Before they met, Dean and Mel were enjoying life...
Dean was doing whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted, with his dog at his side, and Mel was living with two of her children, supporting them, and working as a manager. They were both fulfilled in life but knew they wanted something more, someone special to share in all that life has to offer. So when they met each other on a web chat and found that the conversation was easy, had similar values, morals, and what they were looking for in a relationship, it felt like it was meant to be. They were still cautious and spent time getting to know each other before deciding to meet in person. Finally, the time was right, and Mel picked up Dean from his hotel, and they went out for coffee at McDonald’s.
When he first saw Mel, Dean was intrigued. Never had he known that someone could look so scared, so nervous, but excited and smiling all at once. He knew right then he had found someone special, someone, so unlike everyone he’d ever met before. As for Mel, she was surprised at how tall Dean was, but loved the way he dressed and presented himself; he was exactly who he said he was, and she felt comforted by him. From that night on, they spent as much time together as possible. Dean would come down to visit during the week, and they spent every other weekend together, talking at every point in between.
And as they got to know each other better, they slowly began to fall in love.
It was the kind of love that sneaks up on you when you don’t even realise that the person in front of you has become one of the most important people in your life. And in the time since, they have celebrated many happy memories together. From Mel buying her house just a few months after they started dating, to spending 3 weeks together, travelling around Tasmania with Kobi and Mikaylah. From all of their adventures, one thing has been clear – whatever they do, wherever they are, it’s better when they are together :) Mel has loved watching as Dean has gotten to know and love her kids, and watching as they have enjoyed spending time with him as well. The most important people in her life, accept and love each other, and become integral to each other’s lives. So when Dean moved in, and the kids asked Dean if he would ever marry Mel, he had to say “one day.” And always being true to his word, he knew he needed to follow through. It was an easy decision, really.
He loves Mel, for everything she is, and everything she has given him. Her smile, her empathy, and how she has made his life so much better, just being in it. He loves that she makes him happy every day and that she’s not just a great partner, but also a best friend. She is everything he’s looked for in a partner and more, and he knew he needed to make it official. So, when the perfect opportunity came up to do it, he couldn’t pass it up. For Christmas, Mel had gotten him and the kids a family vacation to Disneyland Hong Kong. So, he found the perfect ring, the one her grandmother wore, and brought it with him, waiting for the best time to ask. And when the kids had left the hotel room for a moment, he knew his opportunity had come. A perfect intimate moment, just the two of them. Of course, Mel said yes. After all, how could she not? She is unbelievably happy with Dean, and she loves him for all that he is.
She loves his humour, how he can always make her laugh, no matter the occasion. She loves how he always makes sure that she’s looked after, and always supports her in everything she does. She loves that she’s found someone to have and to hold, through thick and thin. Not just a great partner, but also a best friend. I am so glad that Mel and Dean met each other, and that they have created such a beautiful family together. Though loving someone is not always easy, they certainly make it look like it is with each other. As Robin Williams says in Good Will Hunting,
“It doesn’t matter if the guy is perfect or if the girl is perfect, as long as they are perfect for each other.”
And it is clear to everyone around them that they have indeed found their perfect person. They’ve found a best friend, a life partner, and someone with whom they know that they can trust, through everything. I have no doubt about the lifetime of love, happiness, friendship, and adventure ahead of them.
Vendors
Venue: The Loft West End (@loftwestend)
Photographer: The Infinity Collective (@the.infinity.collective)
Celebrant: Natasha Hill (@hillscelebrant)
Florist: Angie's Floral Design (@angiesfloraldesign1)
