Inside Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth's relationship: Why did they break up for two years?

Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth got married over the holidays, cementing their nearly decade-long relationship in the process. The couple, who first met on the set of "The Last Song" back in 2009, tied the knot at Cyrus' home in Franklin, Tennessee in an intimate ceremony, proving that they've come a long way since taking a two-year hiatus on their relationship.

Cyrus and Hemsworth first got engaged back in 2011, two years into their romance when the "Wrecking Ball" singer was just 19 years old. Though they clearly had a real connection, sources say "there was no way they were ready for that kind of commitment" at such a young age, with their respective careers continuing to gain steam.

"When they got engaged the first time, they were just kids," a source told People. "When the Disney-era of her life was over, Miley was a bit lost and wanted to break out of that image. Liam's career was also blowing up with 'Hunger Games,' and they were being pulled a million different ways. He didn't know how to handle the attention and drama."

It was Miley in particular that felt as though she needed to experiment more -- with her image, her music and her dating life. Both stars dated other people after calling it quits in 2013.

"Miley went through a lot of soul-searching as she grew up and became her own person," another source told People. "Miley had trust issues and Liam felt she was needy."

During their two-year break, Cyrus famously went through a massive transformation which saw her cut her hair, controversially twerk on the VMAs stage and release her boundary-pushing album, "Bangerz," that solidified her place in the top echelons of pop music. During that time she dated Patrick Schwarzenegger and was connected to model Stella Maxwell, while Hemsworth was seen making out with Eiza Gonzalez.

Throughout their two years apart, though, Miley appeared to keep Liam in the back of her mind. The couple reconnected and eventually got back together in 2015.

"Most couples that start dating split up and never speak again. Miley and Liam were always different," an insider told People. "She would often talk about Liam, even though she was dating other people. When they eventually got back together in 2015, it seemed meant to be."

Since then, they've lived a more low-key life at their shared home in Malibu, where they spend a lot of time with their many dogs and frequently welcome visiting family members.

"Miley and Liam's relationship has evolved so beautifully over the past few years," one of Miley's friend's explained. "They grew up as individuals and ultimately evolved as a couple. It speaks to who they are and their mutual respect for one another."

"They finally figured out ways to meet halfway and respectfully deal with each other's differences," another source added.

Insiders say that what makes their relationship work so well is that they're best friends first. They share a lot in common, have settled into their booming careers and find solace in one another amid tough times -- like when the devastating California wildfires burned down their home in the fall.

"Miley adores his sense of loyalty, adventure and independence," a friend said. "Her career is thriving and so is Liam's. And now her best friend is also her husband. There's no better way to start the year."

Cyrus recently released "Nothing Breaks Like A Heart" with Mark Ronson, while Hemsworth is set to co-star in "Isn't It Romantic" alongside Rebel Wilson later this year.