Around the entire globe, people have warmed their hearts to the Irwin family. Father Steve Irwin was a pop culture icon, but his love of wildlife wasn't just for the cameras. Even today, the family is still very involved with the Australia Zoo — and it's a great way to honor Steve's legacy.
Since the family has been in the spotlight for so long, fans are in disbelief over the fact that Steve's daughter, Bindi, is ready to start a family of her own. Bindi was born in July 1998 and got her name from one of Steve's favorite crocodiles.
But prior to her baby announcement, Bindi got married. And what better place to have the event than at the Australia Zoo? Bindi had been connected to boyfriend Chandler Powell for a long time, so it's sweet that they made it official. Even sweeter, Bindi's younger brother, Robert, was a huge help for the big event.
Bindi's brother Robert reportedly helped Chandler practice his big proposal. That alone is such a sweet gesture. Obviously, it shows that Robert approves of Chandler and was looking forward to officially welcoming him into their family. Plus, you have to admit — the practice photo is quite funny.
Bindi's wedding dress on the big day was also inspired by family — namely her mom, Terri. It seems as if Bindi always admired her mother's dress and wanted something similar to pay respect. "When I was about 12 years old, I put on mum's wedding dress and it was a really, really special," she told People magazine. "It's over 50 years old because it's been in the family for that long."
Bindi's dress also incorporated her dad in a very special way. When Bindi was younger, the two bonded over a love of sunflowers. "When we would go on projects and drives together, we’d often drive through these huge sunflower fields in the middle of nowhere and we always stopped to take them in," she said. Thus the sunflower lace on her gown was especially meaningful.
Chandler and Bindi wasted no time trying to start their own family. Calling their upcoming child "Baby Wildlife Warrior" as a nickname, they announced the news on Instagram in a perfect way — by holding up a tiny shirt from the Australia Zoo. Bindi was so excited she shared the news early on.
"It’s an honour to share this special moment in our lives with you. Though I'm still in my first trimester, we really want you to be part of our journey from the beginning of this new life chapter. We couldn't wait to share the news as this beautiful little being has become the most important part of our lives," she wrote.
As they stated in their wedding vows — which the Australia Zoo has shared — the two actually first met at the zoo. It's almost perfect that they started their love story in such an iconic place. "Beautiful Bindi Sue, Almost seven years ago when we met here at the Zoo I had no idea the adventure that would be waiting for us. Who knew the stars that had to align for a guy from Seffner, Florida, and a girl from Beerwah, Queensland to be destined for each other to meet," Chandler wrote.
Chandler has proven that he's serious about Bindi and the Irwin family. In 2018, he permanently relocated from the United States to Australia to be with them. According to Hollywood Life, he was a wakeboarder and competed professionally as a teenager. These days, he's helping out at the zoo.
Chandler first bumped into Bindi at random. He was in Australia for a wakeboarding competition and went to visit the zoo. It happened to be on a day when Bindi was giving tours. For Chandler, it was love at first site. As he told People, his first impression was, "Wow, she is amazing." The two hit it off and exchanged email addresses.
"He loves wildlife and conservation and he has this strength," Bindi told People about her husband. "Which is necessary when you’re jumping on crocs." She thought that Chandler had a very similar spirit to her father, which is likely why he fit in with the Irwin family so well.
That doesn't mean that brother Robert didn't give him some tests to pass first. "One of the first times Chandler came to the zoo I wanted to kind of test him," Robert said. "Just to see what would happen. So we had him feeding alligators and he did awesome. I'm very impressed. He's great with wildlife so I approve."
Bindi has always been good with sharing special moments on Instagram, which is likely why many of her fans feel as if she's a part of their family. Even after Chandler proposed, Bindi shared her thoughts on the day. "July 24th 2019 ❤️ On my birthday I said ‘yes’ and ‘forever’ to the love of my life. Chandler, close to 6 years ago I fell in love with you and every day since has been a whirlwind of adventure and true happiness," she wrote after their engagement was official.
Chandler also isn't afraid to express his emotions. After the big day, he wrote, "I immediately fell head over heels for her kind and thoughtful heart that radiates so much light. Proposing in her very favorite place in the zoo, surrounded by animals, seemed like the perfect way to embark on this incredible new chapter in our lives. Bee, I love you more than anything in this world and I always will. Happy Birthday."
Even though they seem young, their relationship has been strong since the day they first met. It's funny how the pair found each other, and how well Chandler has adapted to being part of such an iconic family. Steve would have been ecstatic over the news that Bindi was expecting, but he's likely with them in spirit every day.
Since Robert and Chandler have such a strong connection, it's another reason to be overjoyed over Chandler's permanent place in the Irwin family. The three seem to always look out for each other, so having them be so welcoming tells fans everything they need to know about Chandler's character.
