Adrian and Laurence met in Vietnam, in November 2013 while both travelling around Southeast Asia. The backpackers bar they were at had a big screen projector playing a re-run of a Wallabies vs All Blacks Bledisloe rugby cup game, which Laurence was intently watching. This drew the attention of one of Adrian’s friends.

“Why are you watching rugby?” asked Adrian’s friend.

“I play rugby” answered Laurence

“If you play rugby, prove it. Tackle me” challenged Adrian.

Without hesitation, Laurence lifted Adrian up over her shoulder to simulate a tackle. A photo was taken, a tradition born, and the rest is history.

Laurence and Adrian stayed in contact through email and Skype (which now feels like an ancient way to communicate when courting a potential mate), and Adrian convinced Laurence to extend her trip and to visit Australia after finishing South East Asia.

Laurence spent 2 weeks in December 2013 in Brisbane with Adrian, who impressed her with his 1996 Ford Falcon Futura. The broken AC in the middle of a Brisbane heatwave was further bolstered by a broken passenger window that should not be lowered past half-way, or risk losing the window in the depths of the car door forever.

Adrian and Laurence have always appreciated each other’s frugality and have made an excellent team in this way.

Two weeks after Laurence left Australia, Adrian moved to New York City to live with friends and enjoy a gap year. Ill-prepared for the bitter NYC winter, Laurence convinced Adrian to visit Quebec City for their annual winter festival, Le Carnaval, in February 2014. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, and Adrian considering sending flowers, he decided to use the money for a one-way plane ticket to Québec City.

The French-Canadian Customs Officer immediately flagged the Australian visitor as suspicious due to his accoutrement of a straggler gone astray: rubber boots, small grey jacket, inadequate gloves and a New York Rangers tuque. Having watched many episodes of the TV show Border Security, Laurence had briefed Adrian on what information to provide to legitimise his visit. After 30 minutes of questioning, Adrian was free to go, and was greeted by Laurence with a (now) luke-warm Timmies Hot Chocolate. An Australian winter is nothing compared to Canada, so Adrian borrowed many of Pierre’s winter clothes to survive the 2 weeks in Winter Wonderland.

They became an official couple on Valentine's Day 2014, though neither of them agree with the commercialisation of the “holiday”.

Adrian and Laurence dated long distance for a number of months, seeing each other every 4 weeks or so, before they reunited in Mexico to start an epic 3 month trip of Central and South America. They travelled 10 countries, including touring Peru with Catherine and Pierre.

In December 2014, the pair moved to Brisbane so Adrian could complete a Masters of Physiotherapy, and Laurence would look for work. They started a physiotherapy business, which they operated for a number of years before selling it to one of their employees. Laurence completed a Masters of Project Management and secured work at one of Australia’s top construction companies, who she still works for to this day. Adrian secured a senior physiotherapy position at a Queensland Health Hospital, where he gets to help people everyday.

While in Brisbane, they have become very involved in the University of Queensland Rugby Club, Laurence as a player and leader, and Adrian as a respected physio and team first aid. They have also been very involved in the local TRL (Touch Rugby League) competition, with Adrian playing in and winning at several high-level tournaments.

When not busy with work, studies, or rugby, Adrian and Laurence love to go camping and hiking. They have explored many parts of Australia. They've racked up 200,000+ kms in road trips with their trusty Prado, and have enjoyed many beautiful camping spots around Australia and New Zealand.

Adrian completed a 2nd Masters Degree and is currently enrolled in a Specialist Physiotherapy Fellowship program.

Laurence is currently studying an MBA, and maximises continuous learning opportunities through her work.

Laurence convinced Adrian that they should foster a dog, and Bertha joined them from the RSPCA QLD in April 2020. They quickly fell in love, “Foster Failed”, adopted, and renamed her Thyla (short for Thylacine, aka Tasmania Tiger). A stern “she’s not allowed on the bed” from Adrian was all melted away within 30 days. Our only regret of this wedding is that Thyla isn’t here with us, as she is the biggest part of our lives.