Mana + Chava

Mana recalls peeking into the windows of her uncles’ house when she was 14 just to get a glimpse at Chava every time he would visit her cousins. It started out as an ultimate childhood crush where she would blush over hearing his voice and seeing his handsome face. It wasn’t until years later that this childhood crush grew into something much more. They first connected during the summer of 1985 in Fresno, CA. It was an instant connection. It was a weekend to be remembered for Mana that she would always go back to. She knew right away that Chava would be her first love. This is when the lasting love story all began. But, it was an affair that had to be kept secret and was cut off short because Mana’s cousins were very protective and Chava knew she was off limits. So time went by and both lived lives of their own. With the struck of luck, they met again, but only this time, Mana was engaged and set to marry someone else. Nevertheless, it was still an unforgettable moment as they danced the night away in their own universe.

Fast forward to July 2010, they saw each other again. This time Mana was 44 and now single while Chava was 48. He didn’t waste any more time. He took Mana to Pacifica, CA. It was a romantic and beautiful dinner date with a picturesque view of the ocean. From then and there they spent weekends together enjoying each other’s company. Weekends grew longer until a faithful day in November, on Thanksgiving of the same year, Chava proposed. They had planned their wedding on 12-12-12. But sadly, a big fall out happened shortly before Super Bowl XLVI in 2012 and they were forced to part ways.

But destiny kept bringing them back together and this time, it was with the help of Mana’s grandson, Isaac. In the summer of 2013, Mana moved in with Chava. He could no longer bear the thought of losing her again, so Chava proposed for the second time. It was meant to be.

Mana describes Chava as a true cowboy. He opens the door for her, and makes sure he’s on the right side of her and says no one has treated her that way before. He’s really there for her through and through.

I still see giggles in Mana’s eyes as she tells me her love story, that teary-eyed, happy feel as she went on with the details of her 30-year love story with Chava. Yes, it had its ups and downs, but it was a love affair that withstood time and odds. It just goes on to prove that love knows no time, no age, and it will take down barriers and fight any odds that gets in its’ way. It was a love affair tested by time, two lovers brought back together several times by fate despite the many things that stood between them. Now they will live inseparably bounded by their undying love for each other.

Never give up on love, if you believe hard enough, it will find its’ way, one way or another.

It was probably one of the biggest and happiest wedding I’ve seen, I felt lucky to be part of it.

Make sure to see the Same Day edit slideshow! 🙂