Castle of dreams

Jason Dunn and Julia Gammon after getting engaged. (Cas Bukor) 207574_02

By Goya Dmytryshchak

A global pandemic and social distancing rules didn’t stop a man popping the question in a public proposal at Williamstown’s Commonwealth Reserve.

Sunbury’s Julia Gammon and Jason Dunn got engaged on a white jumping castle emblazoned with the words, “Will you marry me Julia?”

Mr Dunn said when he planned the proposal to his partner of just over two years, there was no way he could have forecast the emergence of a coronavirus.

But nothing could get in the way of love.

“I had it set up for a while knowing the long weekend would be the ideal time – not to know that the COVID restrictions would come into play,” Mr Dunn said.

“I decided to push ahead with the proposal anyway and decided on a bike ride from Brimbank Park to Williamstown.

“On Google Maps, it said it would only be an hour ride.

“With the weather not being the best and the trip turning into a longer than expected one – 35 kilometres and closer to an hour and a half – it was hard to convince Julia to go to Williamstown as it was a fair bit more of a ride. Luckily we got there in the end.”

As they approached the castle in the park, Julia’s reluctance turned to joy.

“It was very unexpected for Julia,” Mr Dunn said.

“She was very emotional and taken aback by it all.

“Just glad I could get down on one knee and get the right answer.

“We have been very overwhelmed by all the love and support from our family and friends but also the strangers in the park at the time of the proposal.

“It was very nice to put a smile on peoples faces during an isolated time for many.”