When I first started playing, I didn't have a GBA cable thing so I couldn't visit the island. But I owned the prima guide and read about it there. I saw June's picture in the islander list and decided I wanted her as my islander. A few years later, I finally got the cable and visited the island... what a coincidence, June was my island villager!
I also remember having Flossie, Yodel, and Plucky in my other towns' islands. But the island June was on was my main town.
I have Drift on my current AC town, and he happens to also be in my ACNL town. Probably my favorite of the froggies! I think my first ever islander (back in like... 2003?) was Maelle & my brother's was O'Hare.
My islander in my second town is a yellow elephant with brown hair. I forgot her name but she has a snooty islander personality. I dislike her and one time, I didn't visit her for 5 months straight. Haven't been to the island in my first town.