Maria and Frank's Love Story And Amazing Advice

Frank and my love story is somewhat unique and somehow even started before we ever

met. Both of our parents have been friends for well over 50 years – My Parents helped Franks parents after they eloped to get married – my parents offered for them to live with them during that time. So, you could say Frank and I grew up together. I was good friends with his sister and he played soccer with my brothers for a local Canberra soccer team. We would see each other at weddings, soccer events, each others house, we even ended up working together for a local jewellery company. Even though I though he was super cute, I never really had any courage/confidence to say anything, I found out years later he was afraid of my four older brothers and father to even ask me out.

We went our separate ways and after years of not being in touch he happened to be at a friends birthday party and we started chatting releasing we now work for the same organisation (once again) and I thought he still was ever so cute, like he never aged! So, we started chatting each day, just talking and it was easy, then we started hanging out, I remember we went to Costco to have their famous hot dogs and we ran into his friend and

he asked if this was a date! I couldn’t stop laughing, it was the awkward 'are we dating or not?' phase!

It was coming up to Christmas and we decided to go to the light festival that was on – this was really our first date! The night was a bit of a blur, it was super low key, we went to a local food truck hall for dinner, went to the lights and Frank was giving me a lift home and we started singing the backstreet boys "I want it that way" – and in that moment, everything stopped, as if it was a sign that this guy was it! We sat in my driveway for about 5 mins in silence. I then turned to him kissed him and then dashed out of the car and ran into my house! To this day I still can’t believe I did that, though Frank continues to remind me and loves doing so!

How long have you been married?

Since that moment we have been together 5 years, have a gorgeous 1 Year old baby girl

with a little boy on the way, and it's coming up to our 4th wedding anniversary!

What is the one piece of advice you would give to a newly married couple on how to make a long and happy marriage?

I was once told “a Good marriage is like good wine—it only gets better with age”. And I truly believe that. There is no such thing as a perfect marriage, like everything in life, it takes work.

1. Even though you are married – never stop dating your spouse.

2. Remember why you fell in love with each other – small gestures go a long way.

3. Putting each other above all else – remembering you’re a team.

4. Be open, honest and communicate and laugh together every day.

5. Don't put your marriage on hold while raising a family – a lot of couples tend to lose themselves when kids come along – remember to take time out together where

possible.

Love Story written by Maria Cerundolo

Note: This love story is part of on ongoing curation in a series called Love Stories that details how couples met and their advice on how to create a long and happy marriage. Want to tell your love story and be a featured Love Story on Happy Little Vows? We'd love to hear it! Check out our HLV Instructions for more details.