The story of Sami and Baden isn't necessarily a long one, but it's full of adventure, laughter and an immense amount of love.

After a quarter life crisis resulting in a year galavanting around the world, it was the wedding of two dear friends, Nicola & Brandon, that brought Sami to the Sunny Coast.

At the same time, Baden was residing on the Gold Coast and was on a journey of professional self-discovery after having retired from rugby for the 4th time.

Through the power of technology, a conversation was sparked, only for Sami to be ghosted for 4 days, whilst Baden took to the streets of Tokyo with best buds - Knoxy & Treebs.

Upon realising his dire mistake, Baden reignited the conversation while sitting between two elderly Japanese women on the Shinkansen (train).

At last, the time had come for the two to meet. Just in time for Baden to break his ass. No, really. 2/3rds of the way down to meeting Baden on the Gold Coast, Sami received a voice message saying 'ahh, just letting you know, I took a pretty hard fall today and I think I've broken my sacrum'. After reassuring her that this was in no way him trying to get out of meeting, the first date was spent mostly standing/hobbling around.

Despite the physical impairment, all else proved a success and the next weekend was spent in Brisbane together, and the next in Montville on the Sunny Coast, until finally, Sami had to drive back to Melbourne for yet another dear friend's wedding. After jokingly suggesting that Baden join her on the 19 hour road trip, Sami ended up having to call her mother to let her know she would be coming home with a man and not to be worried.

If 19 hours doesn't solidify a relationship, not much else will. Except joining the entire family on a holiday in Perth not even a month later.

Three months into an interstate love affair, many plane rides and facetime calls later, Baden successfully convinced Sami that the Queensland life was the place to be.... fact check, Baden vividly recalls Sami's early confession - QLD climate was her kind of climate, so did it take convincing?

As was the trend of 2023/24, it was the wedding of Cain & Elise in New Zealand that introduced Sami to the Kerr (Faulkner/Wilkinson) Crew, establishing herself in the 'family photo' for the first time.

After 8 months on the GC, it wasn't long before the little abode in Northern Rivers became a reality. It was out the back of this first home that Baden popped out a big, sparkly engagement ring - the reason for being able to share this love story today.