A Love Without Borders: The Story of Simon, Athina & Lukas
In a world where love knows no boundaries, few stories capture the beauty and strength of cultural connection quite like that of Simon and Athina. Their journey – from Denmark to the Philippines and back – is a moving reminder that true love transcends language, distance, and even hardship.
🇩🇰 From Denmark to the World
Simon Lysdahlgaard, born and raised in scenic Denmark, embodies the Nordic spirit: calm, grounded, and guided by integrity. His Danish roots gave him a strong sense of fairness and deep appreciation for family – qualities that would later help him navigate one of the most challenging chapters of his life.
🇵🇭 A Heart from the Philippines
Athina, originally from the Philippines, carries within her the warmth and joy of her homeland. Her kindness, resilience, and radiant energy perfectly complement Simon’s steady, thoughtful nature. When they met, it was more than coincidence – it was destiny crossing oceans to bring two hearts together.
Their love blossomed across cultures, weaving together the simplicity of Danish life with the vibrancy of Filipino warmth.
“My Wife Is a Filipina” – A Story of Courage, Love, and Faith
Simon’s heartfelt book, My Wife Is a Filipina, shares more than just a love story – it’s a testimony of courage, faith, and truth.
Even after their marriage, Simon and Athina faced immense struggles during her pregnancy. The couple fought tirelessly for Athina to be able to stay in Denmark and experience the birth of their son Lukas together. Despite being legally married, bureaucratic challenges and immigration barriers stood in their way – testing their patience, resilience, love, and faith.
Through determination and unwavering belief in each other, they triumphed – ensuring that Lukas could enter the world surrounded by the love of both his parents.
In his book, Simon writes with honesty and vulnerability, raising important questions about immigration, fairness, and family – all while keeping the story deeply human and heartfelt. His words are not only a declaration of love but also a call for empathy and understanding.
For Danish readers, this inspiring story is also available in their native language as Min kone er Filippiner.
📖 What the Book Is About
“My Wife Is a Filipina“ is an unforgettable true story of love, visas, and the quiet rebellion of building a life together across continents.
An unforgettable true story of love, visas, and the quiet defiance of building a life together across continents.
When Simon, a Danish researcher grounded in the cool precision of academic life, swipes right on Tinder, he has no idea that he’s about to step into the most unpredictable, passionate, and bureaucratically tangled adventure of his life.
Athina, a Filipina professional thriving in the luxury resorts of the Maldives, is simply “traveling through Europe” when their paths cross online. Their first meeting in Singapore feels straight out of a film – slightly awkward, irresistibly charming, and filled with laughter, jetlag, and instant chemistry.
From there, their love story unfolds across the globe: Vietnamese street food tours, desert safaris in Abu Dhabi, and chaotic Manila Christmases that burst with color and family warmth. But behind the romance lies a deeper journey – one of visa struggles, Danish immigration hurdles, cultural clashes, and quiet prejudice – and, ultimately, a pregnancy that arrives just in time to test their strength, faith, and devotion in ways neither of them expected.
A Family Bridging Two Worlds
Today, Simon and Athina are proud parents to their son Lukas, who embodies the best of both worlds. In their home, Danish traditions meet Filipino warmth, creating a harmonious blend of cultures. From cozy Christmas gatherings to joyful Filipino fiestas, their family is a living example of love’s power to unite.
Lukas is growing up surrounded by acceptance, diversity, and unconditional love – learning that family isn’t defined by borders, but by hearts that choose each other every day.
📸 Capturing Their Love Through the Lens
As a photographer, I had the joy and privilege of photographing Simon and Athina’s love – and it was an experience that touched me deeply. Their connection radiates through every glance, every smile, and every tender moment they share. Behind the camera, I could feel the strength of their bond – a perfect reflection of patience, resilience, love, and faith.
I am deeply thankful to Simon, Athina, and little Lukas for trusting me in the early days of building my photography business. Their kindness and authenticity filled my studio with warmth. From the moment they stepped in, I could feel – with every piece of my heart – that their love story was one worth telling, and I’m so grateful that they chose to share it with the world.
For the future, I would love to read Athina’s side of the story too, filled with her joy of life, because their true love shines equally through both hearts.
Lastly, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Simon and Athina for allowing us a glimpse into their lives through this book – for writing about their experiences with such vulnerability and sharing their strength to overcome struggles with even more love and appreciation for each other. Reading their story, I felt like a friend witnessing their journey.
Beyond the bureaucracy and deep-rooted stereotypes of a cross-cultural relationship, what I will carry from this book is its profound message:
that love, faith, and devotion can overcome anything, and that the bond between husband and wife – grounded in respect and resilience – can truly bridge worlds.
Read more about their photo session with me here:
EN: A Session filled with love and laughter – Simon, Athina & Baby Lukas
DK: En session fyldt med kærlighed og smil: Simon, Athina & baby Lukas
DE: Eine Session voller Liebe und Lachen: Simon, Athina und Baby Lukas
The Universal Message
Simon and Athina’s story isn’t just about one couple – it’s a reflection of countless families who cross borders for love and belonging. Their journey reminds us that love is both beautiful and brave; that it sometimes demands courage and faith to speak the truth, even when it challenges the system.
Through My Wife Is a Filipina, Simon gives a voice to their experiences – offering hope, understanding, and inspiration to others navigating intercultural love and life abroad.
Read more about their inspiring journey:
📖 My Wife Is a Filipina by Simon Lysdahlgaard (English Edition)
📚 Min kone er Filippiner (Danish Edition)
