The glamourous fiancé of controversial Ultra Tune head honcho, Sean Buckley, invites us into her life with one of Australia’s most enigmatic business tycoons…
Outstanding work for your first MAXIM cover, Narelle. How do you feel?
I feel amazing and I am so grateful – this has been a dream come true.
What did you love about this photo shoot?
I loved being able to be creative – I love fashion, I love styling and the opportunity to create various looks have been amazing.
When do you feel sexy?
I love feeling my best when I’m all dressed up for a date night.
What is your best asset?
My blue eyes and my mind – I love things that make my brain tick.
Tell us a little more about yourself.
I’m an Aussie girl who was born and raised on the Gold Coast in Queensland, and I love technology and romantic movies. I also love to cook – in fact, I catered for over 30 people at our family Christmas last year and absolutely loved it. I find it therapeutic. So far, I actually feel everything in my life has finally perfectly fallen into place.
Yes, especially seeing as you’re engaged to enigmatic businessman Sean Buckley, Executive Chairman of Ultra Tune. How did you guys meet?
My girlfriend introduced us. She felt our personalities were just made for each other and she was totally right – we clicked instantly. I am pretty much always with him
– we do everything together.
Was it love at first site?
It honestly really was! We had an instant connection and have been inseparable ever since. He is extremely witty and eccentric and I absolutely love his sense of humour – he is hilarious and constantly has me laughing.
How did he win his way to your heart?
Laughter… and a very, very good story regarding a fish tank and how he acquired the fish, which I cannot further divulge.
Did he make any big moves our readers can learn from when it comes to women?
Roses! Men can never go wrong with roses – romance is key and it’s the thoughtful things that count. You can never fail with genuine romance – every girl dreams of a beautiful love story.
How long have you been with each other now?
We have been together for three years in December and I’m so happy. Every day is a new adventure.
What’s it like being the partner of one of Australia’s biggest business, and somewhat controversial, tycoons?
I don’t really see him as that guy. Everyone is human and I am grateful I have met my special person. To me he is my best friend who constantly has me laughing, going on adventures together and always on the hunt for a new favourite Chinese restaurant or having him be the critic to something new I have cooked at home.
What kind of wedding do you have planned and when is the big day?
I’m amid having a beautiful wedding planned with my dream wedding planner – we will be having a very beautiful timeless ceremony which I am completely over the moon about. I have just finished my bridal gift day so the next thing to look out for are invites – date to be announced very soon!
As Sean Buckley’s soon-to-be-wife, does this mean you automatically get a starring role in the next Ultra Tune TV commercial?
He tells me so! However, I personally would love for our two fur babies, Piko and Shamus, to be in the next commercial as they are the true superstars of our family!
How do you feel about all the controversy around previous Ultra Tune ads starring the likes of Jean-Claude Van Damme, Charlie Sheen, Pamela Anderson?
I think controversial topics are very good for business – it keeps people talking – and he is very creative in that aspect, which is one of the many things I admire about him.
Has political correctness gone a little too crazy these days?
I’ve always been told to keep politics and religion to yourself, but I will divulge it has gone a bit too far for my personal liking.
What have you learnt about men over the years?
I have learnt there are some good ones and some bad ones – I’m very lucky to have a good one.
What’s one thing men should always remember about women?
To always appreciate what you have or they go.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given and by whom?
To never give up no matter what the obstacles – from my fiancé.
Where would you like to be in five years?
Travelling the world and enjoying life with my husband and our family.
What’s next for you? Any exciting projects on the horizon you can share with us?
Yes! We are currently renovating our dream apartment – it’s such a fun process and experience looking at floorplans and building something beautiful together. We have also started plans on a large housing development which will be an exciting process. Aside from that, we have so many things on all the time with Melbourne races coming up and then it’s Christmas – so it’s a super busy time of year!
STATUS UPDATE
NAME: Narelle Maree
BORN: October 9
HOME TOWN: Gold Coast Qld
FIVE WORD SELF-DESCRIPTION: “Inquisitive, eccentric, funny, cheeky, unique.”
GO-TO DRINK: “Champagne.”
LIFE MOTTO: “Always do things in love.”
Photographed by Corrina LOUISE
Interview by SANTI PINTADO
Produced by PARIS RAINE
Hair & make-up by DANA CASE
Styling by NARELLE MAREE
For the full article grab the October 2023 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
