Love at First Dance for 'Real Modern Family' Couple Separated in Age By Nearly 30 Years
Feb. 15, 2011 — -- Meet the Bautistas of Jacksonville, Fla. Jennifer is 28. Her husband, Valentino? 57.
"He's Filipino and he's the most handsome and most lovely man in the world," Jennifer, a kindergarten teacher, told "Good Morning America."
That age difference is one of the reasons that they believe they are the embodiment of the real "Modern Family," the hit TV sitcom that follows the hilarious lives of three separate families whose members have ties to each other.
"Good Morning America" has been conducting a search for real-life modern families -- families whose lives may mirror those of the sitcom's characters.
"My family is a modern family because I'm in love with a man that's almost 30 years older than me," Jennifer said.
They met on a dance floor. Jennifer was 21 and a college senior. Valentino was divorced.
It was love at first dance, and they've been married for four years.
But not everyone was prepared for their relationship. Jennifer's grandmother, Edna, was so upset that one night she just couldn't sleep.
"And I got up about 4 in the morning and wrote her a letter. I just poured my heart out ... trying not to make her angry but consider all the things she would be getting herself involved in by marrying an older man and someone of a different culture," Edna said.
Despite their fears, Jennifer's family soon embraced Valentino.
Like the fictional Jay and Gloria in "Modern Family," the Bautistas have big differences, both in age and culture.
Sometimes their life really looks and sounds like a scene from the show.
"She's a challenge. Sometimes it's like to talking to one of my kids," Valentino said, speaking of his wife.
"I have a trophy wife here, trophy girl, that's what makes me proud inside," he added.
To that, Jennifer replied: "I don't know if I want to be called a trophy wife but, hey, if it makes him feel good in front of the guys at work, go for it. But I know the truth."
Their courtship turned heads everywhere they went, including on their first dinner date.
