SHE’S a well-known Brisbane face – from her role in the World Youth Day office in the lead-up to Sydney in 2008 – but now Fran Bryne has a new surname.
Fran exchanged wedding vows with Tim Davis on April 25 in St Stephen’s Cathedral, Brisbane, among local and interstate family and friends.
The celebrant was another close friend of the couple – Bishop Eugene Hurley of Darwin.
Fran and Tim met in 2007 through their work for World Youth Day – Fran based in Brisbane and Tim in Melbourne.
“We remained friends through this initial contact for three years while living in different states,” Tim said.
After WYD08, Fran moved to Melbourne for work but Tim travelled overseas.
“Eventually, two-and-a-half years on, through fortuitous timing, Fran and I found ourselves both working back in the Archdiocese of Melbourne,” Tim said, with Fran soon to pitch in.
“Maybe we were a bit slow out of the blocks and many people said they saw it coming, but we’ve made up for lost time dating to marriage in eight months,” she said.
“It’s been a short but beautiful journey so far and the solid foundation is something that we’re both grateful for.”
Tim said he was drawn to Fran because she is “obviously beautiful, warm and caring”.
“She has a personality that draws people in and from the time we were introduced to each other at a meeting in Rome we became good mates and realised that we shared many common interests, life experiences and desires for our lives,” he said.
“(But) it was our shared Catholic faith and the deep intrinsic values that are drawn from faith that drew us closer and underpinned our relationship from the beginning.
“When we finally got together it occurred on a solid basis of friendship and faith in God.”
Fran said Tim’s “sense of humour and sense of adventure” appealed to her.
“Tim has an incredible way with people and makes new friends within seconds,” she said.
“As I got to know him more I came to appreciate and love how generous and compassionate he is.
“He is someone that will do all he can to help people, especially anyone in need.”
The couple agree their Catholic faith is their “reference point” while the sacraments “sustain and guide” them.
“Getting to Mass and praying together has been pivotal in our relationship from the beginning and they continue to help us grow together,” Tim said.
“We have seen the way God has been working in our lives and observed the power of faith in the lives of friends and family and know the strength and hope that it provides.
“Fostering our faith is something that we try to make central to our relationship.”
Together the Davis’s have World Youth Day in Spain on the horizon – they are leading a pilgrimage group from their current hometown of Melbourne.
“We’re very much looking forward to journeying with the young people … especially given that World Youth Days have played such a significant role in our lives,” Tim said.
“We hope to enjoy married life for a long time to come, have a family and use our talents to contribute in a positive way – bringing Christ’s message to others.”
