St Valentine’s Day: ‘We always make time for each other’

Tyler and Brooke Spence didn’t realise it when they began dating as teenagers, but they’d also been playmates when they were children.

The east Auckland husband and wife are among the local couples the Times has spoken to about love and romance to coincide with Valentine’s Day on February 14.

The pair, who are both 31 years old, live in Bucklands Beach with their two children aged five and three.

They’ve been together for 15 years and married for a year.

“We were both 16 when we met and started dating,” Brooke says.

“We both went to Macleans College and met at one of our friend’s parties, even though we later found out that when we were about five we used to play together and our parents knew each other.

“It’s funny to note we got voted ‘Most likely to get married’ in our year 13 yearbook, and here we are!”

What is about each other that you were first drawn to?

• Brooke: “Tyler has always been a very kind and happy person, and he always cared about other people. He’s just a super well-rounded guy. He taught me to drive a manual [vehicle] and to change a tyre as he thought this was important for a 17-year-old girl to learn.”

• Tyler: “Brookie was a really fun girl and loved to have a good time. I knew she was the kind of girl I wanted to be with.”

What do you love about each other?

• Brooke: “I love doing this crazy thing called life with Tyler. He’s my rock and the one I can tell anything to. He always gives his honest opinion and supports me. He also cooks me yummy food and agrees to my crazy adventures I suggest.”

• Tyler: Brookie is very hard working, kind, a great mum and an awesome wife.”

How do you both keep the spark alive in your relationship?

• Brooke: “We always make time for each other in the midst of the craziness of life. Our life is very chaotic with us both working full-time and two young kids. We often don’t prioritise one another, but it’s so important to keep that spark alive. We often have a Friday evening debrief of our week and have a laugh!”

• Tyler: “Spending quality together, enjoying the little moments, and making the most of every day together.”