We met at university around a decade ago, through some mutual friends. At first, we were just acquaintances, but we quickly became close. Our friendship grew stronger through study sessions, late-night gaming, parties, many debates and DMCs, and, of course, our shared love of food. Whether we were trying new restaurants or cooking together in the kitchen, food became our thing.

Over time, we both realised there was something more than just friendship between us. For a while, we each kept this to ourselves, only suspecting the other felt the same way. One day, after a shopping trip, all it took was 30 seconds of courage for Lou to reach out and hold Eliza’s hand.

From there, the most wonderful adventure began!

Even though we had both talked about getting engaged, we still thought the proposal should be a surprise. With that in mind, Lou worked in secret to design a custom ring, which is a whole 'nother story in itself. Ring acquired, it was time to start scheming and plotting.

We both helped Marcus arrange a surprise birthday party and 30th wedding anniversary for Sue early December 2022. But little did Eliza know, Lou was also working with Ella (Lou’s sister) to arrange celebrating their engagement that same weekend surrounded by family and friends! Due to the many layers of secrets, the weekend became known as the Russian Doll Surprise.

Under the guise of taking pictures for our parents, Ella photographed us down by a secret little beach in Bayswater. After running out the clock with a variety of poses, Lou finally worked out what he was going to say, dropped down onto one knee and pulled out the ring. Eliza just screamed (with joy) and ran away!

She did run back after the shock wore off, exclaiming "how dare you Russian Doll me!". After sharing some lovely words, Eliza said yes, and it was sealed with a big kiss.

While we haven’t been in a rush to get to the wedding, we’ve thoroughly enjoyed celebrating our time as fiancés, living in Wellington and traveling through Japan.

Now, we’ve settled into our own home in Waterloo. Looking back, it’s hard to believe how far we’ve come. We’ve been through so much together, and now we’re ready to make it official—legally, forever!