ThatsLife
  • WIN
  • News
  • Real Life
  • Food
  • Lifestyle
  • Pets
  • Your Stars
  • Puzzles
  • Podcasts
  • Video
ThatsLife
  • WIN
  • News
  • Real Life
  • Food
  • Lifestyle
  • Pets
  • Your Stars
  • Puzzles
  • Podcasts
  • Video
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Real Life

She's not my mother, she's my WIFE!

The couple have an age gap of 37 years - by Getty Images
  • 19 Jul 2019
She's not my mother, she's my WIFE!
Getty Images

A couple with a 37-year-age gap, who get mistaken for a grandmother and granddaughter, tied the knot in spite of the judgement they face.

Julia Zelg-De Freest, a 24-year-old YouTuber and singer met political correspondent Eileen Zelg-De Freest, age 61, on Tinder.  It was love at first sight and since their first date, less than a year ago, the couple have become inseparable. 

Julia told Barcroft TV: “When I saw Eileen in person for the first time, I was just in awe of her because she is just the most gentle and lovely person ever.” 

Previously, addressing the judgment they face as a couple, Julia said: “I think we get hate comments mostly because of the age-gap but also because we are gay and there are still a lot of homophobic people out there.” 

Despite their almost 40-year gap, the pair have learnt to not let the judgement from others bother them and their romance. 

Julia proposed to Eileen during a gig she was singing at in London and shortly after, Eileen proposed to Julia during their holiday in Brazil. 

Julia and Eileen say that they have received nothing but support from both their families.  The pair flew to Julia’s home country Brazil where they met Julia’s mother – who is eight years younger than Eileen - for the very first time in December last year. 

Their genuine love won over family and friends and the couple decided to take the next big step – a life-long commitment to each other.

Getty Images
Getty Images

The wedding ceremony took place at a 5-star hotel in Liverpool Street, in London on 8 June, with Julia wearing an A-line white Maggie Sottero dress and Eileen also donning an elegant white, lace dress.  Both brides wore a veil and dyed their hair bright pink. 

Julia and Eileen were both in tears saying their vows during an emotional wedding ceremony.  The brides weren’t the only ones who couldn’t hold back the tears. Wedding guests were also moved as the happy couple were pronounced as wife and wife. 

Before their wedding ceremony, Julia said: “My mom and my auntie and my best friend came from Brazil, I have an aunt that came from Germany as well and Eileen has some family and friends who are coming from America.  “So we are super happy that quite a few people came from different countries for our wedding.  “We are very, very grateful they’re here.”

Both Julia and Eileen couldn’t hide their excitement before the ceremony.  “I know that she’s the one and she feels the same as well, it’s really wonderful,” Julia said. 

Eileen told Barcroft TV: “Getting married is a big process.  “It’s a really big business that you could almost lose sight of the thing you’re actually going to do. “And it’s really a very intense feeling so I ordered champagne.” 

Speaking of how she is feeling before the ceremony, Eileen said: “Really, really nervous and excited.  “I haven’t felt nervous like this in quite a while.”

Getty Images
Getty Images

Eileen admitted that she never thought of getting married.  She explained: “I think part of the reason for that is because I grew up in a time where for gay people it was never something that you even had the right to think about.” 

Eileen’s sister in law, Nancy De Freest, said: “The last thing I expected was Eileen to be married but I am so happy for her that she has finally found some happiness in her life.”  She said that the age difference between Eileen and Julia at first came as a shock and added:

“The age somewhat surprised me but knowing Eileen, she loves fun and she loves life.  “When she told me about Julia it just seemed like that would be the perfect person for Eileen.” 

Julia’s friend, who flew all way from Brazil to attend her friend’s wedding ceremony, Lara Sant ’Anna, said that Julia is quite a spontaneous person and added: “It’s not a surprise they are getting married so soon.  “They love each other. “So it's okay.” 

Celebrating the beginning of their new life together as wife and wife, the newly-wed couple said that the age gap has never been an issue.  Eileen told said: “This is the end point, this is what love does...”  Julia added: “Love is love. “We have as much right as everybody else to be happy, to get married and to celebrate our love.” 

Subscribe to That's Life!-+ save!

Subscribe to That's Life!

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to That's Life!

Subscribe to That's Life!-+ save!

Subscribe to That's Life!

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to That's Life!

Recommended to you

There's A Better, Faster Way To Predict Sepsis
Watch 0:37

There's A Better, Faster Way To Predict Sepsis

{headline}

{headline}

Dating with no sexual organs

Dating with no sexual organs

Our 'perfect man' was each other!

Our 'perfect man' was each other!

40-year age gap love: I was his carer, now I'm his partner!

40-year age gap love: I was his carer, now I'm his partner!

I fell in love with my son's best friend

I fell in love with my son's best friend

{headline}

{headline}

'My mum's older than my GRAN!'

'My mum's older than my GRAN!'

An ex-priest has found peace after transitioning from male to female

An ex-priest has found peace after transitioning from male to female

He's not my grandpa, he's my husband!

He's not my grandpa, he's my husband!

{headline}

{headline}

Age-gap love: My 26-year-old model girlfriend is out of my league

Age-gap love: My 26-year-old model girlfriend is out of my league

'We get a lot of judgemental looks': Couple with 42-year age gap are sick of people staring

'We get a lot of judgemental looks': Couple with 42-year age gap are sick of people staring

43-year age gap: He's not my pop, he's my hubby!

43-year age gap: He's not my pop, he's my hubby!

Age-gap love: I’m marrying my best friend’s son!

Age-gap love: I’m marrying my best friend’s son!

Mum’s shock confession: I fell in love with a teenager

Mum’s shock confession: I fell in love with a teenager

My teen toy boy healed my broken heart!

My teen toy boy healed my broken heart!

I became a granny at 22

I became a granny at 22

ThatsLife
  • Gold Club
  • Online Entry FAQ
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Competitions
  • Privacy Policy
ThatsLife Magazine Subscribe
  • Gold Club
  • Online Entry FAQ
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Competitions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • New Idea
  • Who
  • Girlfriend
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • New Idea food
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • Home Beautiful
  • All Recipes
  • 7plus
  • 7News
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • The West Australian
  • Perth Now
  • 7mate
  • 7Sport
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to That's Life!-+ save!

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to That's Life!