It’s a running joke for people to say they enjoy getting caught in the rain (and don’t forget the pina coladas), but for Khalia Hill and Matthew Monk this is true.
“We got engaged on Christmas Eve, 2012 after a fantastic dinner down the road in Manly and walked home in a thunderstorm and rain without a care in the world,” smiles Khalia, 31, with groom Matthew, 32. The pair bonded over their love of snowboarding and food hang-ups when they first met. “We share a dislike of seafood and coriander which is quite convenient.”
Their seaside wedding on March 29, 2014 in Lavender Bay, NSW, was based around a design idea of blue lights the same colour as Khalia’s engagement ring. “I managed to find [bridesmaid] dresses the same colour which wasn’t easy,” says Khalia. “We wanted a simple wedding with a mix of city and beach,” which they achieved with a church by Sydney Harbour and reception by the beach.”
Eighty five guests joined them at Ripples Whale Beach which was adorned with sweets and plenty of lights. “Hershey’s Kisses were spread across all the tables on which we put stickers with either the date, our name or ‘love is sweet’ that we bought off Etsy,” explains Khalia.
Khalia’s bead-encrusted bridal gown was by Maggie Sottero.
Rain was predicted by lucky for the pair it held out until after the reception.
“The photography was fantastic and really captured the day. We also had a photobooth to capture the shenanigans through the night,” says Khalia.
“We travelled around Europe for five weeks as our honeymoon, which was fantastic but by no means relaxing. We saw eight countries in those five weeks and drove thousands of kilometres,” smiles the bride.
Photos courtesy of Creek Street Photography.