Our Story
Tayia and James met through their close friends, and from the very first moment, there was an undeniable spark between them. The connection was instant. After their first date, during which Tayia clumsily stepped into a puddle, James couldn’t help but smile. This is my clumsy girl, he thought, already falling for her in the most unexpected way. They bonded over their shared love for travel, similar life experiences, and devotion to their families.
Over the years, they travelled together—first to Bali, then to Europe, and to Lombok. With each trip, their love for adventure—and for each other—grew stronger. The more they explored the world together, the more their love grew. It became clear that their shared passion for travel wasn’t just about discovering new places, but about deepening their relationship and building memories that would last a lifetime.
The last trip they took together was the one that changed everything. On Maui, the island of Hawaii, James woke Tayia up at 2a.m to go up a dormant volcano for a Hawaiian sunrise. They spent the morning laughing and being their goofy selves, enjoying each other’s company in the quiet of the early hours. Once they made the long trip up the top (by bus), James asked Tayia if she wanted some photos from behind. Unbeknownst to her, as she posed with her back to him, he dropped to one knee.
He waited patiently for her to turn around, but she was lost in the moment, so he softly called her name, she didn’t hear. He said it again louder, she didn’t hear. Finally after nearly yelling it, Tayia turned pausing for a second, thinking to herself, My name isn’t Tayia, it’s babe. As she turned around, she saw James on one knee, holding a ring. Instantly, she sat down facing him, overwhelmed with emotion, and grabbed the ring. Emotion filled their hearts and eyes as James, still on one knee, asked, “So, did you say yes?”
Tayia laughed through her tears, and with all the joy in her heart, she said, “Yes… a million times, yes.”
