The love story
Our families were friends through another family, so we kind of grew up together – spending time on a few road trips over the years. We weren’t exactly friends outside of those holidays, but we’d always hang out during the trips.
Then came Fraser Island in 2017… and that’s when the sparks started to fly. The flirting kicked off, and something shifted between us.
Our very first date was at the movies. The film? Honestly – terrible. But we both lied and said it was great so we wouldn’t hurt each other’s feelings. Safe to say, we’ve come a long way since then!
Tell us about falling in love
Falling in love with Darcy felt so natural and easy – especially considering how young we were. From the beginning, we were inseparable and just never gave failure a chance. There was no awkward stage between us because we’d already built such a strong friendship, talking every single day. Now, we’re truly best friends, which is something really special. It’s been such a beautiful thing to grow up together and grow into our relationship at the same time.
The engagement
We were in Hamilton Island on a trip our family had planned for Darcy’s birthday. I’d been before, but it was his first time – so I was excited to show him around. Earlier, he’d spotted a lookout from the pub, and later that day I took him to check it out. It was a quiet, tucked-away spot by the marina – perfectly private, just like Darcy wanted.
Right before it happened, I had actually asked him, completely out of the blue, why he thought I was the one. We’d talked about marriage for a while, always knowing it was in our future, but we’d agreed to wait until our house was finished before really thinking about that next step.
Then, out of nowhere, Darcy got down on one knee.
My question turned out to be perfect timing – and totally unplanned.
Since our engagement
Honestly, the planning has probably brought more stress than anything else! Juggling a house and a wedding – plus having a partner like Darcy who’s happy to give me whatever I want – makes it tricky to set any real limits!
But through it all, our relationship hasn’t really changed. At the heart of it, we’re just best friends who know each other inside out. We still miss each other when we’re apart, and over the past seven years, we’ve quietly built a life together that we hope will last forever.
I think deep down, I walked away from our very first date knowing we’d end up married one day. And ever since, we’ve just lived each day knowing there’s nowhere else we’d rather be than right beside each other.
Beautiful emotions
I was in complete shock. I just kept asking if he was serious – laughing, swearing, and completely overwhelmed. He was holding the ring out in front of me, and even though I instinctively stuck out my hand, I still hadn’t said yes – I was too stunned to form the words!
The second he slipped the ring onto my finger, the emotions hit me all at once. I started bawling like a baby. I’d imagined this moment so many times since we first started dating, and now it was real – more beautiful and surprising than I ever could’ve planned.
Favourite details
Darcy is a man of very few words – so there was no big speech, no rehearsed lines. In fact, my spontaneous question gave him the perfect opening to ask me to marry him! And while he may not say much, he knows how to create a moment – and I do love surprises. This one was massive. I truly had no idea it was coming.
What made it even more special was seeing Darcy cry. It made me feel a little less like a sook for bawling my eyes out! He might not always find the words, but he has the softest heart, and that means the world to me.
It was really lovely to be in a quiet, private spot – just the two of us. We got to enjoy being secretly engaged for a few hours before sharing the news with our families, who were two states away. That time together felt like bliss, like we had this magical little secret just for us.
FaceTiming our parents later to tell them was such a joyful moment. Our mums have been just as excited for this day as we have, and of course, there were more happy tears. It was all just really, really beautiful.
Vendors
Jewellers Jeremy Fleming Jewellers I Photographer J.L. Watson Photography
J.L. Watson Photography
Based in stunning Gippsland, Victoria, Jodie is a passionate wedding photographer who adores capturing romantic stories and special moments. A self-confessed Disney fan, lover of travel, Jodie found her true calling and hasn’t looked back since.
With a cozy studio and a heart full of creativity, Jodie is here to celebrate your milestones and create unforgettable memories. Ready to capture your love story? She can’t wait to meet you!