20 Years of Love, Milestones, and Forever

Featuring Oly Ruiz and Nina Ruiz

In a world where love stories often lose their spark, Oly and Nina stand as a shining testament to enduring love. As they celebrate two decades of marriage, their journey reflects not only the milestones they’ve reached but the profound connection they’ve nurtured through life’s ups and downs.

For Oly and Nina, their most cherished milestones revolve around their three children. “The 20 years that we’ve been together have really been a blessing, but the stand-out milestones would really be each time our three children were born. Those moments added another layer of fulfillment and purpose into our lives together and many more milestones.”, Oly shares.

Nina adds, “Every milestone our kids achieve, from moving-up ceremonies to chasing their dreams, feels like a shared victory. A big part of raising them well is our tandem – we’re different puzzle pieces that fit perfectly together.”

This year, Oly orchestrated a surprise renewal of vows in Paris, blending love, planning, and serendipity. Scheduled for a trip to the City of Lights for Oly’s wine certification exams, the stars aligned to create a moment they would never forget.

“Having shot weddings in Europe, I realized how magical the experience is. I wanted something simple yet memorable, and Paris offered the perfect opportunity,” Oly explains.

“Twenty years is also a huge milestone, and I wanted to celebrate this moment with Nina and appreciate her for everything. I felt everything fell together – I wanted something really simple and yet very memorable, and the circumstances this year made that possible.”, Oly adds.

Keeping the plan under wraps, Oly told Nina they were having a family photo shoot to celebrate their anniversary. “She thought it was just a photoshoot, so she agreed to have a gown made,” Oly recalls with a laugh. Despite a few close calls, including Nina spotting their photographer friends, Erron and Rae in Paris, the surprise remained intact until the moment Nina walked down the aisle.

“Erron and Rae there in Paris (when usually she would know their schedules of shoots out of the country), we were able to convince her that they were there for another shoot. Other than that, the photoshoot excuse was pretty foolproof. Of course, on the other side where, we’re all hustling to prepare everything.”, shares Oly.

The renewal ceremony was a whirlwind of emotions for Nina. “I was really shocked up to the second na nag “wawalk down the aisle” na pala ako. Mixed emotions talaga. Of course super happy ako and felt so special, kinilig din shempre. Feeling ko ang haba ng hair ko. Haha! At the same time, parang i was “hala kakainis nde ako prepared” Especially nung vows. My voice cracked during the exchanging of vows, got teary-eyed din pero impromptu kasi. So may parts talaga na natatawa ako. Most special was when we renewed our vows, and the kids were with us.”

For Oly, seeing Nina’s joy and having their children by their side made the moment unforgettable. “It was pure joy to see Niña surprised like that. She has really been nothing but gracious and loving to me and the kids, and she deserved that moment. And this extends to us as a family also; it hits very differently when you get to do this with your kids participating and experiencing everything. It’s something we’ll cherish and have forever.” he says.

As they look to the future, Oly and Nina offer heartfelt advice to couples dreaming of a love as enduring as theirs. Oly emphasizes patience, understanding, and contentment, while Nina adds, “True love means accepting each other as you are and supporting one another to grow – not to change, but to improve.”

“It really helps when you have a very patient and understanding partner – sometimes that is all that’s needed. However, the support of one another, the concern for each other’s feelings, and finding contentment with the many blessings that any relationship has lasting positive effects.”, shares Oly.

From milestones to magical moments, Oly and Nina’s 20-year journey reminds us that love, when nurtured with patience, acceptance, and a shared purpose, becomes an enduring masterpiece.