true love.

By the way this article was indeed romantic.

[kayandnigel 0]

If he was the love of her life then how come she allowed him to drift away in the first place?

Wow someone always has to make a nasty comment

[Ban Hammer 13,651]

If he was the love of her life then how come she allowed him to drift away in the first place?

Wow someone always has to make a nasty comment

i think it's a valid question.

"But after a year-long relationship the couple drifted apart when she had to move back to France."

[Marilyn. 340]

life happens..

maybe she thought he had moved on ...

and why does it really matter.... they are together now

Edited July 20, 2009 by Marilyn.

[Ban Hammer 13,651]

life happens..

maybe she thought he had moved on ...

and why does it really matter? they are together now

or vice versa. i'd chalk it up to a communication issue.

[Marilyn. 340]

life happens..

maybe she thought he had moved on ...

and why does it really matter? they are together now

or vice versa. i'd chalk it up to a communication issue.

well yeah it says in the article that he thought she had moved on after he didn't respond to her letter..

some people are just not cut out for a long distance relationship..

[Ban Hammer 13,651]

and why does it really matter.... they are together now

people can't ask questions? mkay!

[Marilyn. 340]

and why does it really matter.... they are together now

people can't ask questions? mkay!

did I say you couldn't??

I could say the same thing..."are people not allowed to have opinions about people's questions?"

Edited July 20, 2009 by Marilyn.

[Ban Hammer 13,651]

and why does it really matter.... they are together now

people can't ask questions? mkay!

did I say you couldn't??

I could say the same thing..."are people not allowed to have opinions about people's questions?"

the "...why does it really matter...." kinda gives it away

[Marilyn. 340]

and why does it really matter.... they are together now

people can't ask questions? mkay!

did I say you couldn't??

I could say the same thing..."are people not allowed to have opinions about people's questions?"

the "...why does it really matter...." kinda gives it away

umm, no it doesn't... that is just my opinion... I am really wondering why it matters why they broke up years ago if they are together now...

I never said "hey don't ask questions"...