He Was an Hour-and-a-Half Late to Their First Date. 12 Years Later, They’re Happily Married (Exclusive)

A Real-life Love Story: Woman Recounts Unforgettable First Date with Future Husband

Carla Soriano recently shared the captivating tale of her tumultuous first date with her now-husband, captivating hearts across social media platforms. In a video that went viral on TikTok in December, Soriano recounted the series of misadventures that unfolded on their initial outing. Amidst the chaos of being stood up for nearly an hour and a half and an impromptu Dutch payment arrangement, Soriano revealed that the man she endured this disastrous first date with eventually became her life partner, twelve years on.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Soriano opened up about the rollercoaster of emotions she experienced during that fateful first meeting with her husband, Aaron Wijesinghe. Despite the rocky start, the couple now looks back on that eventful evening with laughter and affection, reminiscing about how far they’ve come since that initial awkward encounter.

Before their ill-fated first date, Soriano and Wijesinghe had circled each other within the same social circle for months. Their friends were taken aback by the disastrous course of events on their first date but encouraged them to give it another shot. The second date, however, painted a completely different picture as Wijesinghe surprised Soriano with a thoughtful reservation at her favorite restaurant, a gesture that left a lasting impression on her.

Although their initial dating experience was far from smooth sailing, Wijesinghe attributes his missteps to inexperience and a limited budget as a university student. Despite the rocky start, he quickly adapted and learned from the experience, setting the stage for a lasting and loving relationship with Soriano. The couple continued to date for eight years, with Soriano taking her time to warm up to the idea of marriage, while Wijesinghe knew early on that she was the one he wanted to spend his life with.

As Soriano’s viral video gained traction online, she found herself navigating through a sea of comments dissecting her decision to pursue a second date with Wijesinghe. Although the online scrutiny initially rattled her, Wijesinghe remained unfazed and even found humor in the situation. Despite the unexpected online attention, the couple remained steadfast in their love for each other, culminating in a heartwarming and enduring love story.

The journey from that calamitous first date to a blissful marriage filled with shared memories and a growing family is a testament to the power of perseverance and second chances. Soriano and Wijesinghe’s story serves as a reminder that love can often bloom from the most unexpected and challenging circumstances, showcasing the beauty of resilience and unwavering commitment in relationships.

In a world where perfection often dictates our expectations of love, Soriano and Wijesinghe’s narrative offers a refreshing perspective on the unpredictable and sometimes messy nature of relationships. Their enduring love story is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of dating and relationships, highlighting the transformative power of love, forgiveness, and growth.

As their story continues to inspire audiences worldwide, Soriano and Wijesinghe stand as a testament to the enduring strength of love and the beauty of embracing imperfections along the journey towards happily ever after.