NMJ Lovers | Annika and Josh – Natalie Marie Jewellery

NMJ Lovers | Annika and Josh

For this chapter of NMJ Lovers, we step into Annika and Josh’s story. One shaped by years of friendship, quiet consistency, and growing alongside one another through every season of life.

They first met as teenagers at church youth group, crossing paths between neighbouring schools and familiar train rides home. What began as an easy friendship slowly evolved into something more, with shared uni plans, matching timetables, and one brave decision to finally ask the question.

More than ten years later, their relationship is still grounded in the same sense of ease and humour that first brought them together. From slow mornings with coffee and their dog, to choosing wedding bands by the beach in Avalon, their story is one built on deep alignment, enduring friendship, and finding joy in the simple things.

A love story rooted in familiarity, laughter, and the beauty of growing together slowly.

“Even after 10 years together, we continue to appreciate how aligned we are on the things that are important to us.”

Let’s go back to the beginning, how did you meet?

We met at church… We were both in high school and became friends at Friday night youth group. We also went to neighbouring schools so would say hi on our morning or afternoon train trips.

Josh: Towards the end of Year 12, I heard whispers that Annika was thinking about going to UTS for uni. I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go, but suddenly found myself interested in UTS too. A conveniently similar timetable and a few train trips later, eventually I worked up the courage to ask her out.

In what ways do you feel your relationship has changed or grown, and in what ways has it remained the same?

We’re much better at going slow and appreciating the little things now… we genuinely look forward to our morning walks with the dog and a coffee or getting to watch the next episode in whatever TV show we’re into.

In terms of what’s stayed the same - we’d like to think we still don’t take ourselves too seriously, and can laugh ourselves out of almost any situation.

Let’s go back to the beginning, how did you meet?

We met at church… We were both in high school and became friends at Friday night youth group. We also went to neighbouring schools so would say hi on our morning or afternoon train trips.

Josh: Towards the end of Year 12, I heard whispers that Annika was thinking about going to UTS for uni. I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go, but suddenly found myself interested in UTS too. A conveniently similar timetable and a few train trips later, eventually I worked up the courage to ask her out.

In what ways do you feel your relationship has changed or grown, and in what ways has it remained the same?

We’re much better at going slow and appreciating the little things now… we genuinely look forward to our morning walks with the dog and a coffee or getting to watch the next episode in whatever TV show we’re into.

In terms of what’s stayed the same - we’d like to think we still don’t take ourselves too seriously, and can laugh ourselves out of almost any situation.

Annika, what was your reaction when you saw your engagement ring for the first time?

I couldn’t believe how big the diamond was haha… Once I got over that, a mix of happiness, gratefulness and excitement. It was so much prettier than I could have imagined.

Beyond the physical aesthetics, can you delve into the sentimental value your NMJ pieces hold for you? Are there particular moments or memories attached to them that stand out?

The day we picked our wedding bands was a standout - we made the trip to the Avalon showroom and picked out our dream bands (the Gentle Point Ring for Annika and the Chamfered Ring for Josh). It was such a lovely day that we ended up buying some cozzies and towels and having a swim and lunch on the beach afterwards.

Annika, what was your reaction when you saw your engagement ring for the first time?

I couldn’t believe how big the diamond was haha… Once I got over that, a mix of happiness, gratefulness and excitement. It was so much prettier than I could have imagined.

Beyond the physical aesthetics, can you delve into the sentimental value your NMJ pieces hold for you? Are there particular moments or memories attached to them that stand out?

The day we picked our wedding bands was a standout - we made the trip to the Avalon showroom and picked out our dream bands (the Gentle Point Ring for Annika and the Chamfered Ring for Josh). It was such a lovely day that we ended up buying some cozzies and towels and having a swim and lunch on the beach afterwards.

“We just loved having all of our people in one place… I think on the day we both realised how blessed we are. To have a circle of people around us that are all connected, and love each other as much as they love us.”

What is something that has surprised you about marriage – perhaps a misconception proven wrong, or an assumption proven right?

There actually hasn’t been too many surprises… might have something to do with the fact we dated for 7 years though. But even after 10 years together, we continue to appreciate how aligned we are on the things that are important to us.

What is one of your favourite moments from your special day?

It sounds so cliché, but we just loved having all of our people in one place. Both of our parents are friends and share lots of friends, and our sisters are also friends and share lots of our friends. So, I think on the day we both realised how blessed we are to have a circle of people around us that are all connected and love each other as much as they love us.

What is something that has surprised you about marriage – perhaps a misconception proven wrong, or an assumption proven right?

There actually hasn’t been too many surprises… might have something to do with the fact we dated for 7 years though. But even after 10 years together, we continue to appreciate how aligned we are on the things that are important to us.

What is one of your favourite moments from your special day?

It sounds so cliché, but we just loved having all of our people in one place. Both of our parents are friends and share lots of friends, and our sisters are also friends and share lots of our friends. So, I think on the day we both realised how blessed we are to have a circle of people around us that are all connected and love each other as much as they love us.

Wedding Photography - Hayley Rafton @hayleyrafton