In honour of February being the month of romance, we introduce our Love Series where we feature some of SA’s favourite couples. Allowing us access into their relationship, they reveal what it takes to keep it going strong.

Our couple today is Angelique & Riccardo De Leça. Angelique is a digital content creator that shares her fitness and lifestyle tips that she hopes will positively impact the many people who I have the privilege to encounter online. “It’s wonderful to pursue a career path fuelled by passion. I love collaborating with brands I believe in who value the type of content I produce. I’m also a qualified yoga instructor and have been practicing for over 14 years. I’m planning to move into the pilates space this year. I’m very excited about that,” she says.

Ricardo is the owner of a media company that creates a wide range of video and photographic. “I love pursuing the best version of myself, spending time working on my dreams and being around quality people. I’m always keen on a good laugh and will most probably be the one making you laugh.”

GQ: How did you and your partner first meet and what qualities initially attracted you to each other?

Angelique De Leça (AD): I honestly would never have guessed I’d meet my forever person because of my love for pizza! I was attending an event at a well known pizza restaurant and as soon as I saw him my jaw hit the floor. He was not attending as a guest but checking up on his service provider. Ricardo is the most exceptional videographer/ photographer. When he eventually came over to talk to me I made it a bit hard for him. The rest is history.

Ricardo De Leça (RD): This day really felt like I was back at school, going over to a random table of strangers and introducing myself after hearing from Angelique’s friend that she may be interested in me as she was the first person I noticed when I arrived at the event. There’s so many details but Angelique sums it up perfectly.

love series, Angelique & Ricardo De Leça, media creatives, february, relationships — Angelique & Ricardo De Leça, images: supplied

GQ: How long have you been together?

AD: 7 wonderful years most times it doesn’t feel that long because I am still learning new things about him that I love.

GQ: How do you and your partner navigate communication in your relationship?

AD: We like confronting issues head on, things barely get swept under the rug. Communication is easy, but sometimes it’s finding understanding that’s the tricky part. I talk a lot so it’s always helpful that Ricardo remind me to listen. Acknowledging each other’s feelings has always been important.

RD: We also enjoy talking to each to make sure we are on the same page. A simple check-in as often as possible is key to us. I think we have found that volunteering information has really helped us. You cant fault your partner on what they don’t know if you aren’t willing to share.

GQ: How do you and your partner navigate each other's emotional needs?

AD: We know each other so well that most times we pick up on each other’s feelings and emotional state without a discussion. It’s easy for us to come to the table for one another.

RD: Although that is true, there are times where my man-brain wants to help my wife with a logical approach to meet her emotional needs when she just needs me to listen and allow her to process her feelings and for me to just be there for her.

love series, Angelique & Ricardo De Leça, media creatives, february, relationships — Angelique & Ricardo De Leça, images: supplied

GQ: How do you express affection in your relationship?

AD: I express affection with physical touch and words of affirmation. I love telling Ricardo how much I love him and will always highlight things he has done during the day that I appreciate and I know that he values it.

RD: We share the same love language and I’m really happy about that because essentially these are at the top of our love languages in terms of the hierarchy.

GQ: Do you have any special rituals or routines that are unique to your relationship and contribute to your closeness?

AD: We pray together and for each other. It’s the foundation of our marriage.

Sharing laughter and lighthearted moments creates lasting memories. We have a playful approach which usually diffuses tension and fosters our connection. Sometimes that means randomly dancing in a parking lot

RD: We used to skate but while my wife is carrying precious cargo we have put that on hold and are now more in the gym maintaining our fitness.

love series, Angelique & Ricardo De Leça, media creatives, february, relationships — Angelique & Ricardo De Leça, images: supplied

GQ: In what ways have you seen each other grow and evolve as individuals within the context of your relationship?

AD: Oh in so many ways , it’s beautiful and indescribable it’s more of an experience but there has been such a beautiful transition from boyfriend to fiancé and now husband. He has clearly put in a lot of work into his mindset and I adore him for that.

RD: We’ve been through a lot and Angelique is now becoming a mother, it has been the most amazing thing to watch, as God has designed her body to carry our baby. I think we will see the even bigger growth in our relationship soon.

GQ: How do you keep the spark alive in your partnership?

We have a motto - “ We will never be booooooring”. We both are adventurous and enjoy trying new things or things slightly out of the norm. When we engage in new activities we usually sing our motto while laughing hysterically. It’s almost like an inside joke.

GQ: As a couple, how do you deal with disagreement/ fights or challenges? How do you work through it together?

We try to keep in mind that unity is our greatest strength, so instead of fighting each I like to fight the problem. An us against the world approach. We always end the conversation with what we understand about how the other is feeling and what we will do moving forward. In our marriage there will always be forgiveness and a readiness to choose each other over and over because that’s the covenant we made.

GQ: How do you balance individual goals and aspirations within the context of a committed relationship?

AD: We both believe it's essential to have our own goals. Sharing dreams and offering feedback has always strengthened our understanding of each other. Being a sounding board for each other has created a safe space for exploration and growth in relationship. I believe that in a marriage, success is a shared experience and a beautiful thing to witness. Celebrating each other's accomplishments strengthens our relationship. It's all about being a team player.

RD: I like how Angelique put this, especially when you think your dream is out of reach. Your partner can help you see thats it’s possible and Angelique has often been that person for me when I’ve had my doubts. We have both made sacrifices, because learning a new skill or pursuing ones dream needs time and can cut into personal time. To balance this I like to schedule “us” time so that nothing else interferes.

GQ: What’s the one lesson that your partner has taught you, or character trait that they have influenced/inspired you to have, that has contributed to who you are as well as to your relationship?

AD: Ricardo is very patient. I was a very impatient person. At times I still am but I’m way less impatient now.

RD: Angelique has taught me many things but the one that stands out the most is that she taught me a lot about self worth.

love series, Angelique & Ricardo De Leça, media creatives, february, relationships — Angelique & Ricardo De Leça, images: supplied

GQ: What do you love most about your partner?

AD:: The list is endless. I chose him to be my husband because He is my person, my best friend and now he is going to be the father of our child. He gives me more reason to love him daily. And I do, with my entire being.

RD: I love how Angelique loves me, she really makes me feel like the only one in the world that she would be with. I love how affectionate she is.

GQ: How do you envision your relationship evolving in the years to come?

AD: in all the ways God has planned with a growing family and joy in our hearts.

RD: I dream of giving Angelique everything that we’ve been talking about over the years so I keep that in my mind. That vision is always getting added to but looks a lot like a movie. It looks like us growing old, raising our family, enjoying holidays while living a life with purpose.

GQ: What is your definition of “relationship goals?”

AD: I truly believe it’s when you concentrate on nurturing the bond you have and celebrating your shared journey. Creating our own happiness together is the most rewarding goal. Most importantly remembering to cherish the special qualities that make our relationship thrive. It has to be intentional.

RD: I couldn't agree more with Angelique's perspective. We have always prioritized each others’ happiness and try to empower each other. We constantly encourage one another to chase our dreams, and offer a push when needed. That’s true relationship goals. Being willing to be what your partner needs.