We’ve always had a special connection. Even before we were officially ‘us’. Easy company, long chats, so many shared laughs. We bonded over childhood memories of family farms, hours spent by the water, boating and beach days, and the simple joys of being outdoors.

Those early conversations built a strong foundation rooted in understanding, curiosity, and mutual respect.

But life had its own timing. Matt followed his heart back to New Zealand to be with family, and Kirstin threw herself into starting WCI.

Though we were heading in different directions, chasing goals we both deeply cared about, we always stayed in touch, always checking in, always cheering each other on. It was one of those “right person, wrong time” moments.

We’ve always shared a simiar mindset: driven, determined, and a little adventurous. We both had things we needed to do on our own, but somehow we kept circling back to each other. When Matt returned to Perth for a holiday, it was like no time had passed.

From different sides of the world, we stayed close. Distance really did make the heart grow fonder, and as our lives evolved, so did our connection. As fate would have it, an opportunity for Matt to return to Perth emerged. This, combined with the deepening hope for a future with Kirstin, was all he needed. He pursued this new path with all his heart, leaving no space for 'what ifs’.

From there, everything started to fall into place. Beach mornings, weekend getaways, walks with the dogs, impulsive nights out, and relaxed evenings in became our rhythm. Life felt full, balanced, and exciting. We started dreaming together: shared goals, shared plans, a shared life.

Somewhere between moving in, figuring out how to share a wardrobe, weekday wine nights, travelling South America, Matt starting his business, getting our hands dirty in the tool shed, juggling work and play, toying with boat life, keeping the dogs happy, and making last-minute dinner plans at JB’s, it just clicked. Some days are big and busy, others are simple and subdued; this is our life, and we love it.

The proposal happened in a way that felt perfectly us: just a peaceful moment on a beach walk with the dogs. Matt got down on one knee and asked the question that had been in his heart for a long time.

It’s been a wild, wonderful ride and we’re so ready for what’s next. More adventures, more dreaming, more deep chats, and more spontaneous moments.

Our love has grown in the big moments, and even more in the small ones; through every conversation, challenge, and celebration, but especially in the everyday moments. Now, we’re ready to take the next step: to celebrate everything that’s brought us here, and everything that’s still to come.

We can’t wait to share this day with you.