Laura Alejandra, originally from Colombia, was studying at Hecansa Culinary School in Las Palmas when she met Sam Johnson. Laura and Sam had both been volunteering when they completely "fell for each other."
The 31-year-old said: "We completely fell for each other and soon Sam asked my father for his blessing to marry me. We had a beautiful bi-lingual wedding in Gran Canaria and our families met each other for the first time. When Sam had to return to the UK we spent most of our savings to get me a Visa to follow him."
“As soon as I could get out socialising I learnt how kind the people are here. Members from our church donated us furniture for our new home and I was welcomed by all the locals. I got a job working at a local coffee shop and there I got to meet so many wonderful local people.” Laura said: "It’s funny when you look back at your childhood and see how life moulded you." She added: "My father opened a bakery shop and after my 10 hour day at school I’d go there to learn from Teo — an amazing man who created incredible cakes. After school I went to national college to study cookery and worked through the night baking food that I’d sell to the university and other businesses.