Some of the best love stories begin with butterflies.

Taylor and Thomas' began with slight panic.

When Tom volunteered (or more accurately, reluctantly agreed) to mentor a paramedicine class at university, he had no idea he was about to meet the woman he'd one day marry. Taylor, on the other hand, wasn't exactly sold on him at first. Standing outside the classroom with her friends, they wondered if the serious looking third year student was going to be their mentor. Hoping he wasn't, they did what any curious university students would do... they stalked his Facebook. The results? Completely inconclusive.

But first impressions don't always tell the full story.

What Taylor first saw as intimidating quickly turned into kindness, patience, and someone who genuinely wanted to help her succeed. Tom was immediately drawn to Taylor's warm smile and kind nature, while Taylor slowly realised the "scary mentor" was actually one of the most caring people she'd ever met.

After a lunch date, COVID tried its best to interrupt their story, but lockdowns, travel restrictions, and even kilometres limits couldn't keep them apart. They made it work, even sneaking around restrictions with Tom's military ID when they could.

Then came an even bigger test.

When Tom was posted to Mount Isa, Taylor had every reason to stay in Brisbane. Instead, after a few days of processing the news, she packed up her life, moved to a remote mining town, and together they built a beautiful little family, complete with Lily, the dog Tom supposedly never wanted, and Harvey, whose chaotic energy keeps everyone entertained.

Sometimes love isn't about finding someone exactly like you.

Tom loves structure, discipline, coffee, and fitness.

Taylor openly admits she's a little messier, would rather online shop than train, and has absolutely no interest in coffee.

Yet somehow, those differences fit together perfectly.