RUUSK COUPLE: LUCY + PADDY

From a golden-hour surf at Bells Beach to dreamy tinnie trips, long-distance adventures, and a surprise proposal on the water – Lucy and Paddy’s love story feels like something out of a sun-drenched film reel.

With a shared love of the sea, slow moments, and spontaneous plans, their relationship has grown from laughter and lightness into something deeply grounded. They shared with us a glimpse into their story – the moments that shaped their connection, the beautiful balance they bring to each other’s lives, and the sweet (and clever) proposal that brought them full circle.

LUCY

We first met at Bells Beach on a dreamy Sunday afternoon – the surf was glassy, the air was warm, and that golden hour light was just magic. I was catching up with a mutual friend, Tao, in the carpark when Paddy rocked up as we were getting suited up. Funny thing is, Tao had actually mentioned Paddy before, saying we should meet because of our shared love for boating and similar interests. So it felt serendipitous when he appeared. It turned into one of those fun, light-hearted surfs – wave after wave, so many laughs, and Paddy doing headstands on his board just for the fun of it (I was very impressed). Afterwards, we cracked a beer and watched the sunset turn the sky pink and lilac. That’s when he asked me if I wanted to go out on his tinnie that week.

That was the moment. This goofy, insightful, adventurous soul had me completely intrigued. And as for that first date on the tinnie? A full moon, a few beers, another fiery sunset... it was beautiful.

PADDY

On our first date we went out on my little tinny. Where we live in Torquay you have to launch it off the beach which can be a bit tricky sometimes. I’m used to holding people’s hand through the process because not many people have done it before and have no idea what’s going on which can be dangerous. But this time was different, as soon as the trailer hit the water Goose was on to it. She pulled the boat off the trailer, turned the bow in to the waves, and waded out to hold the boat in deeper water to wait for me to drop off the car. I just stood there silently thinking ‘wow…this is rare.’

LUCY

Paddy has this beautiful balance of being deeply compassionate and wonderfully quirky. He brings such a caring, thoughtful perspective to everything – and somehow blends that effortlessly with his playful, witty side. He makes every adventure brighter and taps into that childlike part of life that’s so easy to forget.

He constantly surprises me – whether it’s making me laugh out loud with a perfectly timed comment, bringing home a record or sending a song that captures a feeling or moment so precisely. There’s a little magic in the way he adds thoughtfulness and spontaneity to every day.

And where he brings heart and humour, I bring the wild plans – I love surprising him, dreaming up our next adventure, and making it all happen seamlessly. We complement each other by showing up, lifting each other up, and making space for playfulness, every single day.

PADDY

Goose is extremely proactive and organised and I very much exist in the moment and like to enjoy the opportunities that present themselves. I think we both help each other in this way. I help Lucy slow down and she helps me to speed up.

When it comes to adventures I’m very practical and love to dive deep on the tools and equipment we need to have the best time – but Goose thinks about all those elements that brings that experience to another level. For example I’ll make sure we have all the gear we need to get there and stay warm, and Lucy will make sure we have a cheese board ready and at the most opportune time to soak in the view or sunset.

LUCY

Early in our relationship, Paddy was relocated to Queenstown, New Zealand for a year – so we found ourselves navigating long distance right in the middle of the honeymoon phase. Whilst we missed each other, it was one of the best things that could have happened. Our communication was incredible, and every visit felt like a concentrated burst of connection, adventure, and quality time.

I’d fly over for 2–3 week stints, and we’d make the most of every moment – snowboarding, hiking, exploring new places. We would make up for all of our missed dates while apart and snow tour at sunrise on the peaks above Queenstown, have wine and cheeseboards on the banks of crystal clear lakes, hike to natural hot springs along azure rivers, all surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

Those experiences solidified our relationship. They taught us how to communicate, how to stay connected from afar, and gave us a foundation of shared memories that we’ll always hold close.

PADDY

Early in our relationship I got asked to move to New Zealand for work. We’d only been seeing each other for 5 months at the time but we had to make the decision of whether to commit to a year of long-distance. Thankfully we did because it was one of the best things we did as a couple. There was no insecurity, no ‘why didn’t you text me today’, no jealousy. We both understood that each of us had our own things going on and had complete trust in each other. When it comes to relationships I often think ‘if it’s easy, it’s right’ – and although it was hard to be apart, the communication and trust always felt easy and that’s the most important thing.

We had just bought a new tinnie and ambitiously thought we’d refit the whole engine and electrical setup in a weekend – classic us. It ended up taking a month of solid work, with Paddy doing most of the intricate installs, teaching himself as he went. I was genuinely blown away by his tenacity, patience, and the care he poured into turning that boat into something magical – a vessel for adventures, camping trips, and memories yet to come.

One afternoon, as we were tinkering with the motor and laughing at how many trips to Road Tech Marine we had endured (after forgetting something, again) and just enjoying the process, I had this quiet moment of clarity. Among the tools, tangled wires, and shared purpose, I just knew: once this boat was ready, I wanted to propose to him in it. On the water. Somewhere remote. Doing what we love most.

The idea formed: I’d hide the ring on a fishing lure. (Don’t worry – it was tied with clear line and to my wrist… just in case it went overboard!) Fast forward to a dreamy weekend at Gypsy Point – warm and not a breath of wind. We’d been catching flathead after flathead when I asked Paddy to help me with a “snagged lure.” He came over, saw the ring, and I asked, “Do you want to keep fishing together forever?”

It was perfect. A moment – and a story – we’ll be telling for a long time. Even more special, it brought us full circle – back to where it all began, our first date on the water.

LUCY

Dancing through this life of adventure with my perfect partner – that’s what excites me most. The future feels so full: of surf sessions, fishing trips, discovering hidden camping spots under starry skies, and cozy nights in at our new place, spinning records. Paddy’s always up for taking the more adventurous route – and I love that about him, because I’m the same.

The week I proposed was a double up of life events – we also bought a house! We’re currently renovating it, and we can’t wait to move in and create a space that reflects us, where we can keep growing together. That’s our next big chapter – along with our wedding next year, which we’re dreaming up as one big, love-filled party.

PADDY

We recently bought our first home, so I’m looking forward to just us living together and creating out own little nest…but with that said I’m just excited for a life-time of fun! We both love getting out there, getting after it, and having a whole lot of fun. The ideas never stop and I just know that a life with Goose will be a really, really good time.