DOWNEY — It’s a love story that began in the small town of Santa Ana, Ecuador.

A young Luis Mendoza would first see Ana in passing. She would see him too.

In those brief moments, both would leave an impression on one another; it might even be described as love at first sight.

“My mother used to see my dad walk on the road,” said daughter Rosa Montelongo. “She liked the way he used to dress; he always looked fine and clean.

“My dad also liked her the first time he saw her.”

Unfortunately, the courting process would not be easy. Ana’s mom was extremely strict, meaning their budding romance would need to be kept secret, at least initially.

The couple was forced to be creative.

“That’s when the love letters came along,” said Montelongo.

Luis would write the first in what would become a long train of passionate correspondence, often hidden under the rose bushes and amongst other plants and trees. Many times, their friends would serve as cupid, helping the couple hide and deliver each note.

“My mother says that every letter he would write, he would always say that he loved her, and he wanted to marry her,” said Montelongo.

They would become an official couple about a year later.

Luis and Ana would spend every moment that they could together, attending fairs and dances, all while careful to not be caught hand in hand by Ana’s mother.

Then in 1957 – four years later – the 26-year-old Luis and nearly 18-year-old Ana would wed; their first kiss as a husband and wife being placed tenderly on Ana’s forehead.

Their first child would be born soon after in 1958. They would have six in total.

They came to the United States in 1974, and – seeking the best education possible for their children – settled in Downey in January of 1989.

Now age 89 and 80, Luis and Ana have been married for 63 years.

Their family has expanded over time, now including 11 grandchildren and three great granddaughters, with another great grandbaby on the way.

The secret to their success?

It could be how Ana continues to get lost in Luis’s hazel eyes, or Luis’s fondness for Ana’s cooking.

Montelongo says that her parents have maintained mutual respect and communication throughout their relationship.

They have no plans for Valentine's Day. In truth, they don’t even really celebrate anniversaries.

And they may not need to anyways, as their love is evident in its story.

The secret romance of Luis and Ana Mendoza