Alva and Manuel Marcial, owners of El Corral Mexican Restaurant in Bayview and Clinton residents, celebrated 30 years of marriage on July 8.

Their pearl anniversary—the traditional gift for 30 years together— signified a long journey for the husband-wife and father-mother tandem.

As told by their youngest daughter, Cassie, they met in Seattle at a dance. Manuel Marcial says it was love at first sight. Alva Marcial, however, was not sold.

When they met, Manuel said his name was David to give the appearance of being a U.S. citizen. After two months of friendship, he told her his real name and revealed his deep-rooted feelings for her.

“My mom says he was the first person to ask her on a date and invite her kids from a previous marriage,” their daughter said. “That’s what sealed the deal, my dad says.”

“After a scare of being deported, they decided to get married. The next week they found themselves in a courthouse getting married with rings that weren’t even theirs.”

The Marcials have owned and operated El Corral for 28 years.