Chapter One

How We Met

A true ANU love story. Nicola and Jacob met in their first year of university in 2017 through Griffin Hall - the university's non-residential college. Jacob threw himself into every sports event; Nicola just liked to attend and watch… the sport.

A mutual friend introduced them at a first-year bar night. One night at a social event, Nicola couldn't find Jacob and assumed he'd gone home - until she found him sitting in a planter box outside Mooseheads, upset about something he couldn't quite articulate. He asked if she should call his parents. Nicola called Jacob's dad, waited with him until he arrived, and made a great first impression saying hello.

Chapter Two

Making It Official

On 24 August 2017 - a Thursday, aka student night - they had a romantic first date at Grease Monkey. Jacob paid for dinner, though they later found out his card was never actually charged: a free first date. Afterwards, they picked up a six-pack of blackberry ciders and sat at the Hamlet, the old food truck yard on Lonsdale Street.

They went out and met up with some of Nicola's friends - one of whom told Jacob that if he bought her a drink, she'd leave him alone with Nicola. He happily made that deal. Later that night Jacob lost his phone and blamed Nicola, claiming he'd given it to her to look after. She felt bad for a while - but after getting to know Jacob's tendency to lose things, she now maintains her innocence.

A few days later came the fateful "what are we" chat. Nicola was hesitant and didn't give a straight answer, so Jacob texted her later that day: "are we exclusive: yes/no?" She said yes. On 4 September 2017, things became official.

Chapter Three

Popping the Question

Exactly one week after their 8-year anniversary, on 11 September 2025, they were in Porto, Portugal. Jacob said he "had something planned" for that evening but wouldn't say what. Very suspicious.

That afternoon they did a pastel de nata cooking class, finishing around 4pm - Jacob's plan didn't start until 6pm, so they popped into a wine bar for a drink. When it was time to go, an Uber was 25+ minutes away in peak traffic, so they rushed to a bus stop, where the bus was running 30 minutes late. Jacob started to stress. Nicola was more curious than ever - all her guesses had been wrong, and her theory of a river cruise seemed impossible, since surely the boat would leave without them.

Nicola did not expect Jacob to have booked a private cruise for just the two of them. They made it to the dock, were greeted with sparkling wine and a cheese platter, and cruised down the Douro River to the ocean opening and back. Right in front of the Luís Bridge, Jacob proposed 🥺 Nicola started crying immediately - and said yes.

Chapter Four

What's Next

On Friday 12 March 2027, we're getting married! After this big celebration of making the relationship legally official with all our friends and family, we're flying off to soak it all up in… Mexico - the perfect mix of beach time, city, culture, delicious food, and tequila.