Australian animal expert Bindi Irwin, daughter of the famed “Crocodile Hunter” star Steve Irwin, will be walked down the aisle at her upcoming wedding by her brother Robert Irwin.
Chandler Powell surprised Irwin on her 21st birthday at the Australian Zoo, with a photographer—Robert—hiding nearby to capture the reaction.
“On my birthday I said ‘yes’ & ‘forever’ to the love of my life. Chandler, close to 6 years ago I fell in love with you & every day since has been a whirlwind of adventure & true happiness,” Irwin wrote.
“She said YES! Almost 6 years ago we met at Australia Zoo. I immediately fell head over heels for your kind and thoughtful heart that radiates so much light. I love you more than anything in this world and I always will. Forever together sounds perfect,” added Powell, an American.
Their father Steve Irwin died in 2006 after being stabbed by a stingray while underwater at the Batt Reef in Australia.
Bindi Irwin said that the absence of her father made the engagement to Powell “bittersweet” before adding, “I’m always so grateful that Robert is there, and he has been such a big part of my life and he’s always stepped up and been the one to give me a hug when I need it and encourage me forward in life.”
“So he will definitely be the one to walk me down the aisle when the time comes, and I think that will make it really special,” she continued. “I think that’s what dad would have wanted as well.”
Bindi Irwin said she often sought her mother’s advice on relationships, recounting what Terri Irwin told her earlier this year.
“She said to me a few months ago, she said, ‘Your dad and I used to always talk about what makes a perfect marriage, or a really wonderful marriage, and what’s interesting is that for us, it was kind of that feeling of comfort.’ So you know, your relationship can be this wonderful, exciting adventure, but you want to find someone who, at the end of the day, you’re really comfortable with,” said Irwin.
“Her marriage advice is so wonderful, because I feel like that’s what we have.”
