Love Story with Tilly & Sam

Tilly - Model / Creative Writer

Sam - Videographer

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How did you both meet?

It feels cliche to talk about as it is such a ‘boy meets girl’ situation..

A few years back Sam had ventured over from his Manly bubble and happened to go to my favourite cafe in Bondi that I was studying at. We instantly connected and chatted for a few hours. Knowing our future travel plans and our relationships at the time, we knew our timing wasn't great.

I was moving back to NYC and Sam was travelling full-time, but we must have still needed to meet..

We kept in touch for a few years, following and supporting each other's journeys.

It wasn't until the beginning of last year that we reconnected and instantly knew we couldn't walk away again.

Our first date was on Sam’s birthday followed closely by a Byron Bay adventure to meet my family, and we haven't really spent a day apart since. I think we just knew..

Everything was rushing past but as I had planned to only have a month in Australia left, we took that time to completely fall in love. All of our plans were changing, and we knew we just had to adapt and go with it.

Life since has been spontaneous, unpredictable, and ever changing. It is so nice to go through all of this with someone you truly admire.

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Sam wears Slim Fit Guyra Black Trousers with Turandot Velvet Jacket. All MJ Bale.

Tilly wears Pallas Collective ‘Viera’ Gown

How would you both describe each other in 3 words?

Tilly on Sam - Present Driven Silly

Sam on Tilly - Kind Thoughtful Creative

What was Covid-19 lockdown like for you both together?

A week before lockdown we signed away on our first place together. We had countless overseas jobs booked for the year, with plans to move to NYC.. Both of our work was completely put on hold and everything was postponed inevitably, but it truly was a time we are so grateful for.

We got to really slow down, and enjoy every day. Catching up on the inner childish creative activities we hadn’t made time for in years.

Did lockdown change your relationship in any way?

We grew so much.

The emotions felt were always extreme no matter what they were. We went from constantly missing each other because we both travelled so much, to not seeing anyone else but each other. This meant not a single day went by that we didn’t laugh, play, or argue.

We truly fell in love.

Beyond the honeymoon phase, we learnt so much about ourselves as individuals and our relationship.

For us, it was the one beautiful thing that came from this time.

Tilly wears Pallas Collective 'Tereson’ Gown

What do you think is the most important element in a healthy relationship?

There are so many elements that make up our relationship, and we truly have to nurture all of them. Some come very easily, and others need time and love. Patient communication and trust are a big reason I think we have stayed so strong. We have a foundation that stems from respect for each other and I think this is so important.

Have there been any significant ‘surprise moments’ in your relationship to date?

It was probably three months into our relationship and we decided to book a trip to Europe together. We had no plans or structure, just our passports and each other.

There is nothing more testing than trying to navigate through a foreign train station in the middle of a very sweaty summer with too much luggage.

We saw each other's true colours really quickly, it was the best.

Even with the world of unexpected situations thrown at us we still managed to endure the most beautiful trip together. While Sam carried our bags, captured incredible content, and transported us all around Europe, I was on the daily sunset adventure duty, with a cheese board and wine, always..

Sam wears Giamaica Cord Jacket, Robertson Pleated Trouser and Gioielo Selfie Bow Tie. All MJ Bale.

Table Styling and Florals by The Curated Life at InterContinental Sydney Double Bay

What is your favourite interest to do together?

Cooking and seeing new places. We built our relationship while travelling so it is a big part of who we are as a team.

What does it mean to you both to share your love story with our readers?

I think it is so important to hear that love comes at the most unexpected times. You definitely know when you've found it because it's like nothing else you've felt before.

Choose your best friend, someone that wants to make you laugh but also pushes you to be the best version of yourself. If you've found your person, hold on to them tightly, prioritise growing and understanding.

If you haven't yet..I promise you will, and you'll forget what life felt like before them.