It's not uncommon for engagements to drag on. Less common is the prolonged proposal plan.
In February, Nick Kershaw wrote a love poem about his boyfriend Andrew Strawford which won him the ultimate proposal package, courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery.
The gallery had run a competition to coincide with the launch of its exhibition, Love Stories. However, as has been the case for many great romances - the universe had other plans.
The surprise was scheduled for Bachelor's Day, an Irish tradition which saw women propose to men on February 29.
Unfortunately, the grandiose plan was put on hold when Mr Strawford's nan became unwell.
Then COVID-19 happened. The gallery closed. Romance was not on anyone's radar.
Fast-track six months and Mr Kershaw finally had the chance to surprise Mr Strawford on Saturday by asking him to be his fiancé.
Love prevailed when during the pair's private tour of the gallery, he said yes.
A portrait session, a champagne breakfast and Saturday night in Braddon's Midnight Hotel followed, the gallery fitting the bill to coincide with the launch of its Australian Love Stories Online exhibition.
Dashingly handsome, but dear Mother Theresa, how could I love someone who ate pineapple on pizza?!
Nick Kershaw
THE WINNING PROSE:
On a freezing Canberra night in late July,
At a mutual friend's birthday, he caught my eye.
Dashingly handsome, but dear Mother Theresa,
How could I love someone who ate pineapple on pizza?!
I didn't get his number, that disgrace was a blinder.
Until later that night I heard the buzzing of Grindr.
Five years on, we're ready to settle down.
But ready for the challenge? Here comes the frown.
As two young men in a world of social norms,
Who pops the question, which one conforms?
So here I am, my first attempt writing in prose,
To help me be the one to propose.
Speaking to Mr Kershaw before the proposal he said his partner had not caught on to any plans, which included lunch at Pialligo Estate and a surprise engagement party with friends and family in Kingston.
"He knows absolutely nothing. He thinks we've won a competition for a behind-the-scenes tour of the art gallery. He absolutely is oblivious," Mr Kershaw said.
Despite coronavirus causing him to keep a secret since February, he said if anything the pandemic had brought them closer.
"We've really learnt how to live well together and to understand each other's ups and downs a little better," he said.
"Really, it's made us grow together and become closer."
READ ALSO:
- Morning snow dusts region's peaks as ACT forecast to experience coldest day in four years
- Churches say bill to ban sexual or gender conversion practices is too broad
Despite the gay community being excluded from marriage in Australia until 2017, Mr Kershaw said the system hadn't scorned them.
"I still am amazed that it only happened a few years ago, nonetheless, onward and upwards from here," Mr Kershaw said.
"We're just like any other couple who would like to live a happy life together, get married and raise a family."
The pair hope to get married late next year or 2022 depending on when the borders open.
