Story by Rhylea Thompson

While love letters may be considered an outdated way to express affection, one Seasons couple has proven the art of writing still works.

It would take two years before Allan and Teresa met in person, but by then the pair already knew plenty about each other, after developing a sweet kinship as pen pals.

With Allan based in Queensland and Teresa a committed Sydneysider, neither imagined their connection would ever extend beyond letters, with Teresa even writing under an alias. But when Teresa travelled to Brisbane to visit her daughter, she decided it was now or never.

MATCH MAKERS: Seasons Living residents and couple Allan and Teresa are well-known around the community for dressing up in matching outfits. Picture: Maddison Bywater

Allan was living at Seasons at the time and the pair agreed to meet for lunch at a yacht club.

Teresa admits she nearly backed out, but her daughter encouraged her to give Allan a chance.

“It’s funny… I remember thinking, ‘I can’t let him pay,’ but I also didn’t want to offer to pay and offend him,” she said.

“Instead, I chose the cheapest item on the menu – a small salad… I figured he couldn’t complain about paying for that.”

UNBREAKABLE BOND: After sadly losing their previous spouses, Seasons residents Allan and Teresa found comfort in spending time together and forming a special connection. Picture: Supplied

While Allan was instantly enamoured, Teresa was hesitant to pursue a romantic relationship later in life. Both had previously been married and tragically lost their partners.

“After my husband passed away, I told myself I wasn’t going to have another relationship,” Teresa said.

“I didn’t want to love again because loving someone can be very hard… you lose them in one way or another and that’s devastating.

“But when I met Allan, our feelings grew into love, and I realised I would rather spend time with someone special than be alone.”

INSTYLE & INSYNC: From Hawaiian shirts to bright jumpers, Teresa and Allan always make a memorable entrance with their eye-catching tops. Picture: Supplied

While the couple say they will always remember their former spouses, forming a connection with someone who understands losing a significant other, has been deeply comforting.

Their partnership is also a reminder that age is no barrier to meaningful, lasting love.

“After losing my wife, I really struggled to feel enthusiastic about life,” Allan said.

“But then I met Teresa… now we’ve been together for five years and we are so happy… our entire life together has been here at Seasons.

“Our relationship isn’t perfect… we have our ups and downs like anyone, but we get through everything together.”

GOLDEN DUO: Sweet couple Teresa and Allan enjoy going on day trips arranged through the Seasons Lifestyle Program, daily walks with a 3000-step goal and watching trivia show The Chase together every afternoon. Picture: Supplied

Well known at Seasons and in the local community, the couple have become famous for their unique fashion statement – matching outfits.

From Hawaiian shirts to terracotta jumpers, their wardrobe boasts countless coordinated sets.

“Sometimes we get funny looks, but people usually just love it,” Teresa said.

“My daughter thinks it’s hilarious, but she says she would absolutely never wear matching shirts with her partner.

PERFECT PAIR: Considered a match made in heaven by family and friends, Teresa and Allan first became acquainted as pen pals, before they moved into a Seasons community. Picture: Supplied

“We were riding our tandem scooter the other day in matching shirts and visors and I heard a lady say, ‘Aww, look at them – they’re so cute!’”

Describing each other as honest, caring and respectful, Allan and Teresa enjoy gardening, travelling, hitting their daily 3000-step goal, and watching The Chase together.