We first laid eyes on each other at the café where I worked. I always hooked my friends up with free stuff, and I knew Jay’s housemate, Leith, so I had just given him his usual. Then, this really cute guy walked in, and I found myself thinking, “Don’t screw this up.” Unfortunately, the actual owner of the café approached right behind me, so I couldn’t offer him anything for free. I thought, “I messed it up.”

Later that day was Trivia Tuesday, and everyone was heading out. I stepped outside to get some fresh air, and, to my surprise, Jay walked out alone. I didn’t waste any time and went right up to him, saying, “Hey, you’re that cute guy from the café.” He smiled and replied, “You’re the cute girl!” Somehow, we ended up sharing a kiss and holding hands all the way back to the bar, and from that moment on, we pretty much never left each other’s sides.

Jay told me from the beginning he was always wanting to go back to Australia and I’ve always wanted to go myself! But the borders were still closed because of Covid. One day he said he cancelled his flight home because he wanted to spend more time with me and then not long after, Australia was taking visa applications again and my zia got accepted within seconds! Literally… So we instantly made plans to go back.

I’ve found a home in Australia and more family and friends! I admit it was a tough transition as it was my first time living in a whole different country… and God Bless Jay for being there every step of the way. Our relationship was definitely tested but we pushed through!! We stayed in Melbourne for nearly 2 years until my second visa was done and then we had to come to Canada. I was super excited to spend another Christmas with my family.

Jay and I decided that Australia would be our forever home so we applied for my Permanent Residency and hoped we would get it sooner rather then later. It took 10 months… so we lived out of our van for a while and travelled around the rockies and then… Calgary Stampede happened and WE’RE ENGAGED.

We decided to travel Europe while we could so we spent almost 2 months travelling Europe before living on a skill hill one last time. And now we’re planning a wedding!!!

We are forever grateful for all the friends we made along the way and all the experiences we’ve had and cant wait to continue these long lasting relationships as a married couple!!!