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!
ERIN & CORINNE
New York, NY
Erin, 31, works in retail at the Barclays Center, CEO of The Paper Team (nightlife promotions) and host
Corinne, 26, part owner of a family business, bottle host, bartender and model
Erin and Corinne met at a party, which was appropriate since they´re both in the nightlife industry. And while they enjoy what they do, dealing with unpredictable work schedules can be a hassle as far as their relationship is concerned. "Some days our schedules are different, which takes away some of our quality time," notes Corinne. "However, when our schedules do match, we party and handle business together, which is always a good time. We tend to find that balance." Another issue has been the fact that this is Corinne´s first lesbian relationship, and she´s sometimes found that change to be immense. "Yet still, Erin stays by my side and makes things easy for me to adjust to," she says. "Before anything she´s my friend, which is really important." Corinne also praises Erin for being caring, sweet, intelligent, ambitious and business-savvy. Says Erin, "I love how supportive Corinne is in my life. I travel often and typically need someone to make sure I don´t become overwhelmed, and she makes my lifestyle very simple." And where do they see themselves in the future? "In five years, I would love for us to be approaching the homeowner stage, and to be married with children," says Erin. Adds Corinne: "Right now we´re in an amazing space, as we continue on our journey to love, happiness and success, [but] I have no objection to one day being Mrs. Erin Corley." Total cuteness overload, we say.
