Captivating Couples 2015
Phoenix, AZ
Gwen, 43, dental hygienist
Ronda, 47, corporate travel agent
"Seriously, our biggest challenge has been our timing," say Gwen and Ronda. "We have always known that we were meant for each other, but circumstances seemed to always keep us from having a relationship." They first met 17 years ago in Alaska, but were both with other people. Then they had a period when they were free, but didn´t want to mess up their friendship. "As the years went by, one of us was ready to commit and the other wasn´t, and it went back and forth like that for years… Thankfully, fate stepped in–we were reunited three years ago, and haven´t spent a moment (besides work) apart ever since," says Gwen. The thing that once kept them apart, their friendship, is now the thing that binds them together. And fate seems to be in their corner this time. Not only was same-sex marriage recently made legal in Arizona, but they also just won a contest to get a free dream wedding, courtesy of the Hotel Palomar in Phoenix! "I used to have a lot of regret about [the years spent apart]," says Gwen, "wishing we would have just been together from day one, but now, as I look back, it was so important for us to have our own life experiences first, so we could be ready to totally commit to the one."
All you need is love!
RUSLANA & SHERRI
Brooklyn, NY
Ruslana, 27, professional bodybuilder and fitness/nutrition coach
Sherri, 29, GM for a national fitness brand and certified personal trainer
Ruslana works with clients through social media and creates programs from beginner at-home workouts to competition preps. "Sometimes Sherri and I collaborate…which makes a great mix with our Russian and American fitness backgrounds (I am a professional body builder, and Sherri was a professional basketball player.)" Not surprisingly, the couple met at the gym. "I was the manager," remembers Sherri, "and when I saw Ruslana I thought she was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. I didn´t want to be unprofessional and let her know I was interested, but luckily she ended up pursuing me." Two years later, they now appreciate each other´s deeper qualities. Sherri is attracted to Ruslana´s kindness and caring, while Ruslana believes Sherri "is the most mature and positive person I´ve ever been with." They´ve seen some tough times, though. "One was near the beginning of our relationship [when] we were partying way too much, as most young lesbians do," says Sherri. "[That put] a strain on our relationship and was a big reason why we started to adopt a healthier lifestyle." She thinks one key to their success as a couple is trust. "We both have finally found a relationship where we fully trust one another." Optimistic attitudes also serve them well; they like to reflect on quotes that emphasize positivity. While they´re not talking about marriage, currently, they´re both blissful in their committed relationship. Sherri says they see themselves five years from now "happy and healthy with successful careers and an additional puppy and kitten."
