Fifteen years ago, the couple exchanged vows in the Byron Bay hinterland, where they still live on a farm today.
“We had the best wedding ever – we often want to repeat it!” laughs Bridie. “It was just the most incredible, fantastic wedding. We had the best band and amazing food and we did it all ourselves. At the time, I was actually planning two weddings, as I was having fittings for Tess’ dress for her wedding to Nick (Myles Pollard) while planning our own. But it was just the best celebration.”
Now parents to sons, Otis, 14, and Tobias, 9, as well as Michael’s 21-year-old son, James, the pair clearly love family life.
“The boys are our world,” says Michael simply.
Adds Brodie: “Especially when we had Otis, Michael made a lot of sacrifices in order for me to continue working and filming.
“But we’ve always been a tight-knit, close family and were not interested in handing our children over to babysitters and nannies. Our family is the most important thing to us.”
Easy to see, too, is the fact that the couple are still crazy about each other.
“When you actually look back, you go, ‘Oh my goodness! What we’ve been through together!’ Like everybody’s life, there are the ups and the downs, the joys and the heartaches,” reflects Bridie, adding, “that’s just the human story. But we have stuck by each other through everything and that’s been unquestionable.”
To which Michael concurs: “Most definitely – and our marriage gets better every day. I don’t think there’s any secret to it. We’re just best friends, we do everything together and there’s a high element of respect.”
“We also don’t take each other for granted,” concludes Bridie. “Every day, you don’t know what’s coming and you have to make the most of it. We often say how grateful we are.”
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