We’re getting married!

We both joined the PwC graduate program in 2010, but didn't really become friends until about 2 years in. We began dating just before our last accountancy exam and believe it or not, we got assigned seats next to each other in the exam hall of over 1,000 people... Since then we've had an amazing time getting to know each other and exploring the world. Julia was introduced to Rugby League on a cold night in Wigan and promptly reminded Neil that sometimes you just can't undo first impressions. Neil learnt that there was a lot more to global cuisine than Kentucky Fried Chicken and onion bhajis. Fast forward to today and we can't wait to say "I do!" to the next chapter of our relationship!

Those of you who know Julia well, will understand when I say that in some ways she is the real life version of Sherlock Holmes - very smart and incredibly "observant". So think of my attempt to keep the proposal a secret as equivalent to the mere mortal - Dr Watson - for once attempting to outwit his considerably more talented partner. Under the cover of "urgent projects" at work, I was able to conduct countless hours of research undetected. For once my forgetfulness was an asset, Julia had dropped hints over the years but never thought I was really listening. A secret log was saved in the depths of my iPhone under "favourite beers". After hours of deliberation, and some close calls with extremely well targeted YouTube ads, I had the ring and was still safely under the radar. On to Phase 2. I booked a lodge in the rainforest in Queensland and liaised with them to arrange a romantic spot for the proposal. The booking coincided with our sixth year anniversary but thankfully, I had taken her on surprise trips for previous anniversaries so no suspicions were raised. After some nerve racking moments through airport security, we safely arrived with Julia none the wiser. In true me fashion, I nearly ruined it at the last minute when I almost killed us both on a hike the morning of... but in the end everything went to plan and, most importantly, she said yes :)