DECEMBER 2018

We met when Nat was living in London. She was working at Elijah’s local pub and on her second shift dropped a tray of beers. Elijah took the blame for the incident in front of Nat’s supervisor and there was a definite moment. After that, we would joke and chat every time Elijah came in (which became more frequent) until one night, with a little Dutch courage, he asked Nat out.

JANUARY - OCTOBER 2019

After 2 dates we were a couple. Elijah introduced Nat to his friends and his family quickly became Nat’s surrogate London family. For the next 9 months, we spent our days working, studying, partying, exploring London, and traveling around the UK together. With Nat’s Visa due to expire in September, we headed off for 3-weeks in Germany and the Netherlands before having to say a really difficult goodbye.

FEBRUARY 2020 - FEBRUARY 2022

After a brief period of long distance, Elijah flew to Australia to visit Nat unknowingly just in time for the pandemic to hit. We found ourselves locked down in a one-bedroom apartment with Elijah unable to get home. What was supposed to be a month-long visit turned into a 2-year stay. It was a strange time with lots of ups and downs but we cherished being together.

MARCH 2022

Elijah was finally able to fly back to London to reunite with his family and we went back to doing things long distance for a little while. While Elijah was gone, Nat acquired a whole heap of houseplants and adopted our dog Walter to keep her company. Then, in between time differences, FaceTimes, and trying to save as much money as possible, we worked on getting Elijah a visa to come back to Australia to live.

NOVEMBER 2022

Elijah officially moved to Melbourne and after a few years of limbo, and visas, and navigating the pandemic we were finally settled together in Melbourne and life was falling into place. We both started new jobs, we moved to a new apartment in Brunswick and life was mostly back to normal. We enjoyed being boring and settled for a little while.

FEBRUARY 2023

While Nat was away on a girls’ weekend, Elijah set up a surprise proposal in the living room, with flowers, candles, a floor picnic with wine, and their favourite movie ready. When Nat arrived home Elijah was waiting with Walter who had the ring and a sign around his neck. When Nat walked through the door Walter ran towards her and Elijah asked Nat to marry him. Nat, of course, said yes!