From High School Sweethearts to Bali Dreamers: 18 Years of Love, Family, and Adventure
Stays, Activities, Tips
18 years of marriage and 21 years of friendship. It feels like both a lifetime and just a blink. ✨
I’ll never forget my first day at a new school—I saw Chad playing guitar in assembly, and in that moment, I just knew. I went home and told my mum, “I’ve seen the boy I’m going to marry.” 💫 At 17, Chad became my boyfriend. By 18, we moved in together, and at 20, we became parents for the first time.
We got married in Coffs Harbour, and four years later, our second son was born. We moved between states, buying houses and tackling renovations. Five years later, our third son arrived, and just 18 months later, we welcomed our daughter. Ten days after she was born, we packed up our life in NSW and set off on a 5-day road trip to North Queensland. We settled in Townsville, bought a house, and spent 7 years renovating and building a home. But we started dreaming of something different.
So, we sold it all. The house, the car, the caravan—everything! We packed our suitcases and moved to Bali. 🌴 It all started with a month-long trip for Chad’s 40th birthday, and we immediately fell in love with the slower pace and simplicity of life here. We knew this was the place for us.
Now, 18 years of marriage later, we’re creating new memories in this beautiful corner of the world. Bali is home, and we couldn’t be happier with where this journey has taken us. We’ve got so much more to share with you all as we embrace this next chapter.
Here’s to 18 years of love, adventure, and endless possibility. ❤️
📸 @ratihtan @_tandhamata
Thank you for our beautiful family photos🙌🏼🥹
#18YearsOfLove #OurLoveStory #FromAustraliaToBali #MarriageJourney #FamilyAdventures #ChadAndMia #LoveAndLife #BaliDreams #TogetherForever #BuildingMemories
<p>Some stories are written by chance; ours was destiny from day one. Eighteen years of marriage and 21 years of friendship have shaped not just a life together, but a love story anchored in adventure, resilience, and dreams fulfilled. From high school sweethearts to parents of four and now Bali dreamers, every chapter has brought us closer to the life we always imagined.</p>
<p>I still vividly remember my first day at a new school, spotting Chad with his guitar during assembly. Something in me whispered, "This is the boy I’m going to marry." And at 17, that dream tipped into motion—we became a couple, we moved in together at 18, and by 20, we welcomed our first son. Life zipped forward with marriage in Coffs Harbour, more children, state-to-state moves, and countless hours of home renovations. Each milestone taught us the meaning of partnership and perseverance.</p>
<p>But it wasn’t until our youngest daughter was born that a new dream took center stage—a break from the hustle, a simpler life. On Chad’s 40th birthday, a month-long getaway to Bali set the wheels in motion. The tranquil pace, vibrant culture, and untouched beauty of this island paradise spoke to us. So, we did the unthinkable: sold everything. The house, the car, the possessions we thought we needed, all traded for a fresh, suitcase-clad start in Bali.</p>
<p>Today, our days are filled with laughter, sandy toes, and awe-inspiring sunsets. We’ve swapped frantic mornings for meditative ones, and DIY renovations for crafting experiences as a family. Bali isn’t just where we live; it’s where we thrive.</p>
<p>As we celebrate 18 years of love and unity, we look ahead to this new chapter with excitement and gratitude. To anyone dreaming of adventure, let us tell you—it’s never too late to rewrite your story. Here’s to love, family, and chasing the life you deserve. ❤️</p>
