Paul - let me preface my response by stating: 1) the fact that YOU like it should be all that matters (unless you're selling the image) -- no need to justify it; and, 2) whether or not I like it shouldn't matter (unless I'm buying the image). 😉
To be honest, it doesn't work for me. IMHO, while the central part of the image (the couple) does work to a certain degree, it is "absrobed" by the busy background. The column behind the woman is distracting, as is the bad bokeh (no flames please) exhibited by the sharp edges betwen the man's and the woman's faces, and that globe to the right.
It just seems like a confusing sea of gray, and my "mind's eye" cannot lock on to something. Busy backgrounds are tough to deal with, which is why people prize fast lenses that exhibit good b*k*h.
Just my $0.02 (which is depreciating with each passing day).