Our Story
Some loves are born out of chance.
Ours was written by God.
God wrote our story with care, detail, and purpose.
He placed us in each other’s paths for something greater: to live a love that grows with faith, surrender, and truth. He sent Mari to be a light on my path, and sent Gustav to love me with the same love Christ had for the Church — whole, pure, and constant, completely, faithfully, and with all his heart.
We met on a Saturday night, 26th June 2021, on a rooftop overlooking the river. When our eyes met, something eternal awoke. From that moment on, we began to live in each other’s thoughts. The feelings were so intense, so true, that we can’t even remember when we started dating. For us, the day we met is the day it all began.
Time went by, and like in any real story, we faced ups and downs. There was a moment when we drifted apart… and that’s when we realised the truth: we didn’t know how (nor did we want) to live without each other. That’s when we understood it was love. A rare love, a true love.
We have our quirks, our madness — and that’s what makes us unique. We toast with our toothbrushes before brushing. When one of us gets home, we do our “hug dance”, happy like children. Simple gestures that say: you are my home.
But love only becomes real when it passes through the fire. We faced the fear of being judged, the fear of loving and not being loved in return. We learned to block out the noise, to protect our love from what comes from outside. And we overcame it. Because at the centre of our relationship is God — He is the one who makes our love grow stronger every day.
Marinalva
I admire his heart — he is a man of character, kind, sensitive, able to see others’ pain, cares for those in need, and above all, today he loves God more than he loves me.
Gustav
I admire her mind — her strength, her faith, the way she loves her people, for being so spiritual, for putting God first, and for being so different from me yet so similar at the same time.
From the very beginning, we both knew we shared the desire to get married one day.
Together, we’ve grown so much and overcome so many challenges side by side, that on our third anniversary — which we celebrated on 29th June 2024 — he proposed. It was magical, romantic, and unforgettable.
It was a beautiful sunny day prepared by God. Gustav planned every little detail (Bride: he even booked a nail appointment for me, bought the dress, and made sure I looked absolutely stunning). The proposal took place in a flower field on a small riverside island. It was unique and very special. We were so happy — not even in our wildest dreams could we have imagined something so precious.
Our decision to get married is a reflection of the essence of our love: strong, resilient, shaped by time, and built to last. A love that has won battles, defied the world, and today stands firm — unshaken and alive. After many stories, memories, conversations, guidance, and much prayer, the time has come to officially start our family. The time has come to share this love with those we love most. And with hearts full of joy, we invite you to celebrate our wedding with us — a step blessed by God, full of meaning and love.
Our Wedding
Schedule
To Our Friends and Family
Life has taken us far away, all the way to Finland, but our hearts remain deeply connected to our roots. If you would like to offer us a gift, you may do so via bank transfer. Every gesture will be received with heartfelt gratitude and love.
Joicelina Luís
IBAN Angola:
AO0600400000005780247610189
Angola
Bank: BAI
Marinalva Luís
IBAN Finland:
FI81 3939 0059 8910 28
Finland
SWIFT code: SBANFIHH