‘He Is with Me Out of Pure Love’: 70-Year-Old Lady Marries 27-Year Old Man Defends Their Union

A couple with an unconventional love story defied all odds by choosing each other above everything else. Despite an age gap of 43 years and people criticizing their relationship, they eternalized their love in a monumental wedding ceremony, which became the highlight of their city.

Love transcends all boundaries and is one of the most beautiful and precious feelings. Amid life’s many trials and tribulations, knowing we can count on someone and hold their hand is enough to calm our hearts and soothe our minds.

Regardless of how deeply and affectionately lovers feel about each other, they cannot always convince those around them of their true intentions. The story we’re sharing with you today centers around a similar theme.

Rufina Ibarra and Juan Portillo smile and wave to the guests while sitting at their wedding table | Source: facebook.com/Aguaray-Press

Rufina Ibarra and Juan Portillo, from Lima, San Pedro, Paraguay, faced sheer criticism and were reportedly attacked for their decision to be together. But they didn’t let anything come in the way of their love and feelings for each other.

They began chatting through text messages, and one day, the young man sent her his pictures.

After a solid relationship of seven years, Ibarra, 70, and Portillo, 27, decided to put a ring on their love. Despite a huge age gap and naysayers mocking their courtship, the duo was committed to spending the rest of their mortal lives together and became one of the most beloved pairs in their town.

When they announced they were ready to tie the knot, they caused a stir in their local community. Nothing impeded the South American couple because all that mattered to them was how they felt about each other.

Ibarra and Portillo’s big day celebration was shown on television. Their neighbors were kind and supportive enough to pay for the wedding attire, hairstyle, bachelor party, and other related expenses. In addition to the critics, the pair was fortunate to have friends who shared their joy.

Bride Rufina Ibarra and groom Juan Portillo pictured on their wedding day | Source: facebook.com/Aguaray-Press

Details of the Paraguayan Couple’s Historic Wedding Day

Ibarra, a radio announcer at a local radio station, expressed gratitude for people’s love and support. She described how her well-wishers gave her and Portillo everything, including their wedding outfits, chairs, and invitation cards.

The excited bride said she was overjoyed to start a new chapter of her life. Lima’s municipality provided the couple a space to hold their wedding, with 60 tables, 3,000 snacks, and eight musical groups who volunteered to make the evening unforgettable.

Local authorities provided security to the bride, groom, and almost 2,000 guests to ensure the event was safe and free of chaos. Portillo donned a black suit and purple tie, whereas Ibarra stunned in a brown Jackie dress, which she paired with a floral headpiece.

Groom Juan Portillo arrives in a jeep adorned with green balloons | Source: facebook.com/Aguaray-Press

The groom reached the wedding venue in an old jeep adorned with green balloons, warmly greeting people. He was followed by friends and family members who arrived in a van that the Classic and Antique Vehicles Club of Santa Rosa del Aguaray lent the duo for the ceremony.

The bride reportedly arrived in another vehicle. Ibarra and Portillo’s dreamy marriage was dubbed the “wedding of the year” by their local community. The venue sparkled in tones of white, and there was no dearth of flowers, champagne, or love.

After saying their vows, exchanging rings, and sharing their first kiss as husband and wife, the San Pedro pair graced the dance floor with a traditional yet romantic waltz. Guests watched in awe as the newlyweds stole the show with their heart-melting performance.

Rufina Ibarra is pictured in her bridal dress, holding a flower bouquet in her hand on her wedding day | Source: facebook.com/Aguaray-Press

Many local media outlets covered the Lima duo’s wedding in April 2023, believed to be the largest in their city. After the ceremony, the pair showed everyone their wedding presents, including stoves, refrigerators, pots, blenders, a washing machine, and grocery items.

As many as eight musical groups provided free entertainment and joy at the wedding. Community members also donated cake, snacks, and other decorative materials. Lima’s municipality provided land to the newlyweds so they could build their safe haven.

Rufina Ibarra and Juan Portillo pictured on their wedding day | Source: facebook.com/Aguaray-Press

Walter Candia, the couple’s neighbor and wedding planner, delightfully revealed that he didn’t expect the occasion to become a massive celebration. He said he had initially planned to hold a small-scale ceremony but was flabbergasted to see so many attendees.

Candia shared that before the wedding, he and his team created a WhatsApp group, and with time, many people joined it to show their support for Ibarra and Portillo.

How Did the Couple Meet & How Do They Respond to Critics?

Ibarra used to host a radio show at 89.9 Corazón del Norte when Portillo became a fan of her voice and couldn’t help but ask for her phone number. They began chatting through text messages, and one day, the young man sent her his pictures.

A month later, he visited her, and 30 days after their first meeting, they began living together. In an interview, Ibarra expressed how quickly love could begin, and age didn’t matter for two people in love.

She noted that she and Portillo had been together through life’s highs and lows, and they understood and respected each other. Furthermore, she said she and her now-husband worked together to earn a living and supported one another.

Rufina Ibarra and Juan Portillo share their first dance as newlyweds | Source: facebook.com/Aguaray-Press

Before tying the knot with Portillo, Ibarra explained that she had been alone for nine years until he came along and filled her life with love and joy. Despite their significant age difference, the couple get along well and love each other immensely.

An overjoyed Ibarra said she felt blessed and was grateful to God for sending Portillo into her life. “God sent me this good boy,” gushed Ibarra. Dismissing people’s claims and accusations that her husband was with her for a big house or money, Ibarra declared:

“He is with me out of pure love. I don’t have a house or money.”

Rufina Ibarra is pictured with guests on her wedding day | Source: facebook.com/Aguaray-Press

Ibarra revealed that her haters and their belittling remarks didn’t make her angry anymore because she was content, happy, and in love. She stated that her husband was allowed to live his life, have fun, and do his favorite things, including going to sporting events.

The San Pedro resident called herself and her life partner humble individuals who sell used clothing pieces and feel pure love for each other.

Juan Portillo and Rufina Ibarra | Source: twitter.com/CallejerosUni

Portillo and Ibarra’s phenomenal story proves that true love can overcome all hurdles and emerge victorious! Click here to read about a 24-year-old woman who married a man older than her 72-year-old grandpa, wanting to make him a father for the first time!