She couldn't go out after losing a coin toss. Then in walked her future husband
Mary Young was sitting in the kitchen of a guesthouse in Sydney's Bondi Beach on May 29, 1976, when a simple coin toss changed her life forever. At 21, she was visiting Australia on a working vacation from Vancouver, Canada, and had no idea her future husband was about to walk into her life.Mary had initially planned to stay in Australia for six months, but meeting Wayne Corlett, a young New Zealander also on a working holiday, altered her plans. Their connection was immediate, and their relationship blossomed quickly. Despite coming from different parts of the world, they bonded over shared interests and values, building a strong foundation during their time in Bondi Beach.The couple spent the following year working in Sydney before traveling together across Australia and Southeast Asia. It was during these travels that Wayne proposed, solidifying their commitment to one another. After returning to Vancouver, they got married in December 1977, beginning a life filled with adventure, hard work, and love.Wayne and Mary are now in their late 60s and are enjoying spending their retirement traveling. Courtesy Mary CorlettOver the years, Mary and Wayne raised four children, built successful careers, and navigated life’s challenges together. Now retired, they continue to explore the world, grateful for the life they’ve created. As they approach their 50th anniversary in 2026, they plan to return to Bondi Beach to celebrate where their incredible journey began. Reflecting on their decades together, Mary often says, “I lost a coin toss, but I won Wayne—and that was the best win of my life.”
