The moment I knew: we were discussing Jane Austen when I told her I wanted to be with her for ever

"In 2018 I moved from Sydney to Oxford to complete my masters. My mum was born in London, and I was raised on my gran's stories about England, so moving to Oxford felt oddly like going home. I was excited to get my degree, visit as many beautiful libraries as possible and play all the sports I could cram into my calendar. Falling in love wasn't on my wishlist, but then I met Miranda. She was terrifying."

"We first met at an AFL Grand Final screening. A 2.30pm ball-drop in Melbourne meant an early start in the UK. I navigated my way to the common room through picture-perfect cobbled alleyways in the pre-dawn darkness. Miranda was energetically welcoming everyone through the door, distributing cups of coffee and bagels loaded with smashed avocado to bleary-eyed Aussies. I remember thinking she had an amazing smile. She's the kind of person who practically vibrates with energy when she's enthusiastic about something."

"I wish I could say that Miranda was immediately struck by my charms but, as Collingwood was playing, her mind was on more important things. Over the next couple of weeks, I found out more about Miranda. She was completing her masters in classical archaeology. She was a rower, the president of the Oxford University Australia and New Zealand Society, and in one of Oxford's best chapel choirs. She seemed to know everyone. She was terrifying."

In 2018 a student moved from Sydney to Oxford to complete a master's, drawn partly by family ties to London and childhood stories. The student aimed to earn a degree, explore libraries and play many sports. An early encounter at an AFL Grand Final screening introduced Miranda, who greeted guests energetically and served coffee and avocado bagels. Miranda smiled and radiated enthusiasm; she participated in rowing, led the Oxford University Australia and New Zealand Society, sang in a chapel choir, and studied classical archaeology. Her social confidence and accomplishments made her intimidating. A pot‑luck and playful roasting over Christmas music began their first direct conversation.

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